Referees to strike over abuse Referees in the Canberra Raiders Cup have voted to boycott this weekend's final round of the regular season in protest over an increase in abuse on and off the field.The referees have come under fire in recent weeks, after Belconnen United Scholars hooker Tim Thorley was suspended for 12 months for abusing a referee, but then had his ban reduced to six weeks.
Referees voiced their anger at a meeting last night, deciding to withdraw their services from all three grades for the first time.
This weekend is the final round of the home-and-away season and if games do not go ahead, it could throw the finals series into chaos.
Belconnen United is currently on top of the ladder but the Queanbeyan Kangaroos are still in finals contention in fifth place.
Chairman Dave Adams says the time has come for the match officials to take a stand and send a clear message that abuse will not be tolerated.
"We've had enough. Essentially we've had a gutful," he said.
"The perception among the membership is very strong that things are worse this year than they have been in previous years."
Canberra Region Rugby League executive officer Karen Ebsworth says they are doing all they can to ensure the final round goes ahead.
"It's not a way to end our competition. It would create irreparable problems for us if we weren't able to play our final round this weekend," she said.
Source: abc.net.au
Topic: Referees to strike over abuse
