I have seen a lot of criticism of refereeing in the playoffs. I think some of the responsibility also rests on the referee assignors. It is my personal opinion that the pool of referees needs to be cut down for each round of the playoffs.
For instance, if the Charleston area has 100 elegible referees, then that pool should be cut to 75 for the first round of the playoffs. Then to 50 and so on.... also, I think that referees and linesman should get a small bonus for each round of the playoffs that they ref in.
My thinking is this.... referees are selected to be in the playoff pool based on regular season performance. However, since refereeing is one of the most thankless jobs, the incentive would be higher pay. So, after the regular season, you cut the field. Then after the first round, you cut a few more.... it is a lot like what we as coaches do-- a playoff roster.
I would also be in favor of having a 4th referee in the Upper and Lower State Finals and the State Champinoship game. I would also be in favor of a "Referee of the Year" Award for each assignor's area and a "State Referee of the Year" both with a cash bonus to accompany the recognition.
Crappy referees should have some reason to improve their refereeing. Perhaps the honor of being in the playoff pool and the chance at the "Referee of the Year" award would convince some of them. There will always be some who think they are perfect and do not think they need to improve. However, the stigma they would develop in the refereeing community of NEVER being on the Playoff Roster would provide enough incentive to either make them improve enough or force them out.
