PHOTOS:
The members at the meeting
Committee members with Nigel Whitehouse (fourth left)

 

It would do anyone who has baited rugby referees at grounds around our county to attend a monthly meeting of the Pembrokeshire Society of Rugby Union Referees, which are held at Whitland RFC.
 
20 or so intrepid refs attend and are really keen to learn of new laws or initiatives, as well as enjoying the genuine camaraderie of like-minded sports lovers.

Nigel shows the way

In their most recent meeting they were joined by Nigel Whitehouse, the former top referee who officiated at 23 international matches as well countless other top games in an involvement with the oval ball game that spans 40 years.

He was there in his role as Welsh Rugby Union National Match Officials Manager and his brief was to provide an insight into the role of assistant referees (known as touch judges in my day!). It was well prepared, using a ‘power  point’ delivery from his lap top that was clear and precise, carefully presented in bullet points so that even an OAP like me could understand it!
 
Best of all, there was a clear ‘fellow-feeling’ to his knowledge of the first names of a number of the referees there. He was ready to stop at any time to discuss any matter and posed questions that allowed everyone to get involved, even me!
 

Well done Tony

Equally impressive was the way that Tony Pratt, in his role as chairman, welcomed everyone to the meeting and led the business end of it once Nigel Whitehouse had ended his part in the evening. Throw in Ben Cole, who is not only the youngest referee at the meeting but also their earnest Hon Secretary, and Mark James as Hon Treasurer, and it is easy to see how well organised matters are.
 
There were deserved congratulations for Chris Oliver, who has attained Level Three status after just one year in charge of matches, and a nice way to bring a very constructive meeting to an official close, but with referees at all levels able to stay for a chat afterwards and discuss recent games and things that went on there.
 

And finally . . .

 

I even had the luxury of being ferried to the meeting by Keith Bryant, the doyen of local referees, who did such wonderful work in his day, especially with regard to officiating at school matches.
 
It just couldn’t have been better and I shall take the chance to join such a smashing bunch again, sooner rather than later!