In memorium John MacKinnon

 

It is with great sadness that we share with you the news that John MacKinnon has passed away.

John MacKinnon was actively involved in rugby since schoolboy days in NZ. He played club rugby in Victoria until his mid-late 20's and then commenced refereeing here in the early 1970's. 

John was VRRA Treasurer in 1983 and Secretary in 1984 and 1985.

John spent time as Registrar, was on the Appointments Board, and was an active referee coach. John's record keeping has helped our recent efforts to collate a written history of the association greatly.

For a linkage to a current face around the grounds - John was one of the first refs that Al Grigg made contact with when he moved to Melbourne in the early 90's and helped him settle into Victorian rugby.

Meet Caleb and Theo

 

Caleb and Theo have had a great start to their refereeing in 2023 - here they are ready to run on to AAMI Park for the half time matches at the Rebels v Brumbies! Be sure to say hello when you see them around the grounds in club rugby. 

Remember their green shirt means they are new to refereeing, please support them (and all our green shirts) in every possible way.

Also, here's a big thank you to all the mums and dads who not only encourage their kids to play rugby, but also encourage them to referee. If you've thought about taking up the whistle you don't have to stop playing. Talk to us to about how you can continue to do both, just like Caleb and Theo.

Appointments

Match official appointments are sent by email from Rugby Xplorer, typically at the beginning of the week for that next weekend. Changes are often made up until Friday evening so please do check your email Saturday morning!

Be sure to click to accept or reject the appoint ASAP (so that referee rearrangement can be done early).

By Thursday they usual settle and we update these lists for your reference: Appointments PDF and Appointments XLSX. Refer to these lists to see who else is at or near your ground that you might be able watch or support in anyway.

Annual update @ Quins 5th Mar, 8:30am to 12:30pm

 

It's time to update!

All existing and new referees are requested to attend the annual update to be held at Harlequins Rugby Club on 5th March 2023.

In this session we will learn of activities and initiatives of the VRRA for the coming season, get an update of the GMG's first hand from RA's Graham Cooper, and get to know some of your match official team mates better.

Please arrive between 8 and 8:30am, and as there will be an opportunity to work in small groups on Season Ready or Smart Rugby, bring along a tablet or computer to get yours done!