The boots are hung up, shirts folded and put in drawers, and for a fortunate few trophies are proudly placed on shelves. Why? Because in the blink of an eye this years rugby season has ended. But before our thoughts turn to summer and other pursuits it would be good to reflect on what really is in a season.
It can be easy to take things for granted. Especially when things have always been there year after year, just quietly providing an invaluable first class service are Referees from the Canterbury Rugby Referees Association (CRRA). Since 1894 this group of volunteers has trained and organised top class Referees. So when we turn up at a paddock to play or to watch our kids or mates play in the local team, there is always someone in the middle taking control and keeping things in order. Blacks have been proud to have been part of this community supporting the referees and the game we all know and love.
None of this happens by chance, a tremendous amount of work goes in behind the scenes as well as on the paddock, and the shear scale of the task will surprise you. These details provided by Alan Stead from the CRRA truly highlight what really is in a season.
The number of referees taking part plus support people
In our Club we have approx. 250 members covering the games from Southbridge through to Kaikoura most weekends. That 250 members covers roles from Active Referees (175 approx.), to Coaches (50 approx), to 4th Officials and other members that are Active Reserves (approx.25). So, behind the scenes not only are the Referees that you see on the field, there is also a full support group that follow the Referees to help them to become better at what they love doing.
The number of individual games each week
During the Club season itself we cover approx. 125 games across the 3 Regions with some Referees being involved in their own fixture then backing up when asked to Assistant Referee for a Senior or 1st 15 game. We also cover games during the week as there are competitions Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights after school.
The number of hours spent
It would be easy for a Referee to be involved in refereeing to spend anywhere up to 20 hrs each week if you consider Regional Training nights, fitness training, and games. If you are involved in games in either Ellesmere or North Canterbury, you could easily travel an hour just to get to your game. It’s like most things, team supporters only see the Referee for that 60 mins or 80 mins of the game but don’t realise the effort and time it takes to get to that point.
The number of teams and players
In Canterbury there are 48 clubs with approximately 15,000 registered players. These facts and figures are staggering to say the least, but when you consider that these men and women are volunteers it takes our appreciation to a whole new level. Peter Nelson the Chairman of the CRRA stated that “It’s the love of the game and the desire to be involved that drives them on. Currently we have 15 year old Ref’s to 80 year old Side Line Managers having an active in part in the game.”
Speaking about our sponsorship of the CRRA Allan said that - Blacks have been hugely supportive of us and what we’re working to achieve. This year, each Referee received their own metal drink bottle and a large flag. We also distributed water bottles to Clubs and Teams to help promote the “Let’s All Support the Ref” message displayed on the flags.
To add some fun, we’ve set up our own chat forums, and the three Regions have been running an unofficial competition to see which Region could display the most flags each Saturday. This has really helped lift the visibility and increase the number of flags flying across all three Regions.
While its true that there is a lot of work around dealing with sideline abuse and this year there has been some real unfortunate incidents, the overall support from the true supporters and the Clubs has been very pleasing. It shows that the messaging is getting out there and Blacks needs to be supported in the messaging they are putting out there.
One way that this is being achieved is through the CRRA Premier Referees Trophy. This is a Trophy that is awarded to the Premier Club/Team and the end of each season. Each Club/Premier Team are awarded points by the Referee of the day for experience at the Club, Captains, Managers attitudes and approach, supporters attitudes and overall experience at the Club post-game. Last year’s winner was Belfast while this year’s winner was Linwood. This is a great way to reward the excellent behaviour of the clubs and their members.
Canterbury Rugby attracts a diverse demographic of supporters, and it supports a broad range of participants, from young children in Rippa Rugby programs to senior players and volunteers. Rugby has always been a part of our culture, our DNA, and we would be lost without it.
What can’t be ignored is Canterbury Rugby’s close association with trade and industry. Whether it is direct participation, sponsorship or even hospitality from grass roots level right through to the professional game, its presence is felt.
Blacks are proud to be an ongoing part of that long tradition, to support a game that is loved by all and helps bring our communities together.
