I must admit that I don't think I have been more disappointed than when Michelle Letts, the Saturday Afternoon Session Supervisor, called me on Saturday afternoon (23/2/13) to inform me of a number of thefts of referee's money from the referee's room at Kilsyth. The disappointment comes mostly from the knowledge  our own friends, fellow referees also officiating on the session, most likely committed these thefts.

We all dedicate our time and effort to come down to the stadium, run up and down providing a service to teams playing this great game, enjoy the time with our friends and at the end of the session, collect our pay and head home happy. This is an insult to our trust of our fellow referees and has a negative effect on our camaradarie.  

Unfortunately Kilsyth Basketball has warned all officials not to leave valuables unsecured in the referee's room but on recent visits it has been obvious that referees have ignored this advice, leaving wallets, purses and mobile phones unattended on tables and benches. 

Once again I warn every referee not to bring anything valuable to the stadium when you referee. Referees can leave wallets, purses and phones with the doorkeeper for safekeeping or alternatively, leave them home. Your driver license can be locked in your glove compartment in your car.

It is my strong recommendation that if any more thefts occur from our referee's rooms, that those affected contact police and make a report immediately.

Any person caught stealing in any Kilsyth Association venue will be dealt with by police and obviously deregistered from our referee association and banned from entering association venues.