Pressure takes many forms
I’ve often discussed the pressures of refereeing Premier League games in my column and the last week or so has seen some rather indifferent refereeing displays and decisions made that I would place squarely at the feet of pressure.
People deal with pressures every day and it manifests itself in all sorts of ways. My daughter started life as a university student last Monday and I'm sure the expectation of performing well has already sowed the seeds of pressure in her mind, not least to say the pressure on dad's bank balance!
Why is it the officials are making mistakes? I don't necessarily think that the number of mistakes have increased dramatically it is just that those made are publicised so much.
I do however feel that the expectation of the public has increased as TV coverage simplifies the game with slow- motion action and the vast variety of viewing angles.
The penalty that was awarded at Old Trafford the other Saturday, displayed all the signs of a referee under immense pressure to get the big decision right.
Big stage, big teams, big players. It is extremely hard to remove yourself from all these factors and if you are not focused or lose a touch of concentration you'll pay the consequences for all the world to see.
Next Wednesday my pub skittles team will play their second game of the winter league. How many of you have played in games of any sort and felt the pressure to perform even in front of a small group of mates?
Well magnify that by a few million and the pressure to put a good performance in is very tangible.
I appreciate we have training and are gradually exposed to the bigger stage but to err is human and I defy any of the so-called experts to get the decisions correct all of the time.
There are situations that I cannot defend when people are wrong in application of law but when a genuine error has occurred, let’s look at the reasons behind it and pressure is certainly one of the ones at the top.
Did I find myself under pressure last weekend? You bet I did. 47,000 Man City fans were incensed that I sent off one of their players in a high-octane match against local rivals Liverpool.
I had one view and one chance and called the decision as I saw it. I was placed under immense pressure for the remaining 30 minutes of play, by the crowd, the players and the management but could not allow myself to dwell on what had happened. I could only focus on the next phase of play.
So when you feel as if the whole pub are watching you throw your dart or your skittle cheese and the pressure is on, remain resolute and focus on the task.
Anyway the pressure on my bank balance eased slightly last week when I won my pub’s Sunday night bingo.
Happy days!
