ADF touch referees upgraded

By Sub-Leut Joanne Adams
PARTICIPATING in sport is not only about being a member of the actual team – the ADF Touch Association (ADFTA) had four refereeing representatives at the National Touch League held in Coffs Harbour recently.

WO2 Mick Gray, Capt Len Brown, Sgt Matt Vernon (RAAF) and WO1 Ken Golden took charge of some of the highest level matches of the event, proving that physical and mental fitness is just as important for those not directly participating in games.

WO1 Golden worked as a senior referee coach throughout the tournament with the Australian Touch Association Referee Panel.

Capt Brown and WO2 Gray attended the senior competition, with WO2 Gray being upgraded to Level Five national level referee – a fantastic achievement. Capt Brown was injured during the competition and had to withdraw.

Sgt Vernon attended the open series and was upgraded to Level Six international level referee. He will now be part of the training squad for the Australian referee contingent for the Touch World Cup to be played in Japan this month.

The ADFTA congratulates its new referee upgrades for their continued hard work and professional approach to touch both in Defence and within civilian competitions. Without their support, tournaments and, of course, games would be impossible.