Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) in partnership with Major Partner in Community Football, Newcastle Permanent Building Society (NPBS), will celebrate the annual Newcastle Permanent Referee Recognition Week (RRW) from Monday 20 July until Sunday 26 July.
Newcastle Permanent Referee Recognition Week provides the football community with the opportunity to express their gratitude and appreciation for the hard work of match officials.
Despite having only returned to the pitch for a few weeks in some cases, the week is a reminder that Match Officials are valued members of the football family, respected by players, coaches, volunteers and supporters alike.
Northern NSW Football Head of Football Development Peter Haynes says the week aims to be the pivotal point in highlighting the role of match officials throughout the sport.
“Although players and match officials have forfeited handshakes at the commencement and closure of matches due to social distancing measures, it doesn’t mean we cannot simply take the time to thank those who make the game possible.”
Throughout the week, NNSWF and Newcastle Permanent will share stories of match officials from across the region, to highlight their perspective and unique experience of their role.
Mr Haynes encourages members of the football community to get involved and show their appreciation to our referees.
“Officiating a match is often a thankless task, however without our referees we wouldn’t be able to continue to play our beautiful game,” Haynes said.
“We encourage all our members to show their respect and appreciation towards our referees during the week for their efforts in ensuring a safe and fair playing environment for everyone.”
Newcastle Permanent also supports match officials throughout the season through its monthly Community Recognition Awards Program, where a referee from each of the seven (7) Member Zones is recognised and rewarded for their outstanding contribution.
This continual recognition of the hard work of match officials is a step in the right direction to increasing awareness of the challenging yet rewarding role match officials play in football.
All profiles will be released through the week on NNSWF’s social media, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and on www.northernnswfootball.com.au
Newcastle Permanent Referee Recognition Week Profiles:
Lucy Hungerford – Northern NSW Football
Brad Carlin – Northern NSW Football/Macquarie Football
Rob Stavrevski – Newcastle Football
Olivia Flannery – Football Far North Coast
Zach, Connor and Bailey Butchard – Hunter Valley Football
Matthew Hall – Northern Inland Football
Wayne Welsh – Macquarie Football
Brenda Twomey – Hunter Valley Football
Sean O’Connor – Northern NSW Football/Newcastle Football
Riley Kirkaldy, Jack Fisher, Jake Southward – Northern NSW Football
