Well done 👏 to the squad members that officiated in ANZAC Round 🙌 #PRLMO #NRL #NRLOfficials #ANZACRound

As part of last week’s ANZAC Round, the NRL officiating squad were given the opportunity to participate in RSL LifeCare’s Spur Equine Program. This unique initiative is designed by veterans, for veterans, with a mission of promoting wellbeing and recovery. It was a great experience for the officials, and a special way for the squad to pay their respects to our ANZACs. #PRLMO #NRLANZACRound #NRLOfficials #RSL #RSLLifeCare #ANZAC

🄼🄸🄻🄴🅂🅃🄾🄽🄴 🄼🄾🄼🄴🄽🅃 Congratulations 👏 to Belinda Sharpe who will touch judge NRL game number 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ of her career when the Titans play the Sea Eagles at Cbus Super Stadium today. Growing up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Belinda played and refereed touch football. However, due to a shortage of rugby league referees in the area, it wasn’t long before she switched codes. Whilst progressing through the refereeing ranks, Belinda was a journalist for the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, before deciding to devote all her attention to officiating. After years of dedication to her passion, Belinda made her NRL debut in 2014 as a touch judge, before debuting as a referee in 2019. Today’s milestone is another significant achievement in Belinda’s pioneering career 🙌 #PRLMO #Milestones #200Games #NRL #NRLTitansSeaEagles

A massive congratulations 👏 to Wyatt Raymond, who will make his debut as an on-field referee, in the Storm v Bulldogs game tonight 🙌 Growing up playing rugby league in Townsville, Wyatt was a winger and a handy goal kicker. At the age of 15, he was convinced by one of the local referees at the time, Thomas Dungavell, to pick up the whistle. A year later, Wyatt officiated at the State U12s Carnival, under the guidance of renowned administrator, referee, and Coaching Match Official, John Topp. It was at this stage when he realised that refereeing was something that he was truly passionate about. In 2016, he became the youngest referee to officiate a Townsville and Districts Rugby League A-Grade Grand Final since Gavin Morris. Wyatt made his Intrust Super Cup debut in 2018, whilst in the same year, touch judging the NRL Women’s Premiership Grand Final. In 2020, Wyatt graduated from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, before moving to Brisbane to begin work as a physiotherapist. Merely a few months later, Wyatt was granted a full-time contract with the NRL. Tonight, Wyatt will become only the second Match Official hailing from Townsville to officiate an NRL game. In his short career thus far, Wyatt’s contribution to rugby league not only as a referee, but also as a Coaching Match Official, has been immense. Tonight’s milestone is an absolute testament to Wyatt’s insatiable desire to perfect his craft. Congratulations, Wyatt, on a wonderful achievement 👏 #PRLMO #Milestones #Debutant #NRLStormBulldogs

NRL Game 3️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ for G-Man 🙌 Adam Gee will officiate in NRL game 350 of his career today, when he serves as the Bunker Review Official for the Knights v Dragons clash at McDonald Jones Stadium. In a career that has spanned more than a decade, Adam has refereed 241 NRL games, officiated in 43 games as a Touch Judge and tonight’s encounter will mark his 66th appearance as a Bunker Review Official. Congratulations Adam 👏 #PRLMO #NRL #Milestones #NRLKnightsDragons #AdamGee

Congratulations to Grant Atkins who will officiate in NRL game 4️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ of his career today, when he referees the Bulldogs v Roosters match at Accor Stadium 🙌 Grant’s stellar career thus far has included 102 games as a Touch Judge, 86 games as a Bunker Review Official, and today’s clash will mark his 262nd appearance as a Referee. Well done mate 👏 #PRLMO #NRL #Milestones #NRLBulldogsRoosters #GrantAtkins

𝓥𝓪𝓵𝓮 𝓑𝓸𝓫 𝓛𝓪𝓷𝓲𝓰𝓪𝓷 One of rugby league’s most respected figures, Bob “Bobby” Lanigan, has passed away aged 81. Although he began his career as a player, Bobby made his name as a Ground Manager, overseeing more than 650 games in the role. Beginning in 1999, Bobby unwaveringly served the rugby league community for an astonishing 23 seasons. The PRLMO would like to extend its condolences to Bobby’s family and friends. 📸 NRL #PRLMO #NRL #BobLanigan

