Refs unregistered

By KEVIN TEME
IT has surfaced that most referees and touch judges had officiated in the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League’s  (PNGNRL) Digicel Cup while not being registered.
In the opening round of the Digicel Cup last week, most of the referees who officiated in the four matches were unregistered and technically not qualified to blow the whistle in those matches.
When queried on this, PNGNRL general manager Hubert Warupi said: “PNGNRL is not responsible for registering the referees or the   linesmen.
“It is the responsibility of each referee to register with their appropriate authority.
“The referees that were selected (to officiate) had expressed confidence at being acknowledged to participate in the Digicel Cup, which has not been so in the past.
“The PNGNRL wants to develop the referees around the country to an acceptable level.”
The PNG Rugby Football League Referees Association (PNGRFLRA)  general secretary Joe Peregua said the only duly registered referee in round one was Ben Kaupa while his two linesmen were not.
There were attempts by the referees to have a meeting with the PNGNRL to solve this issue as well as other outstanding demands but that meeting had not eventuated.
It is believed that the PNG Referees Association, a body that manages the affairs of referees, has expressed concern and said they were considering legal advice if no actions were taken.
Peregua, however, urged referees and linesmen to register themselves at their local associations.
“We asked the PNGNRL to leave all referees matters including its appointment at the Digicel Cup or national zones and inter zone championships with the PNGRFLRA,” Peregua said.
There is a tendency that Digicel Cup referees who are not registered may not be insured as well and this could be a disadvantage for them once trouble hits them during or after game.