The Premier League’s main UK broadcasters have held talks over a new documentary on the lives of top-flight referees.
A new documentary on the life of Premier League referees could be in the pipeline, as the main UK broadcasters, Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime, have reportedly discussed the prospect. An independent production company is said to have pitched the program to the three domestic rights holders. However, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) has yet to sign off on the project.
Howard Webb, the PGMOL’s first chief refereeing officer, has been working towards making the body more open and may be receptive to the idea of the documentary. Webb recently collaborated with Michael Owen in the newly launched Match Officials Mic’d Up program, where he explains controversial VAR and refereeing decisions using audio from in-game conversations between officials.
Humanizing Referees
The premise of the documentary pitch is to humanize referees and provide football fans with a better understanding of how officials carry out their duties and the pressures they face. The producers aim to film referee training sessions as well as pre and post-game meetings to give viewers an inside look at the world of referees.
The documentary would shed light on the challenges referees face and the scrutiny they endure. Officiating a Premier League match is no easy task, and one mistake can lead to severe criticism. The producers believe that showcasing the human side of referees could help people see a different perspective and appreciate the difficulties they encounter.
Approval Needed
While the broadcasters and production company are interested in creating the documentary, approval from both the PGMOL and the Premier League is required. The producers hope to include unseen footage from games, which would necessitate permission from the league.
A source close to the referees expressed enthusiasm for the documentary, stating, “It’s a great idea. It would show a different side to them. How hard it is. The pressure they’re under. To officiate a Premier League is not easy. One error and you’re vilified. So something such as this might help people see a different side to officials.”
By providing an in-depth look at the lives of Premier League referees, the documentary aims to dispel misconceptions and highlight the dedication and professionalism of these officials. It would showcase the rigorous training and preparation required to officiate at the highest level of English football.
Increasing Transparency
Howard Webb’s efforts to make the PGMOL more transparent have already been evident through initiatives like Match Officials Mic’d Up. This program allows fans to hear the conversations between officials during matches, providing insight into their decision-making process and the challenges they face on the field.
The proposed documentary would build on this transparency by offering a comprehensive view of the referee’s role, both on and off the pitch. It would give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process, the communication between officials, and the strategies employed to ensure fair play.
Enhancing Fan Engagement
The documentary could also serve as a tool to enhance fan engagement and education. By providing a deeper understanding of the intricacies of refereeing, it could help fans appreciate the difficult decisions officials have to make in real-time. This increased understanding may lead to more informed discussions and less hostility towards referees.
Additionally, the documentary could inspire aspiring referees and shed light on the career paths available in officiating. By showcasing the dedication and challenges faced by Premier League referees, it may encourage more individuals to pursue a career in refereeing and contribute to the development of future match officials.
Conclusion
The potential documentary on the lives of Premier League referees has generated interest among the main UK broadcasters. The program aims to humanize referees, provide a better understanding of their role, and showcase the challenges they face. With the support of the PGMOL and the Premier League, this documentary could offer fans a unique perspective and contribute to a more positive and informed discourse surrounding refereeing in football.