Hi Guys,

As a new referee in Victoria I have found it very difficult to integrate into the local branch. From sitting the course, there is very little help or information given to new referees to help them find their way into the local branch and begin refereeing.

A new referee, in most cases, does not know much about the regular practices and procedures of the local branch they are joining and it can be very difficult to know where to go and what to do. For the most part I have had no idea what step I was to take next, how to get affiliated, how to join a local branch, how to get appointed to games, where training is (aside from the vague venue). I still don't know what the next step is.

I clasify myself as highly motivated for a rookie (having been a referee elsewhere 7 years ago) and my great concern would be that anyone who was not quite as keen would very quickly slip between the cracks and we lose a new referee before they even start. 

Case in point, I would not have the faintest idea how to contact anyone in my local branch. There are no contact details given, and I do not even know the names of the people who run my local branch. There are no details for the branch available online.

Can someone please help me (and the other new referees in my region)?

Andrew

Andrew,

I'm pretty sure you're in the eastern region?

Contact details can be found here:

http://easternregionreferees.net/

I suggest you email or give a call to Alf Noutzo who should be able to help you out.

Ahh... now that would have been a handy web address to have a couple of weeks ago!!!

Hi Walko

Firstly - welcome to sunny Victoria!! Having made the move south 18 years ago I haven’t looked back.

I found myself starting back into refereeing again after a lengthy break in new surroundings only 12 months ago and it certainly can be a bit tough finding you way around initially.

There are some great blokes and some really good help to be found throughout the refereeing community here in Melbourne and you have landed on the money by finding this site. The bloke who owns, Hary,  it is always ready to help all referees (which is why he started it in the first place) but he takes special interest in helping out the younger or newer referees and talking from my own experience, has helped me tremendously. And it’s not just with supplies, but info, support, procedures and just general good advice. Having been involved for many years if doesn’t have the answer (which I never had happen yet) he will defiantly know where to find it or who else will know. He knows blokes from all the different branches and can certainly steer you in the right direction. Hope this helps.

Andrew,

Your other best place of information would be the FFV directly.  Contact Ian or Chris and they'd be happy to point you in the right direction.  If you are in the Eastern region, feel free to email me as I'm a member and could fill in any blanks.

Hey Andrew,Billy, and Ruralref,

Great advice offered Andrew welcome to Melbourne. How are those new Acsics going

Hary

LOL! The new Asics are great. Very comfy to run in!

I think my biggest concern is that there are other new referees out there who have no idea what is going on. I have connected in a bit through training and this site but I'm sure there are other people who would slip through the cracks.

Thanks for the help guys! I emailed Alf this morning!

Andrew

I got a letter today with a whole pile of paperwork in it but little explaination of what I had to do with it. I figured it out (I think) after a while and so now I have a pile of stuff to send to the FFV but I have still not heard from the Eastern branch.

Walko at 08:11AM on Apr 15, 2009

I got a letter today with a whole pile of paperwork in it but little explaination of what I had to do with it. I figured it out (I think) after a while and so now I have a pile of stuff to send to the FFV but I have still not heard from the Eastern branch.

Alf Drop me a line and I'll put you in touch with Walko.

hey guys, first post.\

Walko i'm Alfs son. i

ll tell him to get in contact as soon as he's home

Hey Guys,

Had my first line tonight!!!!! Have my first middles on Sunday.

Had a great time on the line of an u/18 super league game. It was a bit of a challenge at first but I soon got into my old groove!

Andrew