SPL Referees Strike It Lucky

Reading the news that this season's SPL may be delayed due to a refereeing strike I was lost for words, which is not good for a football writer. Strike action offends me, and I found it particularly upsetting that this news has only just reached the public despite three months of peace since the end of the last season. What has taken so long? Who decides that strike action is necessary?!

The problem seems to be that SPL Referees believe they are more valuable than they are being priced at. Let's consider the figures. Scottish Referees were receiving £575 per match, and were offered a £25 increase for this season. SPL Referees were demanding £1000 per match. Referees can't work every weekend… apparently. Taking an average number of games from the SFA's nominated FIFA Referees, these men are only working (as a referee) for 29 games a season. That works out as £29000 a year, before you've included work as the 4th Official… and Sponsorship money… and not working for 3 months of the year.

"We are being asked to be professional, even though were amateur" Former SPL Referee Kenny Clark

What's that Kenny? You're amateurs? Well then maybe the pay isn't so bad after all. The average salary (2007) in Scotland was £21419.

Stuart Dougal refereed the SFA Cup Final in 2008, the pinnacle of the SFA year. It was one of only 21 games that Dougal refereed in the year. This may have been due to the time constraints of being a Corporate Recovery Senior Manager for KPMG. I’m sure Mr. Dougal is struggling.

The SPL season is going to go ahead without complication after the referees agreed to take a compromised £800 per match until a review in September.

"We have further agreed to engage in a benchmarking process with appropriate European Leagues. We are confident that we will not only secure but enhance the £800 figure we initially proposed" Stuart Dougal

Astonishing words from the same man that when asked for advice for young referees says "…enjoy a privileged position in a great sport. It can be a thankless task but the rewards, in various forms (travel, friendships, financial and fitness to name but a few) are great"