Referees to Ref Games, Meet with TRU

Unlike Hollywood writers and French transit workers, Texas rugby referees are NOT on strike. STRR Chairman Chris Callan sent this news today:

To all TRU clubs;

STRR is not on strike. Apparently the letter TRU Executive Board sent to clubs on November 12 was prematurely released and has caused some confusion. STRR is not on strike. Apparently the letter TRU Executive Board sent to clubs on November 12 was prematurely

All matches will be covered with STRR referees this weekend (November 17) with a few exceptions where no referee is available to be assigned.

STRR has been covering TRU matches for many years and we expect to be doing that for many more. We have fully complied with all terms of the attached letter of agreement between STRR and TRU for the 2007 calendar year. However TRU has refused to pay over $17,500 for services delivered since February.

The current situation, which the TRU has communicated to you this week, will be the subject of a meeting next Tuesday between TRU and STRR.

A USA Rugby representative very familiar with Union, referee and club issues will attend to facilitate and help both sides move forward. The primary objective of this meeting is to ensure that all TRU clubs have access to certified, properly trained and insured referees for their matches.

Hopefully we will be able to send out a positive prognosis after the meeting. We will provide an update to this letter as soon as possible.

Please continue to contact Greg Puklicz (STRR-North) and Chris Callan (STRR-South) to schedule and confirm referees until further notice.

Chris Callan

Chairman,
Society of Texas Rugby Referees