Refs have key role to play

It’s a massive amount of players and will take some officiating.

However, local co-ordinator Pam Potts said she had a number of local referees geared up for a big weekend.

“We have been fortunate enough to be able to provide nine full-time referees – Brian Bolton, Rod Fensbo, Tony Mumford, Craig Follington, Ryan Schmiedel, Damien and Natasha Allan, Shane Wadwell and Michael Lace,” she said.

“We also have four player/referees helping out with a few games on both Friday and Saturday – Geoff Sharpe, Jock Stier, Mark Sheppard and Tim Walsh.

“Three or four of these referees are old hands at this level of rep oztag including Aussie champs at both junior and senior levels. Two of our ex-representative referees from many years ago, Trevor Wann and Garry Semms will be taking on the role of referees assessors for the duration of the weekend as well.

“Our two administration staff helping out will be Trudy Davis and Tarne Potts while Zac Green and Jake Sheppard will be doing the runners job for Bill (Harrigan). Finally, we have also been able to provide AOSA with 30 local ground officials who took up the opportunity to be part of this great event. They will be rostered on over the three days to ensure the tournament is running smoothly.”