Why is there a reluctance to embrace technology?

I WAS astounded to hear Christy Cooney indicating his reluctance and that of the CCCC to use technology during matches.

He said: “I think there is very little wrong with what is going on.”

I doubt if the players of Louth and Kildare would agree with him. Many rules have been experimented with in the course of various national leagues. From the sin bin to the mark plenty has been tried – except the use of video technology. Surely in a time when an iPhone can be used to instruct your sky box at home to record a programme it is time to experiment with technology.

The CCCC is willing to use video technology retrospectively to prosecute but not live to guard against injustices. There have been too many high profile incidents this summer where incorrect decisions could have been avoided with the assistance of a video referee. I agree with Cooney that we don’t want to see our games unduly affected and worst of all slowed down by overuse of technology.

To guard against this I would restrict the use of the technology as follows. I would allow each manager the power to challenge a referee’s decision once in each half. If the manager is right and the referee is wrong I would allow that manger one other ‘call’ in that half. This would mean that there was a tactical element to the challenges. Does the manager use his challenge early in a half as for Benny Coulter’s square ball goal in the semi-final or does he hold his challenge until the bitter end to question something like Joe Sheridan’s late, late goal in the Leinster final? This tactical element would make it exciting rather than boring for supporters. The manager could only challenge a referee’s decision on a limited number of situations such as on red and yellow card incidents, square ball incidents, penalty incidents and for scores. If there is a doubt whether a score is wide or not or whether a ball has crossed the line the technology used so successfully in tennis, hawk eye could be used. This takes all of three seconds to calculate and decide. If the evidence was non conclusive the referees decision would stand. It would take pressure off the referees and avoid incidents such as the attacks on Martin Sludden. It would also guard against injustices to amateur players that have prepared professionally.






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