PRESIDENT’S FORWARD Mr. Paul Archer
Season 2008 marks a grand occasion for Rugby League – the ‘Centenary Year’, a year full of celebrations of this great game. Although this Association’s own centenary is still over a decade away we will celebrate this year’s milestone with an Association function scheduled for Friday 7 March 2008. The ‘Canterbury Referees’ Cocktail Party shall be held at the League Club and all members, their partners and invited guests should join us for the celebrations. But before we get carried away with 2008 let us recall the achievements of season 2007. Prior to a whistle being blown we lost 3 of our most senior district referees. Jimmy Oliveira was graded at the conclusion of the 2006 season with Adam Gee being elevated to the graded ranks in early 2007 and Hilton Wood decided to take a break from the whistle. Most Associations would have been devastated by the loss of such senior and experienced referees. However, in true Canterbury fashion the active members accepted the challenge and we were able to provide quality officials during the season. Congratulations to Brad Zarb who received the ‘ClubbJohnson’ trophy after controlling the ‘A’ grade grand final. Also, Mark Zada was selected by the Director of Referees and his assistants to receive the ‘Farrelly-Dick’ trophy as the most improved district referee. Of behalf of the Association I offer these members our congratulations on achieving these milestones. My friend and dedicated Life Member, Peter Longhurst was recognised by the Committee for his continuing outstanding contribution to the Association by being the recipient of the ‘Leo Randle’ Award for 2008. I should also take this opportunity of congratulating Adam Gee on his promotion to grade and we look forward to more achievements in Adam’s refereeing career. Season 2007 was non controversial on the district scene, perhaps due to the fact that we had a season interrupted by several weekends of wet weather. All this in the worst drought in Australia’s record! Our members performed well and we were well represented in the Interdistrict Rep Panel with Chris Cafarelli, Shane Merry and Hussain Iskander all having opportunities to show their wares. Our graded members performed well and I trust their hard work and ability will receive the proper recognition in 2008. I would also like to congratulate Scott Butler on being the 2007 recipient of the Junior League Referees’ Appreciation Award. Well done.
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