Those of us who attended our latest gathering at Turnbridge WMC were treated to a tremendous evening. Our guest was one of those men we all love to hate – a referee!
As is the case with many of these figures, when you actually meet and chat with them, they are really genuine, honest people. Such was the case with Robert Hicks.
Rugby League is in Robert’s blood. His grandfather was the chairman at Oldham in the 1960s and his father played for them.
Robert admits he was not good enough to be a player, but he wanted to be involved in some capacity.
His first experience was as a touch judge at the age of 13 and has been an official ever since.
However, for a profession he studied law at Leeds University. This stood him in good stead when he was asked by Stuart Cummings to become a full-time, part-time referee!
The firm of solicitors for whom Robert worked decided they couldn’t accommodate him working only three days a week. Fortunately, the World Cup was starting to take shape, and Robert was offered a part-time job at the RFL in the legal department. His latest work being to draw up the contract with Ladbrokes as sponsors for the Challenge Cup.
The most illuminating part of the evening came when Robert answered questions from the audience. His answers were given from the heart – both from a fans’ point of view and also from the refereeing side.
For example, he agreed that if he were a Giants supporter he would totally agree that THE drop goal should have stood. However, the camera angles did not conclusively show that the ball had gone between the posts.
Sky TV have the playbacks from their cameras synchronised so that each second of a play can be shown from a different angle. The BBC do not have this facility, hence there was no definitive proof to go against Mr Bentham’s decision even if he had gone to the big screen.
Robert gave a thoughtful and considered view into how referees make their decisions – and also what really ought to happen on the field!
A truly excellent evening where people came away saying “what a nice chap Robert is”.
People really should have more access to referees in situations like this. It will make them realise exactly what the referee is going through on the pitch and how and why decisions are made.
It is now less than two weeks away from the Fans Forum on Tuesday, January 20. Doors will open at 7pm to be ready for a prompt 7.15pm start.
The panel will consist of Giants head coach Paul Anderson, new signing Craig Huby, new director Chris Taylor and Danny Lockwood, the publisher of League Weekly. Entry will be free for HGSA members, season-ticket holders, and accompanied children, otherwise a nominal fee of £2 will be charged.
Deposits are now required for our pre-season meal at Bradley’s restaurant on Friday, January 30.
Full details can be found at www.GiantsSupporters.co.uk .
Meanwhile, ‘Huddersfield In World War 1’ can be purchased at The Zone, online at www.HuddersfieldRLHeritage.co.uk or via David Thorpe (01484 533378).
