I wouldn't be able to stick to it .. in the heat of the moment I would revert to habitual language.I accept this is a real off the wall suggestion. But I willl put it here anay way:
Why not ask the players what they would like?
Isn't this is what AG is being criticised for?I wouldn't be able to stick to it .. in the heat of the moment I would revert to habitual language.
It's like for women refs, in the heat of the moment players revert to Sir.
Using an inappropriate term , because it's a hard to shake habit ? PossiblyIsn't this is what AG is being criticised for?
Not everyone is on-board with the idea that it's inappropriate.Using an inappropriate term , because it's a hard to shake habit ? Possibly
At what point do you need to draw the line? What if different players in the same match don't like the term Gentlemen, or "Ladies" and "guys"?Not everyone is on-board with the idea that it's inappropriate.
I believe that this was exactly my point.At what point do you need to draw the line? What if different players in the same match don't like the term Gentlemen, or "Ladies" and "guys"?
I think AG using the term boys has been overblown from a general collective noun for a group of men commonly used in Australia to the inference that he is some sort of whip cracking plantation owner using it as a pejorative based on the colour of the skin of some of the players.
As much as this left leaning person hates the term, seems a bit too woke for me.
I reckon if the players are good with calling me mate, I'm good with them being boys or fellahs.At what point do you need to draw the line? What if different players in the same match don't like the term Gentlemen, or "Ladies" and "guys"?
I think AG using the term boys has been overblown from a general collective noun for a group of men commonly used in Australia to the inference that he is some sort of whip cracking plantation owner using it as a pejorative based on the colour of the skin of some of the players.
As much as this left leaning person hates the term, seems a bit too woke for me.
The female refs I know are quite happy to be addressed as "Sir". It implies equality.
I think that is a US thing ?What does weird me out is that I’ve had several matches where the coach has introduced me to their team as “the Sir”.
Before I picked up the whistle, calling me sir would usually get the response “don’t call me sir, I work for a living“. I can tolerate it now, but in my pre-match I will tell the captains that I’m just as happy to called “ref”.
What does weird me out is that I’ve had several matches where the coach has introduced me to their team as “the Sir”.
"Verbing weirds language" (Calvin and Hobbes https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1993/01/25)I think that is a US thing ?
Context is "a telling off " ?He obviously did not receive the email as he is happy to continue calling international athletes boys
Scotland v Italy game clock 55:19 in wrapping up a telling off to the front row "Understand boys?"
Tone and context?
I believe that this was exactly my point.
”Boys” is acceptable for AG in a way it wouldn’t be for others, as it’s not a habitual term for everyone.
This and Jarrod's point seem relevant here. The origin of the user should be taken into account when considering phraseology. Away from rugby, being referred to as "me duck" by someone from the East Midlands would be perfectly normal but would seem a bit odd if the person saying it was from Essex or Somerset. Personally I use the term "fellas" mostly when I ref which seems to work and, in so far as I've previously thought about it, seems more appropriate than "gents".
Not at all out of the ordinary and, when I was playing and what I hear now on the field, commonplace for officials and amongst team members.sooooo, then.....
taking into account the origin of the ref and the players, the teams being reffed, the elite level of the game, the manner of the game. the context and nature of the conversation.. and everything else that should be taken account of ........ what do you think about the use of the phrase "Understand, boys?" ?