CBRA - 2008 Annual Report

DIRECTOR OF REFEREES’ REPORT Mr. John McCormack It is with pleasure that I submit the Director of Referees report to the members for season 2008. The season kicked off with the active referees seminar held at Canterbury Leagues Club in February. This year we decided to not include any physical activities due to injury concerns and to condense the agenda down to half a day. These decisions did not help to improve attendances, which were poor, and for many younger members it would have been a great opportunity to “switch on” again to rugby league refereeing for another year. We will review the situation again in the new year and try to find a formula that will suit more people.

Chris Bettiol did not reapply for the role of Assistant Director of Referees and hence applicants were sought. Fortunately George Elias accepted the role. Kim, George and I set about our task of evaluating and appointing referees throughout the season. Our weekly Monday evening meetings were split evenly between Kim’s home and using teleconferencing facilities. This process has helped significantly and has allowed us to manage the number of nights per week out of home and away from the family.

One of our stated goals each year is to increase the number of times a referee is evaluated throughout the season. A few years ago a referee could run all season and be evaluated only two or three times. In 2008 each referee who ran each weekend was seen an average of between 20% and 60% of the regular season games. This is a huge improvement and my sincere thanks go to all the appointment board members who assisted throughout the season to achieve this result. A special mention should go to Paul Archer, Wayne Loveday, George Elias and Kim Archer who could be seen at grounds most weekends on a Saturday or Sunday rain or shine.

The challenge each and every year is to improve the refereeing performances in all grades of football. Support from Head Body and every part of our association plays a part in this process – the Executive, the coaches, the Director and Assistant Directors of Referees, the appointments board and our elder statesmen, but a significant responsibility also rests with the individual members who need to seek out guidance from those mentioned above and to practice and learn their craft. Matt Hewitt, our retired first grade referee offered his services this season and very few members sought him out. The insight and knowledge he offers is invaluable to any referee. To be successful the referee must seek out and learn from these 19