Rugby Canada announces the appointments of Ontario's Dale Hall and Pete Pender to the National Panel of Match Officials. They will fill the positions vacated by Doug Hamre and David Crisp who have stepped down after 4 years on the panel.
With files from Rugby Canada Communications
Rugby Canada’s National Panel is comprised of 10 officials from across the country who are at the top of their craft and continue to push the boundaries of excellence. The Panel is used to cover match officiating appointments across all Rugby Canada national events and competitions, including age-grade and senior representative competitions. While the mandate of the Panel is to service the high performance end of the domestic game, some of our Panel members also have the opportunity to be appointed to international test fixtures within Rugby Americas North and Wold Rugby competitions.
We profile our joining members and question our departing members about their time spent on the panel.
Joining the National Panel: Dale Hall & Pete Pender
Dale Hall is from Niagara Falls, Ontario, and has been refereeing since 2013 when current National Team player, Ray Barkwill suggested he take a referee course. He soon realized how much enjoyment there was in refereeing and had his first taste of high performance rugby when he joined the Rugby Ontario Referee Focus Group.
Favourite aspects of refereeing?
“I thoroughly enjoy all the off-field hours I put into refereeing. Both physical and mental preparation are two of my favourite aspects of the sport. A lot of people don't realize that referees are athletes as well. Personally, I clock 5-7 hours a week training and rehabbing; and spend at least 4-6 hours a week watching rugby.”
Balancing personal life with rugby commitments?
“This is a very tough area for me, as all elements of my life are blended together. My partner is a rugby player and coach, as well as a director for her rugby club. My employer does quite a lot for grassroots rugby in the community, and his family has always supported me in my referee development. Not a day goes by that I don't talk about rugby, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Balancing a full-time job, being a part-time student, having a family and my rugby commitments is quite a lot, but I always enjoy the challenge.”
Pete Pender is from Auckland, New Zealand and has been refereeing since 2003 when a knee injury at university in New Zealand forced him away from playing. Pete tried out refereeing as a way to stay in the sport and keep fit while he was recovering. While doing so, he fell in love with it and never looked back.
Passions in life?
“I love attending sports events. Since moving to Toronto, I have really enjoyed getting behind the local sports teams like the Leafs, Raptors and Blue Jays. I especially like heading down to the Toronto Wolfpack Rugby League games and am quite excited with the prospect of the Ontario Arrows playing in the new Major League Rugby competition that is kicking off in the US.”
What keeps you motivated?
“One thing a lot of people do not realise, is that refereeing is a competitive environment. It is essentially a sport within a sport. You have a bunch of amazing athletes that are constantly working to improve and perform well every week, so that they can be selected for bigger and better games and tournaments. This drives a healthy competition amongst referees, who are all wanting to referee well during the season so that they can be rewarded with the experience and challenge of refereeing in the postseason, and then at higher honours in national and international competitions. I am no different, and one thing that is very important to me, is constantly being challenged and constantly improving. This drive, along with the competition from the wider team of talented referees has motivated me to work hard and prove to myself that I am capable of performing under pressure in bigger games and bigger challenges.”
Departing the National Panel: David Crisp & Doug Hamre
David Crisp was a key member of the National Panel based in Edmonton, Alberta where he was also heavily involved in the refereeing community. David was able to achieve great success while on the Panel, being appointed as an Assistant Referee for World Rugby at a number of ARC and June Test matches throughout his tenure.
Attributes to success?
“I found that my maturity (aged approx. 30 at the time), commitment and my open and willingness to learn were key attributes to my continued success in progressing up the ranks. By 2012 my local referee society began offering me developmental opportunities to tournaments such as: The Kick Off Tournament in Sacramento and the BC High Schools tournament in Abbottsford. I discovered that the developmental opportunities in Rugby were extensive and that the refereeing community was very kind and welcoming, wherever you went.”
Future plans?
“Life after the panel has given me the time needed for other priorities in my life, but I remain deeply involved with refereeing within Alberta as part of our referee 'High Performance Committee' and as treasurer of my local society.
Just as I needed mentors and coaches in my journey, I hope that in the future I will be able to give back to the refereeing community with the knowledge and skills learnt through my participation with the National Panel.”
Doug Hamre who also resides in Edmonton, where along with David they formed a key cog in the group dynamics on the Panel throughout their tenure. Doug also worked hard to put together a string of Assistant Refereeing for the ARC and June Tests, refereeing in the Senior Men’s CRC competition, and being involved at the Rugby Americas North level of senior competition as well.
What refereeing has taught you?
“Patience. Refereeing often tests your patience. Keeping cool under pressure is key, and a good skill to practice on the field that can be used raising two young daughters.”
Involvement in rugby going forward?
“Now that I am retired from refereeing, I plan to spend more of my free time with the kids, doing the stuff they like to do. That does include playing mini's rugby, so I might have to lace up the boots again when they old enough to play U13's.”
Rugby Canada’s Manager of High Performance Match Officials, Andrew McMaster, had this to say about the departure of Doug and Dave, as well as welcoming Pete and Dale:
"I would personally like to thank Dave and Doug for their commitment and contribution to rugby in Canada over the last few years. There is a huge amount of effort and sacrifice that goes into being a high-performance referee, and these guys have put in an amazing amount of work to help rugby in Alberta, and Canada, get better. And while it is unfortunate to lose experienced members of the National Panel, it presents a great opportunity for new blood, and I'm excited to see Dale and Pete step up to the challenge."
For more information on how you can join Canada’s growing #RefTeam, visit > https://rugby.ca/en/hq/match-official-development. The development of match official across Canada is paramount to the sustained success of rugby across Canada.
