I think we've all openly acknowledge the game needs referee's
It doesn't excuse the fact that there is a lack of integrity within the system, and that this lack of integrity, or perceived injustice (in the case of last weekends matches) should be avoided through proper management of the referee department.
No referee aligned to a club should ever adjudicate a match involving its team. Surely there is enough referee's within the WARL to prevent this from occurring. A stronger marketing campaign to attract referee's might also be useful. Unless individuals in the public seek out the WARL webpage, searching specifically for umpire development (which, from memory, isn't actually a link on the WARL webpage); there's no chance of learning more about it.
The reality is, the developmental structures of rugby league in perth - in both a coaching and referee'ing sense are lackluster.
I recall contacting the WARL over a year ago in relation to going through the coaching structure (Level 1 onwards); only to wait 6 months for a response. They apologised, though, it doesn't change the fact that most people would be disinterested following such a laboured reaction.
I've worked in numerous sporting codes; though primarily within WAFL club administrations - and the sheer focus this code has on publicising its developmental structures in coaching, refereeing, volunteers, and administrators is magnificent. It installs great confidence in those interested, and has VERY readily available information for ALL constituents of the code - be it parents, children, players, or professionals.
It is a serious detrimental aspect of the rugby league code in Perth at the moment.
You may see this as negative - but it isn't - I'm only pointing out the reality of the scenario, and measures which NEED improvement.