🅆🄴🄻🄻 🄳🄾🄽🄴 to the team of Match Officials who officiated in Round 4! Here are some of the best action shots 📸 from the long weekend 🏉 📷 NRL Imagery #ActionShots #PRLMO #NRL #NRLRound4

A massive congratulations to Jon Stone, who will officiate in NRL game 2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ of his career, when the Sea Eagles play the Roosters at 4 Pines Park on Sunday 🏉 Jon’s decorated NRL career thus far has included 68 games as a referee, and Sunday’s clash will mark his 132nd appearance as a touch judge. #PRLMO #Milestones #NRLSeaEaglesRoosters

“𝗜𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 🟢, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 1️⃣8️⃣” The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) 🏉 has launched a campaign aimed at promoting and fostering a positive environment for young Queensland referees. Beginning this season, Queensland referees under the age of 18 will be distinguished from adult Match Officials by their green socks. Queensland Match Officials manager, Clayton Sharpe, says that “While wearing green socks may seem like a small change, it represents a powerful message for the rugby league community.” The Green Socks Initiative will complement the extant Positive Environment Program (PEP). 📸 QRL Officiating #PRLMO #QRL #QRLOfficiating #GreenSocksInitiative🟢 #PositiveEnvironmentProgram

Well done to the team of Match Officials who officiated in Las Vegas 👏 📸 NRL Imagery #PRLMO #ActionShots #NRLLasVegas

PRLMO Appoints Matt Rodwell as Chairperson

The Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) has appointed current Director and former NRL player, Matt Rodwell to the role of Chairperson at this week’s Annual General Meeting. Rodwell played 188 First Grade games both in Australia and the English Super League. He also held the position of CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) between 2006 and 2009. Rodwell brings significant managerial and leadership acumen to the role as a current General Manager working in the insurance sector.

Rodwell’s appointment comes at a crucial time for match officials as the EBA negotiations with the National Rugby League are set to begin in early 2022. Rodwell appreciates the opportunity to lead the PRLMO “I am honored to be appointed Chair and will continue to work with the Board to ensure our members are recognised as key stakeholders of the game, are consulted on relevant issues and are respected for their challenging roles”.

The PMRLO also welcomes two new Directors to the Board in former First Grade Referees Gavin Morris (2010-2015, 98 games) and Adam Cassidy (2019, 11 games). Both Morris and Cassidy bring a wealth of officiating experience and the unique insights which can only be gained from officiating at the highest level of the game.

Rodwell formally acknowledges and thanks out-going Chair Silvio Del Vecchio on behalf of the Board as he stands down from the role to focus on other projects. “Silvio was key in the establishment of the PRLMO in 2015 and has been instrumental in achieving improved conditions and remuneration for PRMLO members”.

Also stepping away from the Board is Rohan Best who will be focusing on his career and young family. Rohan has made significant contributions to the PRLMO as a former First Grade match official and has bought a new level of professionalism to the digital and communications activities of the organisation. Existing Directors, Martin Ryan, Jessica Macartney and Peter Remfrey will continue to serve on the Board.

Cecchin announces retirement after two decades at the top

This week saw the announcement from leading NRL Match Official Matt Cecchin that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2021 season, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career spanning 20 years. 48-year-old Cecchin will take the field for the final time on Saturday night, when the South Sydney Rabbitohs play the St George-Illawarra Dragons at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Cecchin debuted as a referee in the NRL in July 2001, when the Wests Tigers played North Queensland at Leichardt Oval. He would go on to referee 370 first grade games, with a further 166 as a touch judge and 34 as a video referee. As one of the games top officials throughout this period, he officiated in an incredible 40 finals fixtures, including 24 as a referee and 16 on the sideline. Cecchin refereed 3 NRL Grand Finals (2011, 2016, 2017) and was a touch judge in a further 2. He was an official for 5 State of Origin matches, 4 as a referee and 1 as a touch judge. He also refereed 13 Test Matches. Cecchin was the recipient of the Col Pearce Medal for the 2017 season, recognised as the game’s leading match official.

