THE LEGACY OF “Q” NEEDS TO BE MAINTAINED

David Matthews pays tribute to former International Referee Roger Quittenton and longs for

his “different” style to be revived

Roger Quittenton, International Referee who died in March aged 70, was very much ahead of his time in his approach to refereeing, another ‘character’ who enriched the game, and his passing marks one more stage in the disappearance of officials and players whose contribution will always be remembered for a very good reason; it was different.

His distinguished career took in twenty international matches between 1977 and 1989 which included the inaugural World Cup in 1987. A member of the London and Sussex Societies, he was renowned for a meticulous preparation and attention to detail which would not have been out of place in the ‘professional’ era. There is a spot secured for him in Welsh Rugby folklore ever since awarding the match deciding penalty to New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park in 1978; the 12-10 score line apparently resulted from All Blacks lock Andy Haden theatrically catapulting himself from the lineout to con a penalty. Roger’s version was that he had penalised Geoff Wheel for a push on Frank Oliver.

‘Q’, as he signed himself, brought his own idiosyncratic style to every aspect of the build up to a game, probably regarded by many as bonkers, but always he aimed to set the highest standards. Arriving the day before almost any appointment was the minimum requirement for travelling in England, two if a flight into Europe was involved. His only appearance at Liverpool St.Helens, who were playing Bristol in the old Courage League First Division, was typical of the pre-match formula: having checked in at his Haydock hotel on the Friday lunchtime, he made his way to the ground to familiarise himself with anticipated conditions at kick-off on the Saturday, particularly the light and “where the sun might be”! That celebrated visit was also noteworthy for his expenses claim; a Mars Bar appeared on the list – another feature of his unique ritual in the hour before the start, although he would have arrived considerably earlier.

And the stories are endless, all pointing to a single-minded dedication not always evident these days. I enjoyed his company, encouragement, advice and infectious enthusiasm for refereeing and he will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

We seem to live in an age where in sport and other aspects of life any spark of individuality or flair are frowned upon, almost actively discouraged so that we can all be the same. Tony Spreadbury, now one of the Professional Referee Managers employed by the RFU and himself an International Referee of some distinction, had his own inimitable methods of handling the game. From a more recent vintage and just the opposite of ‘Q’, one of his ‘tricks’ was to take an offending player away from the action but, in full view of the crowd and very deliberately, move his hand towards his pocket, only to pull out a handkerchief instead of the expected card; this party piece was reserved for somewhere like the Shed at Gloucester where it could be truly appreciated! Oh for a return to something different.     

David Matthews

28/4/2013