The Rational RefKeeping recordings of referees is sound move
Moves to capture on-pitch conversations could go a stage further
In the aftermath of Chelsea's quashed racism charge against referee Mark Clattenburg, there are noises being sounded out to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Technophobes like Uefa chief Michel Platini will not be pleased, but the general manager of England's professional referees organisation, Mike Riley, said recordings will now be kept of all EPL referees' communication system on a private basis. Any accusation that a referee has used "inappropriate language" can then be examined, if needed.
An added benefit of having referee microphone recordings is that situations such as the John Terry and Anton Ferdinand racism charge last year, which dragged on for an entire season, may now be swiftly dealt with. In that scenario, had referee Chris Foy's communication system been recorded, the verbal jibe between Terry and Ferdinand would have been picked up. Such evidence is preferable to relying on personal testimony and witness statements.
There is yet another benefit in keeping recordings. They will deter players from using abusive language since they will know it may be retrospectively used to sanction them. Compared with the current situation of "player power", sound recordings can help curb their disrespectful behaviour.
Because of this deterrent effect, Rational Ref would like to go one step further with sound in soccer matches. Instead of archiving away the recordings for private use, why not broadcast the pitch-side language to the public? Rugby referees yet again have led the way in the use of this technology. Their conversations with players are openly broadcast which leaves no doubt about a referee's decision, and whether a player shows disrespect and uses inappropriate language.
To outside observers, pitch-side and dugout conversations have always been hugely yet mysteriously fascinating. Beyond the basic lip-synching of F- and C-words by professional players that are broadcast live every weekend, it would be interesting to hear what coaches and players are actually saying.
Apparently, Wayne Rooney uses an expletive every other word. If only the public could hear exactly what professional players and coaches shout at one another and at officials during matches. There would be two immediately obvious benefits. First, the public would be horrified knowing the use of swear words among clubs. Second, clubs would force their employees to clean up their image since they rely on being family-friendly and wholesome organisations for its supporters, rather than being seen to support loutish, uncouth and anti-social behaviour.