The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has honoured its referees at an annual awards dinner, with a number of whistle-blowers putting in campaigns more than worthy of acknowledgment.
Referees manager Paul Greenstreet was thrilled by the effort his officials put in and hoped an increase in referee registrations would continue into next year.
The up-and-coming Brett Johnson was named referee of the year after progressing from colts rugby last season beyond premier rugby this year.
"He has not only consolidated a top place here, but was selected into the National Referee Development Group as one of only four referees from around New Zealand," Greenstreet said.
"These referees will be appointed to Heartland games and be assessed as to their ability to move to ITM Cup within two years."
Among the other winners were Malcolm Langdon, who took out the Allan Oates Memorial Trophy for referee coach of the year, and Mount Maunganui student Amon Rimene (John Cormick Trophy for most improved referee).
Rimene moved from mainly Second XV matches to colts and Division One action and officiated his 300th game in the Gold Coast in July.
He is one of a number of promising young referees produced through the union's recruitment programme in secondary schools.
2013 winners
*John Cormick Trophy (most improved referee).
First awarded 1988.
Winner: Amon Rimene
*Allan Oates Memorial Trophy (referee coach of the year). Donated by Joan Oates for the person making a significant contribution to referee development in the Bay of Plenty.
First awarded 2010.
Winner: Malcolm Langdon
*Martin Teo Shield (referee of the year).Donated by Martin's parents in memory of their late son, who was a very promising young referee.
First awarded 2001.
Winner: Brett Johnson
*Dave Edwards Trophy (first year referee achievement).Donated by Dave Edwards, a current referee coach and mentor.
First awarded 2006.
Winner: Troy Fairest
*Presidents Trophy (for an individual who has made significant contributions to the BOPRU referees). Presented by C.W & D.E Sturt.
First awarded in 1989.
Winner: Dave Hodgson
*George Woodroofe Memorial Trophy (highest mark in NZRU Level 2 theory examination by a referee who had not previously passed, or if no referee meets that criterion, the trophy is awarded to the referee with the highest pass mark for the year).
First awarded 1966.
Winner: Graeme Meyrick