Referees protest suspension of David McNamara over Rock Paper Scissors toss
Hundreds of referees risk breaching guidelines after showing support for David McNamara with a Rock Paper Scissors protest. The issue began when McNamara received a three-week suspension for using Rock Paper Scissors instead of a coin for the pre-match toss in a Women’s Super League match.
McNamara forgot his coin in the dressing room and the match was about to start, so he used Rock Paper Scissors to decide the toss. That choice led to his suspension.
Many referees argue the suspension is unfair. They note that other officials have used alternative toss methods in the past, sometimes at player request. They believe McNamara’s decision did not warrant a ban.
Is it against the rules
The Laws of the Game require a pre-match toss to determine which team chooses ends or kickoff. They do not specify that a coin must be used. If the law does not mandate a coin, any fair and random method can serve the purpose. By that reading, McNamara did not break a rule.
Who started the controversy
In the WSL match, captains Kirsty Pearce and Steph Houghton took part in the toss. It is not clear who, if anyone, filed a complaint. The match ended 1-1. Some speculate that a complaint could lead to a rematch, but this has not been confirmed.
McNamara’s colleague stated that time pressure led to the decision and that Rock Paper Scissors is a fair method that prevents cheating when used transparently.
Ongoing response
Officials protesting the decision want the suspension reviewed. They argue that McNamara applied a fair method to complete a required step and kept the match on schedule. They are calling for the ban to be lifted and for McNamara to return to duties as planned. Everyone awaits a final decision from the authorities.