Auckland Rugby League
Referees Association

Jack Underwood is a past Illawarra international referee who went on to become a journalist with the Illawarra Mercury.

The following extract is from an article that Jack wrote about refereeing on Saturday July 22 1961.

"Abuse in public and private, criticism from your best friends and worst enemies, plenty of opposition and little assistance from people you are endeavouring to protect, few backslaps but plenty of kicks, are the everyday lot of a rugby league referee.

The lone white clad figure who makes up the 27th of a league fixture has certainly embarked on a tough sporting career the first day he steps out on a field with his only ally - a whistle. And as any referee who has been 'through the ropes' will tell you, it is an exciting, arduous experience which he has never regretted. A referee gets an insight into some real sportsmen, cheats, the cunning and the great - the Jekyll and Hyde character whose whole character changes when he changes from flannels and blazer to shorts and jersey. He is required to be a diplomat, an ambassador, coach of sorts, disciplinarian and upholder of the law, at the same time never losing the respect of the players he has been appointed to adjudicate upon.

It is not a job for the meek and mild, neither is it for the dogmatic or 'stand over' merchant. Just what are the rudiments of a successful referee? He must have a style, the more individual the better - he must be immaculate at all times without being a 'lair', have a thorough knowledge of the rules and a flair for interpreting them correctly and quickly. He must be in good condition, have a practical sense of the game which will allow his anticipation to always head that of the players. He must never be swayed in his opinion by a crowd, barracking, player's personalities, sympathy or the scoreboard.

Perhaps a referee with the speed of Harold Gillard, the appearance of Jack O'Brien, the solemnity of Jack Coltman, the anticipation of Tom McMahon, the discipline of Herb Mills, and the knowledge of them all , might be the perfect referee. But it is certain that such a mythical figure would still be heckled by a rugby league football crowd. A young referee aiming at reaching the top in his chosen profession should first get into condition. He should study the rule book diligently even in the off season. He should referee school and junior matches at every opportunity. Here he will have the pace to be able to experiment positional play, to allow him to view as much of the field as possible, while being close enough to let his presence be felt rather than heard by players. He should also experiment as much as possible with the advantage rule. For it is this rule which, correctly applied, can result in him having a quick rise in gradings.

He can command the respect of players only by quick decisions and consistent rulings.

A referee is exploited as much as possible by coaches and players. The young referee must seek his critics in an endeavour to find his particular weaknesses which are quickly circulated among clubs. But good or bad, a referee will certainly receive abuse in some of the most private places. He should listen to constructive criticism, but avoid anyone ever ready to destructively criticise. Any success achieved must never go to his head.

For the referee is not yet born who can claim to having refereed the 'perfect game'.

This then is the refereeing game, a vitally important section of the 'greatest game of all' - Rugby League."

The Auckland Rugby League Referees' Association is committed to the Aims and Objectives which are:-

1.   To raise the image and quality of referees and Touch Judges.
2.   To increase competency levels across the refereeing and Touch Judging population.
3.   To promote a most thorough knowledge, interpretation and application of the current       Laws of the game - i.e. both written word and the spirit of the Laws
4.   To improve the individual personal and interpersonal skills of Referees.
5.   To increase the retention rate of recruits by establishing and promoting a career path for       Referees and touch judges through the progressive levels of accreditation.
6.   To increase the number of recruits to the refereeing ranks by offering a suitable and       appropriate education process.
7.   To clearly define and develop assessment, coaching and support structures for referees       at all levels.
8.   To increase the number of quality assessors and course presenters.
9.   To provide an on-going practical on-field education for referees and Touch Judges.
10. To foster the concept that refereeing has neither gender nor cultural bias.
11. To assist in the involvement of the greater number of senior Referees in leadership roles       in the professional development of referees through in-service courses/programs.
12. To improve and enhance communication between referees at all levels of competition and       accreditation.
13. To promote refereeing within the ranks of teachers and past players.
14. To provide appropriate feedback to referees to ensure all are familiar with current Laws       and experimental innovations.
15. To develop codes of behaviour, practices and procedures which provide quality standards       of Refereeing.
16. To raise general awareness and support for the role of the referee and Touch Judge
17. To act as a vehicle for the fostering/encouragement of research in areas beneficial to       refereeing.
18. To allow for the development and a quicker, more efficient dissemination of current       refereeing resources and articles.
19. To assist in the development of a National Database of qualified referees at all levels.
20. To act as a medium for the on-going monitoring and assessment of the needs of Referees       and Touch judges."