News

With the growth of playing numbers in Counties Manukau Rugby this season there has become a real struggle to find a referee for each organised game.

Refereeing numbers have long been a concern, but the situation has reached a critical moment with there being not enough referees available to fill the number of fixtures scheduled each weekend.

The shortage needs to be filled from within clubs and schools and Counties Manukau Rugby Referees Association along with Counties Manukau Rugby are asking for more people to sign up to the Associate Referees Course to urgently grow those numbers.

Referees are provided a $50 koha to go towards travel expenses for each game they referee.

"We have reached a point where we just don't have enough referees each weekend to control each game," Counties Manukau Rugby Referee and Community Projects Manager Brandon Roberts said.

"Building new teams and grades is great but does require more referees.

"We need more referees - it is as simple as that.

"Any new referee will be joining a fun, enjoyable and well supported community of people who want to contribute to making a positive social impact within our community. Refereeing will provide avenues for personal growth, provide a community of like-minded people, creating new friendships and providing a sense of belonging.

"Experience the transformative power of sport. Get costs covered to be active, stay involved in sport and make a positive contribution to society.

"Get in touch with us and you'll be making a big difference."

The final associate referee course takes place on Tuesday 23 April at Navigation Homes Stadium from 6pm while your first chance to get a taste of refereeing is just a few weeks away at the Counties Manukau Under 14 tournament 4^th May. For more information about either the associate referee course or refereeing at the tournament please contact brandon.roberts@steelers.co.nz

To register to become a referee this year click here.

Got a question about becoming a referee in Counties Manukau? Contact brandon.roberts@steelers.co.nz.

Thanks to Four Winds Foundation whose funding supports our work in growing and educating referees in our region.