Plight of the referee

Waimarino Bulletin, Issue 5, 19 August 1988, Page 28

Plight of the referee

I appeal to the Northern Wanganui population to give some thought to the plight of the Rugby Referees. There are at least eight rugby clubs in our area with at least 20 teams without the two Colleges - a total of say 26 teams. Some weeks we have at most 18 games from Taihape in the south to Raetihi in the north. We have an active band of 12 referees when everyone is available so you can see there is quite a discrepancy, so therefore some have to do two games on a lot of occasions. I know myself I have refereed in Raetihi, jumped in my car, raced to Waiouru just in time to do my next appointment. As refereeing is completely voluntary and we pay our own way we think that more support from rugby enthusiasts

rnstead of abuse would be more realistic. Do you realise that we pay a subscription to give up our time, go to various fixtures and get all the "compliments" from the very knowledgeable people on the sideline? I appeal to the rugby clubs to do something constructive regarding the situation. If it wasn't for the army and police force, T aihape Pirates and Raetihi, we would be extinct. How long, Ohakune, Huia and Utiku Old Boys since you have produced a referee? We all know you have had your good years and your bad years so how about putting something back into the game. I would like to thank all players and officials for their help and un- %

derstanding during the past season, it has been a pleasure to be involved with you all. A special thank you to the younger players who have taken the referees' decisions pleasantly and played good constructive rugby. However, on the other side of the coin, some supporters have shown

a total lack of discipline and their abuse of referees and players have been quite unreal. I suggest that some of them should buy a whistle and a rule book and help instead of hindering. It is a serious matter and I sincerely hope some of you will make yourselves available for next vear.

B J

Chambers

President, Northern Wanganui Rugby Referees Association'