Fraser Wishart lauds 'healthy respect' between players and referees

Fraser Wishart, chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association Scotland, believes a mostly "healthy respect" between players and referees could be improved by better communication.

Wishart was encouraged by the reception he received from referees at their annual conference yesterday.He was invited to St Andrews to give a presentation to the officials, in a bid to strengthen relations between his members and referees.

The former Motherwell and Rangers defender returned from Fife happy that the first step towards a better understanding between the two sides had been taken.

"There has been dialogue with John Fleming since he took over as head of referee development at the SFA," Wishart said. "He asked me up to speak to the referees today and I think it was successful.

"Generally there is a healthy respect between the players and referees, the players understand the pressures the officials are under. We just want to improve on that relationship with formal and informal meetings.

"The main focus of the presentation was on the way forward. We are keen for the referees to get out to the clubs and meet the players and talk to them about things like the laws of the game, any new edicts from FIFA and how they will be applied.

"They should explain to the players about mandatory yellow cards and other things that are discretionary.

"It is about more than dialogue though, it is also about both sides listening to what is being said. Today was only the start of the process but I was really pleased with the way the presentation was received."

Meanwhile, the Scottish Football Association has appointed Craig Thomson and Steven McLean as referee recruitment and education managers.

Both category one referees will remain as active officials while job-sharing. They will focus on delivering recruitment, retention and development programmes, developing relations with schools, colleges and universities.

John Fleming, the SFA's head of referee development, said: "Their experience will be a huge asset to the department, the referee fraternity and the SFA.

"As part of the new Scottish FA strategic plan I considered it vitally important that we use the expertise and enthusiasm of two active referees."

"Previously the role of referee development officer was considered the next step for former referees but we need to be more proactive and forward-thinking."