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Following a meeting with club coaches, a local selector has labelled his own referees as not good enough. In a recent email to senior referees, copied to RugbyWA, the selector was not backward in telling them that they were not all ‘top referees' and never will be. Coaches views were also (politely) labelled as biased due to club allegances A copy of the email is below.
I didn't think what the coaches had to say was far off the mark (so play on!); in fact their mostly accurate understanding reflected the importance of their role as Premier coaches and by enlarge is what our top referees are implementing. Its worth realising as it was acknowledged by the coaches they understandably see the game through club colour glasses. One of the reasons we have variation amongst our referees is because they are all not all top referees and this will always be the case; although we aspire and work towards expanding the pool. The most important outcome was the chance to dialogue. Any robust discussion between our established and emerging referees be it formal or informal and at times with coaches is to be encouraged. Keep up the keen spirit.
The comments were not unexpected following the decision by referee selectors to bring a referee out of retirement to whistle in the 2011 Grand Final. Furhermore, it is rumoured that the selection panel and RWA have also decided to waive the requirement for Premier grade refs to meet fitness benchmarks due to lack of attendance by the annointed ‘top refs.’
Refs who protest are dropped to lower grades……....
And no, I'm not a disgruntled ref. Just a fan lamenting the quality and laughing at their politics!