Referees recognise major milestones heading into the new season

The Canterbury Rugby Referees Association (CRRA) is taking the time to recognise a number of important milestones this season.

In order to recognise the extensive time and effort the volunteers have put in over the years, the Association is presenting three physical service awards to it’s members, with Blazers presented to those that have refereed 50 or more Premier/Division 1 games, Merino Jerseys for those who have completed 25 years service as a Referee and Polos to those with 10 years service.

The presentations started last week, with the Blazers presented by Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail, President Brendon Hill and CRRA President Dave Pulley to those eligible at Fiddlesticks in Central Christchurch, with embrodiery underneath the emblem recognising the 50, 100 and even the 150 game milestones.

“The CRRA has previously acknowledged refereeing milestones in relation to Premier games in a number of ways, however, the Management Committee made the decision that presentation of a CRRA blazer will be made on completing 50 premier games for the CRRA.” said CRRA Chairman Dave Roberts.

“We feel this brings us in line with both Clubs and a number of other Referee Associations around the country in marking a significant contribution to our Association and to Rugby.”

11 of the 17 Referees eligible received their Blazers last week, with the remaining recepitents set to get their Blazers alongside those that have earnt significant service milestones, with the 25 year Merinos and 10 year Polos.

“As an Association we are continually looking at ways to engage with both our members and the wider Rugby community and believe that the acknowledgement of our referees and their presence in the community, in clubs and at other significant events displaying both their service to the CRRA and to rugby, can only positively impact on the role and perception of our referees and the value we add to the game and we are confident that our members will proudly wear the acknowledgments of the service they have, and continue to give to the CRRA and to Rugby in Canterbury” Roberts said.

The Referees Association is always on the look out for more volunteers, with match officials integral to the running of the community game. Find out more about becoming a referee here.