Cecchin’s contribution to officiating and the wider rugby league community has extended far beyond his on-field achievements. Over the years he has regularly volunteered his time working with non-profit organisations, including Pass it on Clothing, who provide clothing to the homeless in and around Sydney. He is a strong advocate for mental health, who has done significant work in this space for match officials, including as an ambassador for the NRL’s State of Mind Program. Cecchin was a key driver behind the initiative that allowed the elite squad to have access to their own mental health professional on a permanent basis. At the time, he spoke about the increased scrutiny match officials are under in the modern game.

“It’s not just journos, but social media,” he said.

“When I was first in first grade, I had one or two stories written about me a year. Now, there’s hundreds of comments after a game. Younger blokes coming through are exposed to far more than I ever was.”

As the first openly gay match official to reach the top level in rugby league, Cecchin has also been a role model and advocate for inclusion in sport. In 2019, he was asked to provide the keynote address at the Australian Pride in Sports Awards. Speaking on first coming out he said,

“I could just be myself and be respected for what I did in sport.

“And that’s thanks to those before me who were brave, who had to be loud and proud, it’s those people that I have so much appreciation for.

“Role models in society, and very much so in sport, help shape the way people think feel and react.”

Speaking to Andrew Webster from the Sydney Morning Herald after announcing his retirement this week, Cecchin provided great insight into how the game has changed since he first stepped out on Lecihardt Oval in 2001.

“The game is way more technical,” he said.

“The difficulty now is the contradiction between what the game wants from the referee and what it expects. On one hand, they want extreme accuracy [scrutinised by] nine cameras and super-slow-mo. But they also don’t want the game to be decided by a referee unless he absolutely must.

“If you want the referee to be black-and-white, that’s easy to officiate. We can be robots and blow 30 penalties. When we don’t referee like that, the game is great entertainment. Do we let things flow and become less accurate, but at the same time be fair? That’s the art of refereeing. That’s what most people want.”

What is clear through the countless tributes and messages from players, administrators and the public alike since the announcement, Cecchin is widely respected and highly regarded across the rugby league community, not just as a match official, but as a person. Despite all of the changes to the way the game is played and officiated, through various interpretations, coaches and management teams, Cecchin’s professionalism and commitment to making a positive contribution to the game and his colleagues has endured.

“Matt has been an outstanding referee, but perhaps more importantly, he is an even more outstanding human being.” said PRLMO Chairman Silvio Del Vecchio.

“We congratulate him on a most stellar career. Our game will miss him very much.”

Refs Head North as Game Must Go On

This week the NRL is facing one of the greatest logistical challenges in its history, as 12 clubs converge on the sunshine state to keep the competition alive. As all of the Sydney-based clubs, along with the Raiders, Knights and Warriors, prepare to make the move, the game’s whistle blowers are also packing their bags.

Earlier in the week, the fulltime match officials were advised they would have to leave their Sydney-based homes and follow the clubs to the safe haven of Queensland. For many, this means saying goodbye to partners, children, family and friends, a sacrifice they are willing to make to ensure the sustainability of the competition.

“We’ll have twenty officials and five staff making the trip up to Queensland tomorrow afternoon and they will be based in Brisbane for the foreseeable future” said NRL General Manager of Elite Officiating Jared Maxwell.

“The NRL will facilitate the travel and accommodation of immediate family to ensure our officials can have their support network around them.

“These family members will have to do 14 days of hotel quarantine separately, but will then be able to join the officials and be there for them throughout this period.”

Maxwell acknowledged the importance of the rugby league community working through this period together and praised the willingness of the match officials to again play their part.

“Our squad members have proven they are resilient and adaptable. They are rugby league fans who love what they do. Their focus remains on doing a good job across the remaining rounds of the competition.

“I’d particularly like to thank the NRL and the ARLC for the empathy and support they have shown by their willingness to include families of our officials.”

