Flagging but not flagging
Two match officials with a combined age of 164 step up to run the line in local derby.
There may be an age qualification of 14 for young referees but it’s clear that no upper age limit exists.
After Dorset & Wilts Referee Society’s Ken Pipe stepped up to referee 80 minutes of the Weymouth & Portland derby against Bridport a few weeks ago, two octogenarians were applauded as Assistant Referees for Sidcup v Westcombe Park in the London & South East Premiership.
The duo in question were Sidcup’s Hugh Beresford-Webb and Westcombe Park’s John Ward-Turner.
They were protagonists as opposing centres in their playing days, but they worked together on the touchline for the all-important clash with a combined age of 164.
Their days with ball in hand are behind them but both are confident they can keep officiating for a long time yet.
“I greatly enjoy being touch judge for Sidcup RFC,” said Beresford-Webb. “I hope to continue doing it for a few seasons to come.”
“I’ve been running touch for Westcombe Park RFC since season 1989-90,” added Ward-Turner. “Hopefully I’ll be doing so for many more years.”
RFU Match Official Development Manager Michael Patz was thrilled to hear the pair's enthusiasm for the sport is still as strong as ever and hopes it persuades more to pick up a whistle.
“This is awesome and just proves that our sport and match officiating is for all shapes, sizes and ages,” said RFU Match Official Development Manager Michael Patz.
