High Standard For Northland Referees

Northern Advocate, 21 April 1939, Page 4

High Standard For Northland Referees

Nineteen candidates sat for the theoretical examination of the North Auckland Rugby Referees’ certificate last season and of these 10 were successful in passing it, though only two, Messrs. Harrison (Whangarei) and Julian (Otamatea), completed the course by passing the practical test.

This information was given at the annual meeting of the North Auckland Rugby Referees’ Association on Wednesday night.

“It may be thought that the standard of the test is too high in view of the small number of candidates successful, but we are of the opinion that the standard of our association should be as high as that of any other major association and the tests set, thereforeshould be such that we can justly claim our certificated referees can be of a standard equal to any other New Zealand provincial referee,” the report of the Examination Board stated.

“This is important if we want our referees to be considered by the N.Z. Referees’ Association for appointment to a major game.

Experienced Men Only.

“We consider that only reasonably experienced referees should be eligible to sit for the examination, and we recommend that no referee be permitted to submit himself for the examination for the North Auckland Rugby Referees’ certificate until he has had at least three years’ practical experience in refereeing. “It is the opinion of this committee, that this experience is definitely essential.” The substance of the examination board’s report is to be circulated to-all sub-associations and the recommendations are to be considered at a future general meeting.