Referees development continues

Two future rising referee stars Benjamin Orwell from Carins and Roland Jones-Whitten from Merimbula recently completed a successful tour further developing their officiating skills in a trip to Sydney. 

The pair were welcomed and supported by Canterbury District Referees Association’s Lachlan Abboud who also sits on the Football NSW Referees Development Panel.

It was a memorable trip for the two whistle blowers as both used this trip in enhancing their officiating skills.

Both were in Sydney for different reasons but they jumped at the opportunity in officiating in the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 youth competition.

Orwell, currently on a referee exchange program with the Macarthur District Referees Association, officiated the round 16 IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Grade 12 clash between the Bonnyrigg White Eagles and South Coast Wolves while Whitten made the trip to Yerrinbool Oval in Orange for the Grade 13 Boys State Titles.

Football NSW Referees Manager Kris Griffiths-Jones expressed the importance programs such as this played on the continual development of this country’s future referees.
“Its programs such as these that continue on with the successful development of our future crop of officials in this country.
“From what I have seen thus far, Roland is a talented match official and he is proof that no matter where you come from in NSW, Football NSW want to educate, encourage and support your development as a referee.
“He was identified last year and in the past 12 months has worked hard in improving his skills and I know the trip to Orange would only further benefit his growth and development as a future referee.”

Griffiths-Jones also praised the MDFRA for their efforts in welcoming Orwell from Cairns. 
“It is fantastic to see our local branches working together with other branches from across the country in broadening the refereeing community.
“Well done to Benjamin who has also improved and continues to hone his impressive officiating skills at this level.”

-By Mark Stavroulakis