Mark this one in your calendars! We are very pleased to be holding our Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees Interchange on Saturday 24th June. While the finer details are being firmed up, we can confirm a general outline, so have a good read and see what opportunities you would like to be involved in yourself.

A huge thank you to Gary Dender who has put his hand up to assist hosting our interchange weekend, with Dave "Gaffa" Edwards unavailable this year, currently overseas.

What is Interchange?

An opportunity for connections, and to experience rugby in another part of the country. It is not just for the best referees, but for any referee who is actively engaged in the club and can represent us with pride. It's not about going to get plumb appointments, but more so the experience of refereeing away, and being on "tour" with other referees (for lack of better terminology).

OUTBOUND - Opportunities for all!

• We will be sending out to the Unions who opt to send referees in. These range from East Coast to North Harbour, and most places in between.
• Open to referees of all levels, and referee coaches. It is likely you will travel with one or two other club members.
• Travel is provided at a set rate for one vehicle. Accommodation is provided usually for one night (Saturday), and host Unions will often arrange lunch and/or dinner.
• Please email Cam ASAP to indicate if you are interested in an OUTBOUND exchange on Saturday 24th June. We will not be able to confirm location and selections until around mid-June, once the Unions who are engaging in sending referees in are confirmed. Note - we will not be sending referees back to Unions in which they have previously been members, as the purpose of interchange is about new experiences and building connections.

INBOUND - Hosting our manuhiri (guests)

• We will be hosting our inbound referees and referee coaches in Tauranga, given the balance and number of fixtures that can logistically be appointed to them.
• A welcome and early lunch will be provided, and the referees buddied up with a BOP referee (where possible) to get them to their game. If you can, please consider keeping this late morning free to be used as a buddy, if it fits with the appointments on the day.
• Following the afternoon's fixtures, there will be a dinner/drinks that evening in Tauranga. ALL club members are invited at own cost. Again, if you are able to be in Tauranga that night, please consider coming along, even if it's just for a drink and connection following the meal! The more BOP Referees we can get there to host, the better.

Whether you're staying here and helping to host, or considering heading out to experience rugby around the North Island, there's something for everyone to be a part of. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Cam Russell

Article added: Thursday 08 June 2023