WHAT IS it about some sports administrators that they curl up and shudder at the thoughts of change? Why do they seemingly hide at the echoes of player/spectator clamour? Are they intimidated at what they perceive as hostile repercussions or simply not wish to be dictated to by the public at large?

The two World Cup faux pas were the latest in a string of irritating errors which could have altered results, or at least had a significant bearing on the outcome of matches, if not on the play of the injured.

It would be stretching imagination a trifle too far to suggest that had Lampard's goal been recognised England would have floored the Germans – far from it, the Brits got the lesson of their lives by a team which would have justified Brazilian jerseys, and played with similar Latin flair.

But that is not the point. Similar and other errors in different situations could, and have, reshaped games in favour of those who were possibly heading for the exit. Sure, we expect top-flight sportspeople to be able to ride the rough spots, but that does not conceal the fact that some decisions can have a detrimental effect on players and teams and upset their rhythm, but then in England's case they had none.

These legislators are up there with responsibilities to the development and promotion of their game, but in the case of the global soccer fraternity, and more closer to home the GAA, are decidedly against the general wishes, and in the latter make no mistake, what is 'passed' at congress by too many elderly men and a handful of under-19s (for reason baffles) delegates (who'll do what their elders tell them anyway) does not always represent the general wishes.

But when the world and its family can see a ball over a goal-line, or a try blatantly knocked on over the chalk, or indeed any obvious injustice, then it is time, at the important levels of course, to introduce other dispassionate 'eyes' in the interest of fair play.

All sports have taken gigantic steps over recent decades, many because of commercial consideration (and that not a bad thing either for the sponsorship is the lifeblood) with consequent improvements in facilities, training and gear. So why the reluctance to stifle progress on other fronts?

The GAA, so insistent on introducing cosmetic measures which lend little to the games themselves, have ignored plus points from other sports simply because it might be seen as copying; like rugby's yellow card and the ten in the bin or two referees in upper echelon hurling, a la hockey, basketball, Aussie Rules, US gridiron and many other codes which have come to realise the downside of just two eyes to cover a vast area or, as in the case of hurling the pace of a game no one man can govern.

Rugby went to the ends of the pitch years ago to rid the code of 30 and 6-3 results, and fair play, they radically altered the laws, and it did result in a raft of tries and marvellous entertainment, that is until highly-paid defensive coaches were flown in (most from rugby league) to see that attacking innovation was curtailed.

Fans want to see scores, not tactical negativity as soccer throws up until teams of vastly differing quality meet and even then goals are rare gems of sometimes innovation, often stupidity. That's why the Americans have not opened their minds and pockets to soccer. They drool on their own scoring games of basketball, football and baseball which throw up the flamboyant and the scores.

How generous of that arrogant laddie Sepp Blatter to offer an investigation into goal-line technology after the South African booboos and after shunning the call previously. If that is not a bow to public pressure nothing is.

These lads must surely realise that what they do is not just for 'their' game as if it is watched behind closed doors, but rather for the benefit of the fans without which they could all go home and play ludo as far as commercial recognition is concerned. They, in all codes, should be mindful that it is not their game - they merely held it in rust for the paying fans and should listen to their voices.

To hear that the two SA referees were not considered for the final 16, and certainly he who handled the Brit disaster, was a trifle unfair to at least the last named for he was at the mercy of the blind boyoo on the line who had an unobstructed view of Lampard's shot and at the correct angle to make the obvious decision.

Referees are at the mercy of minor officials who, at least in GAA terms, are very, very reluctant to step out of the shadows in support of referees who are seldom, if ever, in a position to see a 'square' ball, or in the case of the England/Germany referee could not be expected to make a judgement call, any more than the unfortunate who could not see through Monsieur Henry's torso to spot The Hand. No, where were his acolytes who were better positioned to spot the crime?

With all the cash pouring into upper flight sport it is time to spend a few bob on the essentials needed to exercise fair play. Rugby, cricket and tennis have done it and without any entertainment-diminishing repercussions. The GAA toyed with the idea way back when Carlow were denied a vital point against Laois in Portlaoise and when some other team cried foul in Croke Park when the ball was almost too high for myopic umpires to judge and Nicky Brennan was pressed into opening a debate which lasted no length.

They have it also in athletics for both finishes and electronic timing; it's standard in horse and dog racing where human opinion (save for reckless hiding) is not, thankfully, required.

Sport, at the upper levels, has become too important in both the lives of the general population and to the commercial zones to trifle with the vagaries of officials far from the expertise of those they regulate. Players who sweat for most of a year should not be at the beck of officials not up to their degree of professionalism.

There have been very few instances where 'replay' would be required in GAA games, but as in the case of soccer both codes could benefit from revisit to penalty incidents, and soccer in particular where that decision might result in the only score of a match, unlike GAA games where other forms of scoring, and the regularity of, unusually see to the delivery of justice, even though the technology would be very useful in addressing red-card situations.

- Paul Donaghy