Hugh Watkins raises the bar for refs
New national referee development manager excited to implement clear framework and pathway
Four months into the job and national referee development manager Hugh Watkins likes what he sees.
“There are some quality referees in Hong Kong who need a little fine-tuning and individual analysis on game management, but in the key areas I’ve found they are very switched on and keen to learn. I’m very excited,” Watkins said.
The HKRFU has a pool of seven elite referees contracted on the equivalent of a semi-professional basis. Five are involved in the union’s academy structure, which is based mainly on age and potential – the age group is 20-27.
We don’t want any mavericks out there doing their own thing
In addition, the union’s community referee manager, Matt Rodden, has identified potential referees for enrolment in a junior academy for 15- to 20-year-olds.
“What we’ve done is laid down a very clear framework and pathway for referees to progress here,” said Watkins, 50.
The Welshman believes the Hong Kong Society of Rugby Football Union Referees (HKSRFUR) is keen to take on new ideas and there is a high level of interest.
“My role now is more management and performance of the elite referees. It’s down to me to try to get the performances in refereeing improving each year in the same ways as the playing standard of the Premiership is continuously improving,” Watkins said.
