NPL SA Referees Pass Milestone

Since the inception of the National Premier League SA (NPL) in 2013, only a small number of match officials have overseen 100 senior fixtures or more. This week Christian Verdicchio joins that exclusive club at The Paddocks when he takes charge of the match between Para Hills and Adelaide United.

 

Christian joins fellow referees Gary Mooney (131 matches) and David Alberton (114 matches) who have reached the milestone during the NPL era. David also achieved the feat this season in the round 8 clash between Croydon and Adelaide Comets while Gary passed the 100-mark last season.

When asked about the achievement Christian said;

“It’s an honour to reach such a milestone at the highest level in South Australian football and to be recognised for that achievement.”

Christian continued with;

“I look forward to continuing to work hard and hopefully reach my goal to referee a SA NPL final and have a chance to referee at a national level. “

When told of his achievement recently, Gary responded with;

“It is an honour to know that I was one of the first Referees in South Australia to have been appointed to 100 games in the State’s top competition.  However, I do acknowledge that this would not have been possible without the hard work and support of many individuals within the FFSA structure. This includes Coaches, Mentors/Assessors and fellow colleagues who all strive to improve the level of refereeing within the State and my old friend and mentor in Scotland John Kirkwood, as without his perseverance and support I would not have become a referee. He is the main man that started it all and I wish to sincerely thank him”

Gary also mentioned the regard he holds his position in and the people he has encountered along his journey;

“I feel privileged to have been involved in the revolution of football in this State and I am proud to have played a part in it, all be it a small one.  There are many fine men and women that I have the pleasure of meeting on a weekly basis and I strive to serve them and the Federation as well as I can for the remainder of the season.”

 

David echoed the sentiments of both when advised of his achievement;

“Whilst as a referee you are always trying to improve and achieve the best possible appointments, refereeing also allows you to forge long lasting friendships. So, I am proud to achieve this milestone alongside my good friend Gary Mooney.”

“It only seems like yesterday that I started refereeing but looking back at the records it has been over 20 years. Time has truly flown by which is a good indication of how much I have enjoyed it.”

 

FFSA Elite Referee Coach, Paul Cetrangolo spoke to the achievement of the three officials recognised;

“It takes incredible discipline and consistent hard work to achieve this feat and Christian, Gary and David should be incredibly proud to have been at the top of their profession for so long. It’s a tough job and without committed officials like these three it would be even tougher to provide a consistent standard of officiating that the competition requires.”

FFSA would like to congratulate the three officials on their commitment and dedication to the sport over an extended period.