GROUP NINE referees director Tony Fletcher has strongly defended the fitness and ability of referees.
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Fletcher’s unyielding support follows criticism of Group Nine referees from a concerned onlooker.
Paul W Kerr of Wagga took aim Group Nine referees in a Letter to the Editor in The Daily Advertiser on Thursday.
In a scathing appraisal, Kerr questioned the physical fitness and decision-making of referees.
“Frankly, the players from all teams in the Group 9 competition who put in week after week deserve better than they’re getting the officials,” Kerr wrote.
Fletcher came out swinging to Kerr’s accusation.
“I couldn’t let that rubbish go without comment,” Fletcher said. “Our referees train every Tuesday and are in good shape.
“They have no trouble keeping up with the play and are doing the best possible job.”
Fletcher has challenged Kerr to attend a referee’s training session and to sit beside him at a game.
“I’d like to give him the assessment sheet one Sunday and see what he comes up,” Fletcher said.
“It’s so easy to be critical on a broad scale.”