ELVs advocate Matt Goddard calls it quits
Roar Rookie By chief, 30 Oct 2009 chief is a Roar Rookie
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- Ian Smith, Matt Goddard, rugby referees, Rugby Union, steve walsh
Referee Matt Goddard officially retired today because of chronic injury. A few of you may in fact be jubilated by this, but you will actually realize it’s a bad thing when you see the new referees who are in line for Super 14 duties next year.
Goddard, an ambassador for the ELVs, dished out five yellow cards and a red earlier in the year, which came under much scrutiny, and he was destined for great things, aged, 34 with major games under his belt.
I am deeply saddened by this, but I look to the future, as his replacement will be Steve Walsh, one of the best referees in the game.
The retirement of Goddard and the future retirement of Dickinson really does question who we have coming up as future Australian referees:
1. Steve Walsh — you all know why he’s leading
2. James Leckie _ We might see him on the IRB International panel next year
3. Paul Marks — Will probably be on the panel, maybe not receiving many games, however
4. Ian Smith — Has plenty of experience under his belt
5. Nathan Pearce
6. Damien Mitchelmore — Have seen him referee plenty of times this year and he has only let me down once
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- Ian Smith, Matt Goddard, rugby referees, Rugby Union, steve walsh
October 30th 2009 @ 8:59pm
Jack Petro said | October 30th 2009 @ 8:59pm | Report comment
Matt .. yes ‘tongue in cheek’ … actually I like refs who can give a good card … Subbies Grand Final a couple of years ago stands out as a good one!
The points you make will hopefully get some of the readers of this site being more mindful of the way they (we) make comments …
The fact that the cards ‘worked’ in relation to ‘ball in play’ does emphasis the fact that in order to get the game we want to see, the players and the coaches should play within the rules – a more open game, fewer stoppages and less infringements. what was it? Hurricanes v Waratahs 2006? Both teams needing bonus points from a try and play continued after the final siren for about 5 minutes … now that’s rugby.
On behalf of us spectators … good luck in your future endeavours. Looking forward to the next person the same size as me to throw their weight around.
October 30th 2009 @ 9:03pm
Jack Petro said | October 30th 2009 @ 9:03pm | Report comment
Cattledog … I hope you were talking about DP and not me
October 30th 2009 @ 9:22pm
Cattledog said | October 30th 2009 @ 9:22pm | Report comment
Yep…DP, not you Jack. It’s shown as a reply specifically to that thoughtless statement, however, I see how it could be mistaken.
October 30th 2009 @ 10:59pm
tongstar said | October 30th 2009 @ 10:59pm | Report comment
well done matt. some great games. soe poor ones. but what a great career to travel the world. hope you enjoy puttin your feet up with family back home.
November 3rd 2009 @ 7:54pm
Wooded said | November 3rd 2009 @ 7:54pm | Report comment
Great to see some positive discussion on referees. Hopefully all can keep their comments well rounded. I dont think ther will ever be any real problem at the elite level… and most people who complain do not fully understand the laws, and see an issue that really isnt there.
I think the bigger concern is at “Park” level. Quantity is one issue and quality is the other. We all talk the talk at the elite level, but unless we can continue to grow grassroots (or stop its decline as some may say) there is no way we can support a second tier. Seeing school boy games without a referee hurts. This is where help is needed.
November 3rd 2009 @ 8:14pm
Cattledog said | November 3rd 2009 @ 8:14pm | Report comment
Rather late in the play, but a good comment. How many times do you hear a spectator yell something to a referee totally ignorant of the law under which his ruling was made.
Haven’t seen any shoolboy games without referees as most teachers do the pathway course and do the games. Part of their duty statements. Generally more than enough from both schools, although some need to back-up occasionally.
Where in particular is this happening?