A number of referee clinics have been held this year which has resulted in many learner referees working games on the Saturday competition.  Now it is crunch time for the learners, who are currently being assessed for their `black and white stripes' by senior referees Peter Sales and Victoria Newcombe.

Last Saturday 10 of the beginner referees were awarded their `stripes', while more "L" platers will be assessed this Saturday.

Referee coordinator Sandra Mottram expects all of the 2007 learner referees will be in their stripes by May.  "Our last referee's camp was over Easter, so once these young referees get some experience under their belts, I would expect they will be ready for assessment in the next 4 weeks.  By May I believe all of our `learners' will be in their stripes, which is an amazing result given the number of young referees involved.  Thanks to the parents who have encouraged their children to become referees, I am sure they will enjoy the experience and some of them may have the ability and dedication to go right to the National Championships over the next few years.  Thanks also to our senior referee educators and assessors, Peter Sales, Steve Smith & Victoria Newcombe for their work with this program".