NRL match official Kasey Badger echoed Maxwell’s sentiments.

“You don’t start refereeing, and stay refereeing for such a long time, unless you genuinely love the game,” she said.

“It’s that love for the game that makes us all want to contribute in ensuring the competition continues.

“We are very supportive of the decision the game has made, and recognise the hard work that is going on behind the scenes to make this move happen.

“We hope to play our part in ensuring the season continues uninterrupted, and hopefully the NRL can provide some entertainment for fans in the community who are doing it tough at the moment.”

Leading whistle blower Grant Atkins will already be in Queensland as the standby referee for tomorrow night’s final State of Origin. He now faces the prospect of an indefinite stay.

“As a group, we understand the importance of serving the game the best we can for the remainder of the season,” Atkins said.

“Many of us are leaving behind partners and children, which is incredibly difficult, however, the support of our families should never be underestimated.”

Speaking about leaving his two young daughters in Sydney, Atkins said, “It’s heartbreaking to be honest, but kids have a level of understanding that often blows my mind.”

Chairman of the PRLMO Silvio Del Vecchio reflected on what is an anxious time for many.

“This is unlike anything the game has ever faced,” he said.

“Our members have always been committed to ensuring the game can continue.

“This move will be a huge sacrifice. Some will leave behind young families and even pregnant partners, but they know these are unprecedented times and the decision to move was very much a necessary one for the game.”

Del Vecchio thanked the NRL for supporting the officials and allowing families to travel where possible.

“I want to sincerely thank Jared Maxwell, Gavin Reynolds, and the team at the NRL for making this process as smooth as possible in difficult circumstances.

“The refereeing department are a small group, but they are working tirelessly, and are also having to leave their families behind to relocate. As fans of the game, that deserves our acknowledgement and appreciation.”

Statement on Retirement of Henry Perenara

Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) are aware news has been circulating regarding the medical retirement of one of the games most experienced match officials, Henry Perenara.

Henry has confirmed he has been diagnosed with exercise-induced supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), and on the advice of medical professionals, made the difficult decision to retire from on-field duties. The PRLMO have been working closely with Henry in recent weeks to support him through this process in every way possible. 

Henry has had a remarkable career in the NRL as both a player and referee. He debuted for the Auckland Warriors in the year 2000 and went on to play 72 first grade game for five clubs. He also played two Test Matches for New Zealand Maori, and one for New Zealand.

Henry entered the refereeing ranks through a cadet program focused on former players. He made his debut in the middle in 2011, where he oversaw the Round 17 fixture between the Roosters and Raiders. He would go on to referee 205 first grade games, with a further 33 as a touch judge. His NRL match official number is 106. He has also referred 10 Test Matches and was recently selected as part of the International Rugby League’s first ever Elite Match Official Squad.

“Henry’s contribution to Rugby League as a player and match official is simply remarkable,” said PRLMO Chairman Silvio Del Vecchio.

“To perform at this level on the game’s biggest stage for over 20-years deserves our absolute respect and admiration.”

Despite his retirement from on field duties, Henry will continue with the NRL Match Officials Department, working as a review official in the Bunker and performing a number of coaching functions with both top tier and up and coming match officials.

“The health and well-being of match officials has always been our top priority,” Del Vecchio added.

“I want to sincerely thank Jared Maxwell and the NRL for their continued support of Henry.”

PRLMO announce new look Board

Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) are excited to announce a number of changes to their Board of Directors for the 2021 season.

At their Annual General Meeting, the PRLMO announced Silvio Del Vecchio had been returned as Chairman for a further year.

Silvio Del Vecchio has been returned as the Chairman of the PRLMO (Photo Credit: ABC News)

“I feel truly privileged to be able to continue to serve as Chairman of the PRLMO,” Del Vecchio said.

“2020 was an incredibly tough year. I am proud of the way our members conducted themselves in the various challenges they faced, and very much look forward to ensuring they continue to have a voice in the future.”

Deputy Chairman Mike Eden stepped down from his role prior to the AGM to allow new and passionate advocates to pursue the interests of match officials. Executive Officer Paul Holland and Board Member Shannon Byrne also stood down from their respective roles.

