GAC may make example of Cody

Gaelic Games: Kilkenny manager Brian Cody is expected to feel some of the brunt of the GAA's growing dissatisfaction with criticism of referees and other match officials, writes Ian O'Riordanreports

Cody appeared before the Games Administration Committee (GAC) yesterday to answer charges of verbally abusing a linesman during Kilkenny's hurling qualifier against Galway last Sunday week, as reported by the match referee, Diarmuid Kirwan of Cork.

The outcome of that case will be announced today, and Cody could be facing an eight-week suspension if deemed in breach of Rule 138 (3) (i), which refers to the abuse of match officials. Unlike a match ban, the suspension would restrict Cody to the stand on match day, and also prohibit him from entering the team dressing-room.

Cody was seen to interact with the linesman during the first half of Kilkenny's victory in Thurles, and also had several words with Kirwan at half-time.

Earlier yesterday, in a rarely seen move, a statement was jointly issued by Central Council and Management Committee in response to the recent spate of criticism surrounding referees.

It highlighted that the "recent unprecedented level of criticism of referees and other match officials by county officers, team managers and by others" requires that all levels of the association display a greater need to defend and protect referees.

"All disciplinary committees are being called upon," it added, "to take stern and swift action against those who abuse referees by words or gestures before, during or after games.

"All officers have a particular responsibility to measure their comments/statements after games, since they have a duty to protect the referees and uphold the disciplinary structures in their own counties. And where county officers or team managers want to express an opinion about a referee, they should contact the provincial referees administrator."

In addition, the following procedures were laid down: no official of a team, or a person associated with a team in any way, may contact a referee after a game seeking clarification of the referee's report. Any attempt to contact a referee shall be considered as intimidation of the official. No referee or his family shall be approached at his home or place of work with regard to the events of a game.

"In all cases, the same procedures would apply with regard to all of the other match officials. Breaches of the new guidelines would be dealt with by all committees in accordance with rule."

It was also stated Central Council upheld a decision with regard to the use of radio as a means of communication between match officials, and agreed it was acceptable for a linesman to use radio communication to bring unnoticed incidents to the attention of the referee. Central Council also ruled a referee does not need to approach another match official in order for a consultation to take place.

This follows the letter submitted by Westmeath secretary Paddy Collins, which queried the use of such ear-pieces in relation to the Rory O'Connell suspension. Collins yesterday highlighted the fact he only questioned the ear-pieces as the "exclusive" source of information between match officials.