The ELSA Referees
by ELSA NEWS
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In 2006 it became painfully obvious that the standard of the players and football being played was far higher than the refereeing standard set by the teachers and co-ordinators of ELSA. That’s not to say that we were doing a dreadful job of adjudicating games (after all, some of us had professional refereeing certificates), it was simply a case of doing the standard of the game justice. There were also questions regarding the fact that the teachers were not only refereeing the match but also coaching their teams and organizing substitutions at the same time; a hard ask for anyone. It was therefore decided to approach the Eastern Suburbs Referees Association to provide the refs needed for each Friday throughout the winter season.

Of the numerous referees that were sent that year one was Robert Sypher. Rob quickly became a favourite among the teams as he not only applied the rules fairly as laid down in the rule book but showed an understanding for the limitations and rationale of the competition, which he promoted to the other referees.

In ’07 Rob returned to head the refereeing team, which now comprised of referees quite familiar with the ELSA Friday afternoon league. Players and coaches who returned for the next season knew Rob and got to know the other refs turning up week after week. Subsequently, the competition acquired more of a friendly ‘vibe’ rather than matches played with unknown referees.

Nathan Tipping joined the refereeing team in ’08 and, along with Rob provided further professional stability and understanding between the refs and ELSA. Paul Matthews showed up midway through the season and became a regular part of the ELSA refereeing crew. At the 2008 Presentation Night, Rob Sypher won the inaugural award for ‘Referee of the Season.’

This year (2009) saw the return of Rob Sypher, but also Nathan Tipping and Paul Matthews. Paul has now taken over the administration of the Eastern Suburbs Referees Association and is responsible for supplying ELSA with its refs for Friday afternoons. Along with Paul, Rob and Nathan, newcomers Mark Davies and Geraint Roberts are keeping our games flowing and free of problems owing to their professional application of the rules of the game. We are not just grateful for their efforts on the field but thankful for their understanding of ELSA and its wish to provide a well-organised, football competition of a high standard for its students.