“It is important to get fresh blood and fresh ideas formulating policy and actions,” Holland said.

Del Vecchio could not speak more highly of the contribution made by all three, as he thanked them for their service to the PRLMO.

“Mike, Shannon and Paul have each served the PRLMO and its members tirelessly over a number of years,” he said.

“They have been there through the highs and the lows. I am truly grateful for their hard work and commitment and I know our members appreciate their efforts. We wish them every success for the future.”

Martin Ryan, a long-term Director on the PRLMO Board, was elected as the Deputy Chairman for 2021, while former NRL match official and current Board Member Rohan Best was elected to fill the vacant Executive Officer role.

Three new Directors will join the PRLMO Board, bringing vast knowledge and experience from their diverse backgrounds.

Matthew Rodwell will join the PRLMO Board (Photo Credit: Herald Sun)

Former first grade player Matthew Rodwell will join the PRLMO, having previously been the CEO of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA). Rodwell played close to 200 first grade games in Australia and England and has also worked as an expert commentator. He is currently the General Manager of a large Australian insurance company, having forged a remarkable track record of operational and commercial excellence in business since his playing career ended.

Speaking on the appointment Rodwell said, “It’s an honour to join the Board of the PRLMO and to be able to assist the match officials, who are such an important stakeholder in our game.

“I am hoping to add some value around building a professional, respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with the NRL relevant to the dedicated and committed squad of match officials.”

He will be joined by Jessica Macartney, a specialist in health and wellbeing, sport, education, media and public relations. Macartney has incredibly close ties to the game, having formerly worked in roles with the NRL and Men of League Foundation.

Jessica Macartney with former NRL player Joel Thompson at a recent mental health workshop in Forbes (Photo Credit: Forbes Advocate)

“It is a great privilege to join the PRLMO Board and support the invaluable contribution the match officials make to our great game,” Macartney said.

“I am looking forward to bringing my background in mental health and well-being, as well as my existing connections with rugby league to further strengthen the PRLMO.”

The final vacancy will be filled by the current Chair of Police Bank and CEO of the Workers Health Centre, Peter Remfrey, who brings a wealth of experience from his long career in industrial relations.

Remfrey spent a considerable part of his professional career as Secretary of the Police Association of NSW. He is an experienced advocate, with a sound working knowledge of the legislation underpinning both the NSW and National industrial relations systems.

“I am honoured to be appointed to the Board of the PRLMO,” Remfrey said.

“Referees are integral to the success of the game, so attracting and retaining elite match officials is essential.

Peter Remfrey is the current Chair of Police Bank and served as the Secretary of the Police Association NSW for over 20 years (Photo Credit: Police Bank)

“I look forward to contributing to ensuring they are respected and treated fairly.”

The changes to the PRLMO Board of Directors come at a crucial time for match officials and rugby league, as the game looks to emerge from a season that was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the various implications it delivered.

Member welfare will be a focus for the PRLMO, as they move towards a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement with the NRL at the end of 2022.

The Last Dance for Rugby League's Biggest Fan

On Saturday afternoon, Gavin Badger will walk out on to ANZ Stadium in Sydney for his 411th game in the National Rugby League. When the fulltime siren sounds, it will mark the end of an 18-year career that saw Badger become one of the most capped and most respected officials in the history of Australian sport.

This week the NRL confirmed Badger would not be offered a contract for the 2021 season, despite remaining one of the fittest and most respected referees in the game. Following the announcement, family, friends and rugby league fans from around the world took to social media to express their disappointment and congratulate Badger on an outstanding career.

Badger made his first-grade debut in Round 17 of the 2004 season when the Brisbane Broncos played the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium. He would go on to referee 354 games, with over 100 of those in the one-referee model. He was a touch judge for 57 games.

When the game emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in May of this year, the NRL announced the officials would revert to a one-referee model for the remainder of the season. Despite his significant experience in that model, Badger was relegated to the touch line where he remained for the season, until he was ultimately advised his services were no longer required.

