Rugby refereeing in the Gulf improving, says AGRR chairman

The standard of rugby refereeing in the Arabian Gulf continues to improve, according to the incoming chairman of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Referees (AGRR), Alan Whitcombe as the 2010-11 rugby season got underway last weekend. Speaking following the referees’ annual two-day seminar held in Dubai, Whitcombe said that the preparation and commitment shown by the match officials was second to none and that the AGRR was among the best such associations in the entire Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) region. “We are fortunate to have three IRB-accredited Educators currently active in the Gulf as members of the AGRR, namely Alan Whitcombe, Steve Scott and Matt Oakley. We also have three referees on the ARFU international panels, Scotty Herbert, Alan Whitcombe and James Fitzgerald, and a very enthusiastic and diverse group of men and women who referee matches all over the Arabian Gulf every week,” said Whitcombe. “As the new season gets into full swing, just like the players, the referees have already been working hard. They have been in the gym making sure their fitness levels remain high, they have been in the classroom revising their knowledge of the laws and they have been getting together to discuss various aspects of their job out in the middle. “I believe that with all the processes we have in place, along with the passion and talent of our refs, the standard of officiating in the Gulf will continue to improve. We are already one of the highest in all of Asia,” he said. “At all levels of the game, players, coaches and spectators expect match officials to perform well. Therefore, we acknowledge that whatever the specific match, it must demand our maximum performance and best effort,” he added. This season the AGRR referees will also be showing off new kit that has been manufactured by well-known brand Kukri, which is fast establishing itself as one of the most popular and enduring makers of rugby equipment in the world. Emblazoned across the chests of the whistlers will be long-term sponsor, Power Developments International, a world-class provider of power generation solutions. “Power Developments International is proud to be involved in supporting the Arabian Gulf Rugby Referees,” said Grant Bateman, General Manager of PDI. “We know what goes into becoming a good rugby referee. It involves dedication, hard work, passion and a deep understanding of the game. Those are traits we see in the AGRR’s members and they are also the qualities we at PDI bring to what we do,” said Bateman. The AGRR is looking for new members. If you have a passion for rugby and want the best view of action, contact AGRR honorary secretary Ray Flower on r ay.flower@rocketmail.com for more details.