Veteran rugby league referee and administrator Noel Bissett called on officials to simplify things in a bid to ease the pressure on the game's men in the middle.
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The former State of Origin video referee first picked up the whistle in 1968 and took charge of 275 first grade games.
Bissett will be one of four people inducted into ACT Sport Hall of Fame at the end of the month, with Bissett to join as an associate member and he says referees are doing it tough in the modern game.
"It was just as difficult in my day but I didn't have pressures of everyone listening in. These days there's radios everywhere and everyone knows what decision you’re going to make before you make it," Bissett said.
"I particularly feel sorry for the refs of today, they are under pressure with people in their ear and on the sideline and in the box, when in our day you had two touchies and worked together as a team.
"There was also more of an opportunity to talk to players and win their confidence but these days everyone hears those conversations.
"I think the technology has gone too far but I don't think they'll come back. I can't see any way they can block out the noise for the referees now."
Baseballer Jeff Williams, touch star Garry Lawless and coaching great Dick Telford will join Bissett in this year's Hall of Fame intake.
Bissett's decades-long dedication to the game and commitment to the NSW and ACT fire brigades saw him awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2013.
Bissett will step down as the Canberra Region Rugby League chairman in December but promised to stay involved in the game.
He said learning of his an induction proved an emotional moment.
"I've never been so honoured in all my life," Bissett said.
"There are lots of memories, appointments of international matches and grand finals and just helping people out young people in the game.
"Certain aspects of the game are very gratifying and to have some input into the Canberra committee is great too.
"I thank all my colleagues I've been associated with and all the people I've met through the years, it's been a great journey and I've met wonderful people.
"I think more young people should get involved in refereeing, it's a wonderful sport and way to communicate with people and a great way to set your goals."
