As volunteer organisations, the ability of all referee associations to support existing members is a finite resource. Supporting and working with all the other stakeholders in the game for recruitment, accreditation and support of new match officials is even more limited.

NSW Rugby Referees Association (NSWRRA) recognised that creating and bringing in new members is not only healthy for their own member base but also critical to the national strategic goal for increased participation leading up to the 2027 and 2029 World Cups in Australia. Naturally, more participation will necessitate more match officials.

In 2023, NSWRRA approached The Rugby Club Foundation for support in tackling this problem with the creation of a full-time Match Official Development Officer (MODO). The role to have clear objectives for partnerships with clubs, schools, competitions supporting their recruitment and creation of match officials for both their own competitions and then to join NSWRRA in officiating in Sydney metro competitions.

Since the start of 2024, the MODOs activities have supported

• 14 referee ready courses delivered to over 180 individulas with several further courses scheduled and planned in coming weeks. The conversion rate from participation in these courses to association membership has doubled the from historical rate.

• a 7% growth in NSWRRA member numbers since end of season 2023 in contrast to a 12% decline nationally.

• the Schools Partnership Program, piloted to give school-based referees a connection to the association via regular education and support sessions. Expansion plans are underway with several other schools wanting to participate in the program.

NSWRRA President, David Marshall says “We are delighted with the early indicators from the efforts of the MODO’s work. It is clear this is a critical function supporting the Match Officials and the broader game of rugby and we expect to see some clear further improvements. We are very thankful for the support of The Rugby Club Foundation, as on our own this level of focus would have been challenging and financially impossible.”

Clubs or schools that would like support or assistance in their recruitment or programs for Match Officials are encouraged to contact Mitch DeLorenzo directly at mitch.delorenzo@nsw.rugby

The Foundation is proud to be assisting in growing the Match Official community and in turn enriching the Rugby experience for many.

About NSWRRA:

NSW Rugby Referees Association is the largest referee Association in the country, with over 310 members, covering the Sydney metro basin at all levels of rugby from Juniors (South Sydney Zone) - schools - opens to all Senior fixtures right up to Jack Scott Cup and Shute Shield.

All match officials are welcome to join - NSWRRA supports members with ongoing education, coaching and development pathways.