I think you mean rebuttal. Why would I do that ?
I am not surprised by what you say at all. I am aware of the playing finances of three clubs - two at Level 5 and one at Level 7 - and such arrangements are not unusual.
The issue of Referee payments cones around every now and again and right now a RFU working group is looking at the options.
Clubs, Unis and schools already pay a referee match fee around £25-40 depending on which Society it is and I question your comment re Unis especially - I know for a Fact that both Portsmouth & Southampton Unis have had cuts to their sports dept budgets, salaries, coaches made redundant, etc in the last few seasons.
I have no objections what-so-ever for higher level referees to be paid - Panel Referees already are. There are some good arguments to drop that down a couple more levels. However be very careful what you wish for, as being paid changes your status from volunteer to paid official - and the whole basis of your relationships and dynamics to players, coaches, Committee men and even spectators changes to a very different set.
And a paid referee's performance measurement is likely change to a work like performance appraisal and you will be expected to deliver against a higher level. That has some major implications for match observers / assessors, the whole development and training / coaching framework, and pressure on a paid referee.
Yes, and the RFU analysts would have predicted all this "FoC" effort would end one day...the reality is that even at grassroots £1 per player per match ...matched by their club, would pay for most referees /assessors/ coaches etc ..... This sport has moved on Simon, The very elite earned £20k pa in 1995, now its £1m+ the trickle down needs to be ommensurate with the Level operated at.
Perhaps a referee 'union' would be a good idea ? Collective bargaining.
Any referee who is happy to not take his fee, could donate to the host club, his club, the injured referees fund, or the 'supply kit to grassroots referees fund'
Simon, I know its not your fight, but you do often speak up for the 'status quo' , I'm not seeking to offend, and I suspect your own rugby ambitions aren't fuelled by financial reward, I'd be happy to get below minimum wage for this highly complex skill set that facilitates the enjoyment ( and therefore the survival) of rugby clubs.
Try asking this question next weekend in the PMB, " £1 each players, as a thank you to the referee who's given up 5/6 hours of his time today, OR you can play without an independant minded official if you all agree & prefer ??, what, yes player A&E is only 20 mins car drive from here"
Or, Maybe I'm out of touch with referee valuing/rewarding???? RR members??