Harrigan
Admits Abuse And Threats Were A Factor

Rugby Leagues top referee , Bill Harrigan, has revealed his decision to quit as the National Rugby League's best referee was due partly to the abuse his family and friends copped for decisions he made on and off the field.

This year the victim of death threats, Harrigan also linked the "alarming" fall in referee recruitment, for league and other sports, to an overload of unconstructive criticism match officials were forced to bear.

"Uncles, aunties, friends and then my immediate family have all copped their share of hard times over the years because of things that I may have done on or off the field," said Harrigan.

He said his mother rang him on Wednesday to say it was "the happiest day of her life" because she was sick of hearing and reading all the criticism.

Harrigan became emotional earlier this year when, as a spokesman for the government-sponsored Year of the Official, he recounted his tough run through the refereeing ranks and made a plea for people to lay off the sports' whistleblowers. In a statement, the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) said Harrigan had worked hard to promote the welfare of officials.

"For some time now, the Sports Commission has been working with sporting organisations, particularly those with high participation rates, to blow the whistle on unacceptable behaviour," the ASC said. Bill helped raise the issue of harassment and abuse of players and officials as a serious concern to the Australian sports community.

"The ASC is encouraging all sports to take responsibility for stamping out abuse and driving a change in attitudes and culture towards officials."

At his retirement press conference, Harrigan told how he was once locked in a dressing room after a game for his own protection while he waited for police to arrive.

"When we start talking about the recruitment of young referees to bring through the ranks, I do (have grave concerns)," he said

"Because I know we are losing a lot at an alarming rate, right across the board in all sport and that's because of that (abuse)."