Auckland’s referees have been celebrated at their annual Awards Night on Saturday. The efforts of all involved, that often go unnoticed, were recognised by their own organisation in what was a  fitting tribute to the men and women who are often underappreciated in the crucial role they play in rugby.

Auckland has 183 active referees in 2017, and between them, they’ve been appointed to and officated more than 4,000 games. This is a tremendous workload covered by a relatively small membership base that continue to selflessly give up their time throughout the year.

Auckland Rugby Referee’s Association Administrator, Cody Neilson, acknowledged the role officials played in the administration of the game.

“It’s an often underappreciated role within rugby, but it’s one that all our member are passionate about fulfilling. Those who are actively refereeing every week geuninely enjoy what they do, and the awards night goes someway to showing them the appreciation they deserve.”

International Seven’s Referee, James Doleman, was the recipient of both the President’s Award for Services to the Association and the Ash Edwards Memorial Supreme Award for outstanding referee in Auckland.

Angus Mabey’s form throughout 2017 was rewarded with the John Pring Shield for Premier Referee of the Year. The consistently high-level of officiating has not gone unnoticed at a national level, with Mabey most recently in control of the Mitre 10 Cup top of the table clash between North Harbour and Canterbury.

With the Seven’s season fast-approaching, Kyle Harris will be looking to maintain his own high-standards from the the 2016-17 season which saw him rewarded with Seven’s Referee of the Year.

Officiating is now a 12 month of the year passion and past time for those involved – with the season far from over, the attention now turns to the upcoming seven’s season. Many of those present on Saturday, will be ready to jump in to the shortened format of the game, and continue in their role as mediator of the national game.

FULL LIST OF AWARDS:

• James Doleman (Presidents Award & Supreme Award - Ash Edwards Memorial Trophy)
• Steve Piacun (Rookie Coach of the Year – Smudge McNeilage Trophy)
• Robert Parkes (Coach of the Year – Jack Davies Cup)
• Alec Warner (Assistant Referee of the Year – Touch Judge Shield)
• Marius Botha (Most Improved Premier Referee – Paul Arthur Memorial Trophy)
• Kyle Harris (Sevens Referee of the Year)
• David Goldfinch (Administrator of the Year)
• Stephen Hackett (Most Promising First Year – Sel Exler Memorial Cup)
• Nigel Brown (JRC Referee of the Year – McKim Wilson Trophy)
• Tim Johnston (C-Panel Referee of the Year – Eagle’s Shield)
• Dane Robinson (B-Panel Referee of the Year)
• Angus Mabey (Premier Referee of the Year – John Pring Shield)