Final whistle not in sight for referees

Three South West soccer referees had the rare privilege of all notching milestones at the weekend.

John Signorini had the whistle for the 400th time in a South West Soccer Association match, Alex Karatamoglou refereed his 300th game and Jake Elson was in charge for the 150th time.

There has been a number of officiating milestones recently as Rick Rose was in charge of his 250th game three weeks ago and Mick Hankin, who has overcome nine knee operations, is set to celebrate his 150th later this month.

Association president Ivan Garic was also the South West’s first referees coach and worked with Mr Signorini and Mr Karatamoglou in the first intake of officials.

He said it was “great” to see the two long-term referees reach milestones.

“They are very good personalities and know when to congratulate on the pitch,” he said.

“They both have very good rapports with the clubs. I also congratulate Jake (Elson) on his milestone, as it’s good to see young people come up and reach milestones.”

Mr Signorini, who is also a referees’ assessor, said he did not know how much longer he would officiate for, but hoped to eventually make the assessor’s role full-time.

The youngest of the milestone referees, 22-year-old Mr Elson, said he decided to become an official five years ago after playing as a back-up goalkeeper.

“I’d like to go further as a referee and have my eye on State level next year and perhaps further,” he said.