Development Program for Local Referees Established

The Illawarra Referees Association began to develop a program for young Referees in the district at the end of last season. The program has been designed to provide a development pathway for Referees between the ages of 16 and 20 who have been refereeing at their local club for at least one season.

The program officially commenced in February this year, with three young Referees being selected to participate. They first met as a group at the Kiama Sevens where they were inducted into the program. 

The program so far has included a number of education sessions which have covered topics such as Game Management Guidelines, Communication, and Advantage. Each of these education sessions has been followed up by a trip to a Waratahs home game, where our development Referees have had the opportunity to watch and listen to some of the best Super 14’s Referees.

Fitness training has also been included in the program, with regular training sessions and fitness testing taking place.

The Development Referees have been officiating in at least one match a week, and have also made themselves available to referee Pathways matches at their local clubs. Referee coaching is provided to the development referees on a regular basis. This allows them to work on specific skills under the supervision of experienced referee Coaches.

As the program moves into its second year, our Development Referees will begin training with the Illawarra Academy of Sport Rugby Union Squad. This experience will allow our Referees to see how players are coached in all aspects of the game, and allow them to see what coaches of teams are trying to achieve. On the flip side, players involved in the Rugby Squad will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the roles of the referee and gain an understanding of what they are trying to achieve in a match.

The Illawarra Referees Association will soon be calling for applications from suitable young Referees to be involved in the program in 2011. At this stage, there will be three positions available for applicants who are looking at pursuing a career as a Referee.

For further information on the program, please contact Norman Buchanan by email at normanjbuchanan@hotmail.com