Rugby Australia are setting out to fast-track the development of female referees through its female Match Official Leadership Program. The annual two-day event held last weekend (11 Feb 2023), was designed to create female leaders within the Match Official community whilst increasing female participation.
There are nine participants from across the country, with an additional 7 mentors for the 2023 program. It’s supported by Rugby Australia, the Rugby Club Foundation, Australian Sport Commission and the Australian Sports Foundation as raise representation within refereeing, referee coaching, and referee administration.
“The MO Female Leadership Program has been developed to build capability and capacity for women to become leaders within the MO community,” program mentor and Head of Inclusion – Referee Amy Perrett said in a statement.
“Most of these women are the only female MO in their association. It’s a fantastic opportunity to bring them together, share their experiences and know they have a network around them.”
“This is a key initiative to help recruit and retain female MO’s, and to build a pathway for female referees, referee coaches and administrators as we head towards the Golden Decade [Lions, men’s and women’s World Cups].”
Referees such as Jess Ling are among several graduates from the program in 2022, with Ling making her Test debut last April as she officiated Fiji v Japan. Ling is joined by the likes of Ella Goldsmith and Leesa Kenny, with Goldsmith refereeing at the World School Sevens whilst Kenny officiated the final of the Defence World Cup.
Mentors include trailblazer Perrett along with current leading female referees Tyler Miller and Amber McLachlan. Both Miller and McLachlan refereed at Rugby World Cup 2021, with McLachlan serving as assistant referee for New Zealand’s thrilling semi-final victory over France.
Rugby Australia Female Match Official Leadership Program 2023
Participants
- Clare Adamson – NSWRRA
- Jessica Craig – QRRA
- Zoe Groaters -NT Rugby Referees
- Amy Kilmister – ACTRRA
- Alyssa Osborne – GCDRU
- Amanda Sheeky – SARU Referees
- Marika Vertzonis – VRRA
- Jamie Wilson – SARU Referees
- Caitlin Winslade – SNRR
Mentors
- Annie Dickeson – ACTRAA
- Rachel Horton – New England Rugby Referees
- Kath Little – New England Rugby Referees
- Tyler Miller – Rugby WA Referees
- Amber McLachlan – VRRA
- Melanie Nash – VRRA
- Amy Perrett – NSWRRA
