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

responsibilities. I trust all active members realise the amount of hours these members set aside each week for the benefit of active members and for the Association in general. To all of those members who offer their services to this Association in Office Bearer positions, I thank you for your continued efforts. It is vital for the welfare of our Association that members are willing to forgo their personnel time for the administration of our organisation and although some members fail to fulfil their obligations as an office bearer this is certainly in the minority.

Life Membership in 2005 saw two worthy members receive their blazers at another highly successful Blue and White Cabaret. Lionel Brown and Kim Archer have joined the ranks of Life Members and it was a first in the ranks of Sydney based Associations that Kim was the first female to reach these heights. Congratulations to both Lionel and Kim.

Our graded members worked hard throughout the season and Vice President David Abood was a member of the NRL squad all year and deserved his appointment to a semi line. Also, Mohammad Fajajo received late season acknowledgement into NRL status. Richard Daizli for the second consecutive year had a Grand Final day appointment to be a 'touchie' in the Premier League final. We were most fortunate during the season for NRL and International referee Russell Smith to be a guest speaker at a general meeting. Russell took up our offer of membership and now is a member of this great Association. Welcome on board. To all our graded members congratulations on a fine year. Hopefully, in the near future our Association shall have more representation in the graded ranks.

On the financial front most members are aware that this Association received a substantial legacy from the estate of former esteemed member Leo Randle. A Finance Sub-Committee was established comprising myself, David Abood, Mario Cafarelli, Ian Butler and Peter Longhurst. A Trust is in the process of being set up and final details shall be provided at the AGM. I wish to place on record my appreciation to all members of this Committee but in particular Ian Butler and Peter Longhurst for their valuable advice. Due to the legacy we have received this Association is in an excellent position and with sound judgement we will be set up for life. Leo would want the current membership to gain from his legacy and that is why not only have we reduced the financial burden on members by a lower administration fee, we provided tracksuits and will continue in 2006 to subsidize both new gear and social functions.

On the sponsorship front 2005 brought to a close an 8 year sleeve sponsorship agreement with ROSSINI'S cafe at Circular Quay. On behalf of all members I wish to thank Carlo La Rosa for his tremendous support he has given and wish him and of course ROSSINI'S the best of good fortune in the years ahead. Our major sponsorship with CANTERBURY LEAGUE CLUB is about to enter into its 10th year and to Kevin Stewart and John Ballesty I thank you for the financial support this sponsorship offers our organisation. As we enter 2006 season we have new

sleeve and short sponsors. We have signed agreements for the next 2 years for our sleeve sponsors to be RONNIE'S ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES and our short sponsor is CLEAN AS A WHISTLE. Both these sponsorships come about from our own members Jeffrey Hassarati and his family and Andrew Taylor. Thank you for the confidence you have shown in our Association. We continue to receive the support of NATIONAL TROTGUIDE for our printing requirements, thanks go to CEO of Harold Park, John Dumesny. The grants from Head Body assist with our training and development of referees and to both Tony Danks and Les Matthews your continued support and guidance is most appreciated. Finally, the District Club had a difficult year, however, with the likes of George Peponis and Malcolm Noad at the helm things will no doubt turn around. In particular I would like to acknowledge one of our Patrons, Peter Winchester. Peter is a Director of both the League and Football Club and is a strong supporter of this Association. He and his wife Julie attended our Blue and White Cabaret and indeed after flying back from NZ late on Saturday night Peter and his son arrived for a very wet Golf Day and in fact played the whole 18. Thanks, Peter.

In conclusion, we had a new Secretary in 2005 in Mario Cafarelli. Mario performed his duties with much distinction and maturity. He handled the pressure of his initial season as one would expect of him. To his wife Anne-Maree thank you for the support you have given to Mario and may you continue in the years ahead to allow Mario to continue to fill this role. Well done "Caf".

Season 2005 started off on a low with an assault on a member in Round 1, but ended on a 'high' when we were able to see our 'future', those new members who performed with distinction during the semi final series. The Association has a tremendous wealth of talent coming on board. I look forward to seeing them achieve great heights in both refereeing and their lives in general. We must foster them, they are the very future of this Association.

To my wife Kim, thanks for your love and support, to all members and friends of this Association thank you for your support. Again, it has been a pleasure for me to be your President in 2005.

See you at the AGM.

PAUL ARCHER PRESIDENT