Most involved in "The Game" are aware there is a general shortage of Referees, particularly for Sunday games.
The situation is unfortunately not helped by the attitude of some Coaches, Spectators, and Players. Sorry if I am preaching to the converted, but please consider this when a Society Ref is next unavailable or cries off on your Team :~
Would you give up your time, on a Sunday, to be treated to the hail of abuse, questioning of decisions, and basic 'bad attitude' we have all witnessed at one time or another coming in the Referee's direction ?
Would you ?? NO...
So why should our Referees ?
Please consider the Ref.
Give thought to the way they are treated - by You, by Your Team, and by Your Speccy's.
At the end of the day, they are the Chaps in the middle, who have turned up with a whistle, and who facilitate our games - and they're only human.
Some of them are still learning their craft.
Make them feel welcome - or without them there will be no Rugby !!
If the cap fits - change it !
Better still - encourage your Colleagues, Club Mates, and other (past it) Players at your Club to consider 'taking up the whistle'.
Who knows they might be just prime for it, they may even be good at it, and they'll certainly enjoy it.
The Colts League is activelly recruiting Referees to the CLRA Referees Association to officiate at Colts League games.
We will shortly be anouncing the details of two ELRA Referee Courses, to be held locally, specifically for Colts League Referees. Please consider whom you could persuade to attend one of these courses (to be paid for by the Colts League), and put their names forward to me.
Regards in Rugby,
Jon Kitchen.
League Secretary.
league.secretary@colts-rugby.org.uk