Referees Supremo Ben Thaler has issued a directive to coaches of grassroots teams in the build-up to the 2016 summer season.
He says: “The On Field Guidelines have been discussed at length with all the Referees and Assessors at this level and will start from this weekend.
“There are no changes to law (same as the Professional Game for 2016) BUT more the style of officiating and we believe it only right that all Clubs should be informed how Match Officials at this level have been instructed to Referee.
“You will also note that there has been a change in the Management of Match Officials within the NCL/CLS, Fred Lindop has taken on the role with immediate effect as NCL Match Officials Manager. Bob Smithies stays as the Appointments Officer and 3 Coaches have been appointed to the 3 Centres of Excellence that have been created, they being Ian Ollerton, David Asquith and Peter Gilmour respectively.
“Clubs that have any problems with Match Officials should contact Fred directly.”
He continued: “The issue of clubs marking referees has once again reared its head and this is something that the group may look at moving forward, from the outset live Assessors will be present at games where ever possible.
“This is obviously the start of something new within Officiating and by doing this we hope to create a more open and positive working relationship with the League, Clubs and Officials moving forward.”
