Jafalete

Contempt. Respect. Controversy. Being a referee invites ALL of it.
Abusive comments from spectators, dissent from players, criticism from coaches and managers. Accolades. Brickbats. Bouquets.

Anyone who has stood on the side of the pool with a whistle has had to, at some stage, combat the powerful demotivating influence of contemptuous behaviour. It isn’t why we stand on the side of the pool, even if we do receive recognition sometimes for our efforts. It is, after all, the athletes’ performance that is of primary importance. So why do it? Why do we put ourselves forward to manage the whole process?

Personally, I believed that improving refereeing standards and conditions led to better game performance and improved entertainment for spectators. I felt that we contributed to excellence and were rewarded financially in a game fee set by the NZCPA, and by the continued presence of our national teams in the top ranks at World Championships. I felt that, indirectly, refereeing had a positive impact on top players. If done properly, it prepared them for overseas conditions and situations.

The NZCPA now cannot afford to fund referees. That’s unfortunate, because while there are now more referees, there is also more pressure to perform. Standards of decision making have improved with a professional focus on performance. Expectations have increased. Refereeing seemed to be valued.

This past weekend I dealt with a range of people in my position as a head referee. I felt that a well managed refereeing and duty bench at a tournament made the games run smoothly. Players got to enjoy the results of their training, rather than rue the imposition of an unexpected external influence. I don’t assume that paying referees ensures this happens, but it certainly rewards a job well done for little personal benefit.

In my opinion, it’s when you’re not doing well that people seem to bother putting the effort in. Now that we have enough referees, people say we can’t be paid because they can’t afford us. Rather than an asset, we’re a liability. Rather than an investment, we’re a cost. When did this happen? Why are referees expendable now? Why is payment not supporting performance?

$500 tournament fees.
6 months training.
$200-$500 travel fees.
Regional Ref: $7 per game.
20 minutes you can’t afford to lose? Priceless.