Abuse of Referees by Coaches, in the media

The past week has again highlighted the imbalance confronting the ACTRRA's referees in relation to comments made within the media.

For the second time this year, a losing First Grade coach has taken advantage of media outlets and "played the man, rather than the ball", by attacking the skills and integrity of an ACTRRA referee. Two of our 'A Panel' members have been forced to endure scurrilous and unsubstantiated comments given willingly by coaches, to media outlets.

It is the position of the ACTRRA Executive that our members will not respond to such intemperate displays. The ACTRRA Executive does, however, make it clear that the association supports without reservation, the performances of both referees involved in these incidents.

Additionally, it wishes to highlight that in no way will match appointments, or changes to match appointments, be driven by such media outbursts.

Furthermore, the ACTRRA Executive is working behind the scenes to ensure repeats of such incidents are avoided in the future.

From: The ACTRRA Executive.