We’re three weeks into pre‑season and the Bay of Plenty Referees Podcast digs into what the weekend taught us: a hot Rose Bowl final with a red card and two yellows, a 66‑0 pre‑season result with promising signs, and AR duties at the NZ U20s where the standard was sharp.

Our guest Pat Rae, player, referee, coach and current lead for our referee coaches, shares how he’s coordinating an experienced coaching group and why good coaching grows better referees.

Education recap: writing yellow/red card and abuse reports, led by Matt Astle. Key principles: paint the picture, detail matters, clear grammar (use AI to proof), facts not opinions, ask for help, and don’t take judiciary outcomes personally.

Whistler of the Week: Josh Baker for establishing regular Central Bay training at Rotorua Intermediate.

Plus: 17 games this weekend, Central & Eastern Bay comps starting, and Monday’s bay‑wide meeting at Eastern Districts RFC.

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