Thanks to #TeamRef for 2022 NTS

Referee Manager Robin Budd has thanked all the referees who helped make the 2022 National Touch Series a massive success.

Round 3 saw the entire weekend of Elite and Development competition be refereed without requiring player-ref slots, the first time this has happened for England Touch, with the Development NTS having its first round without player-ref slots in Round 2 in Burton.

As well as many clubs bringing full-time referees, we welcomed a number of overseas referees across the National Touch Series, and we hoped that they enjoyed their experience in England as much as we enjoyed having them with us!

These referees were Sarah Mason, Matthew Sharkey (both Scotland), Salim Temtem (Belgium), Andrew Bloom, Kevin Hobbs, Matt Hobbs, James Beasley (all Wales), Stephen Troy, Aoife McCarthy (both Ireland), David Neiland, Guillaume Genet, Simon Fau, Brice Mallein, David Cathala, and Sylvain Charras (all France).

Matthew 'Shanghai' Boesen also brought his expertise and insight as a referee coach to several weekends of the NTS as well.

“We're always delighted when we welcome travelling referees during our season,” Budd commented. “As well as the extra help, it means we get fresh perspectives and learn from each other, and make some new friends.”

Congratulations to the following referees, who all received upgrades during the NTS season: Robin Budd (L4), Matt Emmerson, Simon Fau, Vicki Offland (all L3), Catriona Hubbard, and Nick King (both L2).

England Touch is committed to reducing any need for player-ref slots during its tournaments. However we need our clubs to both put individuals forward for referee courses and to then nominate them to be a part of #TeamRef on a tournament day itself.

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