As a club we fully support the referees, without them we simply have no game, and we see no need for anyone to give them so much abuse. Let's think before we speak.

It's very simple, without the referees our game can't go ahead, I have lost count on the amount of times I have had conversations with people watching games, where I have asked if they would want to be a ref, and the most common response is "not for a gold pig" so why do we insist on hurling abuse their way?

Let's cut it out and support what they do, and make them feel welcome and wanted, we all might just find it easier to get a referee appointment next time. Remember, not one of them get's a call wrong on purpose, they are human and make mistakes just like everyone else in society. Most refs are young people still learning, they only have one pair of eyes and with a fast paced game will miss things, I know in the heat of the moment and in big games it can be frustrating, but let's try and think before we speak; we want them to continue so our great game can keep going ahead.

Overall our club is fantastic with supporting the refs and something we are really proud of, but could we be better? I think so, and really ask you all to think before speaking out, that young person is someone's son / daughter, how would you feel if it was yours? If you think you could do a better job, great, sign up and become a referee, there's a shortage of them and would be welcomed.

#referee #respect #rfl #rugbyleague #juniorreferee #sport #community #respecttheref