Football Tasmania’s Referees boss Tony Peart has paid credit to his team of Tasmanian Referees who forwent match payment throughout recent pre-season games in order to help clubs with the financial burden brought about by Covid-19.
In consultation with the Referee’s Standing committee it was agreed by an 85% majority vote held by the Match officials that they would undertake pre-season friendly matches unpaid, a gesture which has proved a big help.
The move has enabled over $4000 in total savings for clubs over the pre-season, coming at a time when many clubs have found it financially tough.
‘’It has been a fantastic gesture by the match officials to demonstrate personal sacrifice in the form of time spent away from friends and family whilst absorbing the costs of travelling to games all for the good of the game.” said Peart
“It’s been very humbling to see all parts of football working together to help get players of all ages back playing on the pitch and I am super proud of the role the third team has played in this.”
Peart also paid credit to members of the Technical committee for their continued dedication to volunteering their efforts and time.
“The Referee Technical Committee have continued to volunteer many hours to the game to support , guide and coach these match officials during this period and Football Tasmania thanks them for their work.”
Peart said the Referee’s were eager for the league seasons to resume and paid credit to their hard work throughout the lock down period.
“The third Team out there on the pitch have worked incredibly hard over this lock down period, learning the new Laws of the Game effecting this seasons games and I was delighted with the performances I have seen since the restart.”
For those unfamiliar with the rule changes, you can view Tony’s presentation on the Laws of the Game changes via this link.