PRESIDENT’S FORWARD Mr. Paul Archer
The past season commenced full of great expectations following the sad conclusion to season 2004 when a number of our members had been assaulted and this led the Association to press for a zero tolerance policy by the Junior League for misconduct. To the credit of the Junior League Executive a new Code of Conduct was introduced. Unfortunately in Round 1 of our local competition a member was assaulted in a match at Hammondville and this incident received wide coverage in the media for not only the assault but for the record penalty imposed by the district's Judiciary. If we are to encourage people to 'take up the whistle' then we must ensure that they have the protection and support from this Association, the Junior League and District Club. I am very pleased with the support both of the latter bodies have extended to our members when the need has arisen. To that end I offer our Association’s appreciation to Paul Tycehurst and Roger Harborne for their ongoing assistance to members and the fact that the Junior League introduced a Referees' annual appreciation award was a sign of the close bond between our respective organisations. The winner of the award was Reg Marks who was presented with his trophy on Gala Day. On the district front quite an achievement was reached by our number one referee for the year Adam Gee who refereed his second consecutive 'A' grade grand final. Adam, at the tender age of 20 has impressed not only our own members but is making his mark as a member of the Junior Rep panel. Adam is a credit to his family and to this Association. Congratulations on joining a very elite group of members in being appointed to consecutive 'A' grade grand finals and therefore being the recipient of the Clubb-Johnson Trophy. The Farrelly-Dick Trophy is presented to the referee who in the opinion of the Director of Referees and his assistants was the 'big improver' for the season. The winner in 2005 was Greg Fuller, who impressed all with his professional approach to refereeing. The Leo Randle Award is voted by secret ballot by the Committee and former President, Bob Styles was a surprised recipient on Life Members Night. Bob's record with this Association is outstanding and it was a privilege for me to assist Jack Harvey with this presentation. In season 2005 the Appointments Board system was replaced with a Director of Referees with two assistants. The Committee appointed John McCormack, Bob Garwood and Kim Archer to these positions and it must be stated that we as a Committee were pleased with the manner in which these members fulfilled their 3
