AT the age (69) when most of his peers are running out of breath, veteran rugby referee Vic Erasmus still has no intention of hanging up his whistle.
Although not taking charge of matches as often as he did over the past 27 years, Vic still officiates whenever he is called on and is always available in a crisis.
‘I reffed my first game in 1987, so I guess I must have done well over 500 matches in my time, which would make it about 40 000 hours on the field,’ says the energetic whistle-blower.
‘Mike Harrison was my assessor and would do the crits after each match – often with pages of my mistakes, but always constructive criticism that improved my ability.’
Vic moved to Richards Bay in 1971 ‘when there were only 70 houses in the town’, to join Bayside and saw the harbour and most of the present industries being constructed.
‘I started playing for the Richards Bay Rugby Club in 1980 when Trappies Truter was the coach and I began my referee career during 1987.
‘Most fixtures I blew were local matches, U/21 games and the Toyota Club Championships in Durban.
‘I have also done a number of overseas touring schools sides, but my highlights were the All Blacks U/20 vs Richtek at Empangeni and the Shimlas side that toured the North Coast with players like Hentie Martens and Jannie de Beer.’
Vic has served on the Zululand Rugby Referees Sub-Committee with the likes of Dagga Smit and Daan Huggett, in various positions.
‘I was never one of the big names on referee panels, but I have been proud to be of service to this wonderful sport of rugby.
‘Refereeing is not for sissies and you have to be immune to the comments from the gurus next to the field, who often don’t know the laws.’
Vic is concerned about referee recruitment in Zululand.
‘We need to put in every effort to come up with another Marius Jonker (who just happens to be Vic’s son-in-law) to improve local standards.’
His message to referees is, ‘Stay fit, stay focused, develop your game management skills and keep up with the laws.’
