Many congrats on the appointment, you deserve it after a lot if hard work, often without the support and back-up we in the so called top-tier countries take for granted in our Society and Union.
Do let Nick Cousins know, he will be interested to hear about the achievements of an ex-London Society man.
Thanks Simon. Would have happened sooner, but for the injuries that have plagued me for a while.
It takes a lot of work, not just referee/fitness type stuff. We've had to change the attitude of those running the ref side (which means change in personnel!) and get more professional, to get back into the Rugby Europe (formally known as FIRA-AER) fold. And had to attend a lot of "basic" courses, get out on exchange, put ourselves on display numerous times, and finally we have 2 Swiss Refs appointed to RE games. Now we have the pressure not to mess it up, as things still fragile.
But yes - lack of training sessions for us (well - the top guys are the trainers, so it doesn't help us), lack of assessments (so little feedback on our games), no coaches to help us develop, and we see the same teams week after week..... Not easy. Which is why having some of the mugs helpful people on here to view video etc has been very helpful.:biggrin:
I'm sure word will get back to Nick - I'm still in touch with lots of the London West guys and girls.