One of the issues that has been raised is that there appears to be a lack of understanding of the game by referees. There are very few ex players who take up the whistle after retiring as they tend to revert to coaches and follow their sons and daughters at a junior level. I think the majority of current Nelson referees are ex players but have left it too late too take up the whistle. The size of the waist or the colour of the hair (grey) is an indication of age. But we do it for our own enjoyment and also to help the game progress.
Luis Garcia asked if refs get paid. I think they all do get paid it is a matter of how much. I understand the clubs have to pay $120 for officials at Mainland games which equates to $40 per person or $30 if a fourth official is provided. In Nelson referees receive payment that equates to petrol money and a beer - about $25 per game.
One of the issues that has been raised is that there appears to be a lack of understanding of the game by referees. There are very few ex players who take up the whistle after retiring as they tend to revert to coaches and follow their sons and daughters at a junior level. I think the majority of current Nelson referees are ex players but have left it too late too take up the whistle. The size of the waist or the colour of the hair (grey) is an indication of age. But we do it for our own enjoyment and also to help the game progress.