Wellington Rugby Referees Association

This week sees the second annual ‘Thanks Ref’ Round of Club Rugby in Wellington. As part of recognising the vital role that referees play in delivering an entertaining game of rugby, we are profiling several referees over the week. The second of these is Aaron Conlon, a second year referee.

Remember, scream for your team: not at the ref!

1.      Why did you start refereeing Aaron?

AC: I started refereeing rugby due to dislocating my knee around 8 times and it was no longer possible for me to play.  After 3 years of being out of the game and running touch, I decided that I would like to become a referee to stay involved in the game.  

2.      What do you enjoy about refereeing?

AC: I enjoy that you learn life skills such as man management and respect.  I also enjoy the challenge, heaps of support from the guys in the association and that you are well coached along the way.  

The physical side of it – as a referee it is important to remain physically fit.  I enjoy that we must work on fitness to ensure that we make the best possible decision while on the field.

3.      What are the benefits of it for you? Do you see yourself wanting to make a career of it?

AC: Physical fitness, life skills and a supportive group of people surrounding you.  Also it can provide you with a very good mark on your CV when applying for a job.  If it was possible for me, I would absolutely love to view this as a career opportunity and with the support that I receive from the association, I don’t see why this couldn’t be a possible career path with doors to endless opportunities.

4.      If there was one thing you would want people to understand about refereeing, what would it be?

AC: This is a very rewarding activity and a great way to stay involved with Saturday morning sport if you are unable to play for any reason.  It is so pleasing to see most people truly appreciate the fact that you have taken your time to officiate their game.  I am so thankful for the association for helping me progress and would recommend the opportunity to anyone.

This week sees the second annual ‘Thanks Ref’ Round of Club Rugby in Wellington. As part of recognising the vital role that referees play in delivering an entertaining game of rugby, we are profiling several referees over the week. The first of these is David Rybinski, an 18 year-old, second year referee.

Remember, scream for your team: not at the ref!

1.      Why did you start refereeing David?
DR: I started refereeing because I was knocked out half way through last season in our 1st xv traditional against Silverstream. I was told I could not play rugby again because I would become a vegetable if I had another concussion. I was proactive because I love the game of rugby and still wanted to get involved with the game. Basically the “you make the call” course with David Walsh was introduced to me and I wanted to do this because I wanted to become a ref.

2.      What do you enjoy about refereeing?
DR: Fitness – I love getting out and keeping fit, because my life style at the moment involves hardly any exercise, reffing on a Saturday is great.

Keeping involved – I always wanted to stay in touch with rugby, I love it, have been involved with rugby since I was 4, so leaving the great game was not an option. I also enjoy reffing my pairs, and people who are similar to my age.

3.      What are the benefits of it for you? Do you see yourself wanting to make a career of it?

DR: The benefits of it, it the fact that I am still involved in the rugby circle. I would LOVE to make a career out of it. I am really enjoying my reffing at the moment

4.      If there was one thing you would want people to understand about refereeing, what would it be?
DR: “Without us there is no game”

Bottom line really, referees cop so much abuse from players and spectators, which is totally unnecessary.

5.      What do you do outside of rugby?

DR: Outside of rugby I am a full time student, studying radio, at the New Zealand Radio Training School