BATHURST Touch Football competition is one of the strongest summer sports in Bathurst and the success of the competition is due in no small part to the 20 years of service that David Weekes has given to association.

“I’ve just been elected for my 20th consecutive year on the committee, this year as treasurer,” Weekes said.

During that time Weekes said there had been a number of changes including grounds and player numbers but said the changes to referees and rules were the most significant.

“We used to have a duty system back then and now we pay our referees so we get more consistent rulings and conduct of play has also improved,” he said.

“We went from seven-a-side to six-a-side, six-a-side like they play in tournaments and competitively so we changed our rules to match what NSW and Australian touch is doing.

“Certainly the competition has grown, there were about 50 teams back in those days and there is 90 plus teams now so it has virtually doubled over that period.

“The committee hasn’t changed much, just usually a few good men, but we have got the best committee now we have probably ever had.”

That committee includes President Stuart Graham and Secretary Peter West, who, along with Weekes, are lobbying council to let the association move to East Learmonth Park so they will have a top rate surface and a permanent home.

Since Weekes began with the association they have played at St Pats, Alan Morse Park, CSU, Learmonth Park and last year the competition had to be moved to Police Paddock during the finals.

The association is calling for team entries for this year’s competition which kicks off on October 27 this year and all registration is done on their website.

The Cody’s Hotel and XXXX Gold Bathurst Touch Football competition will include A, B, C and D grades as well as a women’s competition and a men’s over 30s comp.

This year the association will also gauge interest in a men’s over 40s competition.

They are also looking for people interested in refereeing throughout the season and will hold a refereeing course at 1pm on October 18 at the Eddy Hotel with those interested asked to contact Weekes through the website.

To register a team or your interest in becoming a referee for the competition, visit the association’s website at http://www.bathurst-touch-football.asn.au/.