“It’s been a dream come true to do what I do,” Badger said

“As a rugby league fan, I have the best seat in the house every week.

“Now that I have had some more time to think about it, the sadness has gone and I am focused on being positive and reflecting on what I have been able to achieve and the amazing people I have been able to meet along the way.”

Badger will leave the NRL as the third most capped referee of all time behind only Bill Harrigan (393) and Ben Cummins (382). But even this does not adequately reflect the mark he has left.

A proud Gadigal man with Dhungutti bloodlines, Badger has been a source of inspiration for indigenous men and women everywhere.  

In recent years, Badger has been an ambassador for the not-for-profit child protection organisations ChildSafe Australia and Bravehearts. Badger went public with his own story as a survivor of child sexual abuse in the hope that it would help others speak out and overcome their own trauma. He has also spent considerable time working with the New South Wales Rugby League and various district associations to coach and develop younger referees, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as his indisputable passion for the game.

From humble beginnings, Gavin Badger has forged a remarkable career on the premise of hard work and respect. His commitment to the game and his own drive to constantly improve and perform at his peak has seen him remain at the top through multiple head coaches and administrations, earning him the respect and admiration of the wider rugby league community.

As one of the sport’s biggest fans, there is no doubt Badger will not be lost to rugby league and will play a pivotal role in developing and mentoring the next generation of match officials, as well as continuing to promote inclusion and diversity across the game.

The Professional Rugby League Match Officials thank Gavin Badger for his service to the Game and to officiating and wish him all the very best for the next chapter.

Want to hear more about Gavin’s incredible journey to the NRL? He recently sat down with Tristan K’Nell for an episode of the Talking with TK Podcast. You can stream it now by CLICKING HERE

Single Referee System to Proceed for 2020 on a trial basis

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) and the Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) today reached an agreement to resolve its dispute ahead of the resumption of the 2020 NRL competition on May 28.

After a meeting between Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys AM and the referee’s union today, it was agreed:

• One referee will officiate NRL Competition Matches for the remainder of the 2020 season on a trial basis;

• A minimum of 22 full-time referee positions will be retained in 2020 and 2021;

• A review of the new system will be conducted when the season ends by a working group consisting of representatives of  players, coaches, referees and NRL management;

• Its recommendations will be presented to the ARLC Commission for their good faith consideration in determining the future officiating model for the NRL Competition.

Silvio Del Vecchio, Chairman of the PRLMO said:

“ We are pleased that we have a solution that gets us all to the end of this season. We always said that the game will go ahead next week, and it will, that’s what we always wanted.

“It is a constructive sign that the NRL have agreed to do this on a trial basis until the end of the year. Our case in the Fair Work Commission will be resumed, if necessary, and can be revisited, following the ARLC Commission’s response to the Working Group’s deliberations at the end of the season. ”

Rugby League Will Start Next Week

Rugby League will start next week.

That’s the unwavering commitment from us, the Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) to Rugby League fans around the country.

There has been some confusion and a great deal of distortion around the dispute we are having with the League’s bosses. This is not about us. It goes to the core of what the great game of Rugby League is all about. It is about the safety of the players, as well as the best interests of the wider Rugby League community. It is also about fair and real consultation.

12 years ago the NRL, in genuine consultation with us and other key stakeholders, decided to add an extra on-field ref. They made that decision the right way, and it remains the right call today. Back then current NRL executive Graham Annesley heralded this historic reform:

"We have talked about it for 10 years, so the time has come” (Daily Tele 2008)

It’s simple: today’s game is safer with 2 refs.

On numerous occasions, the second referee has picked up potential causes of harm to players which were not detected at the same time by the other 3 match officials, nor the bunker. This includes tackles, holds and throws that can cause significant injury. Identifying and responding to these incidents promptly is crucial in ensuring player safety, and in complying with concussion protocols where a head injury is suspected. But this does not appear to concern the League’s bosses.

More importantly for them is, “a more entertaining, free-flowing game”. (ARLC Chairman, Peter V’landys 13 May). Yet they cannot explain how taking one referee off the field would achieve that. They also sometimes argue that it’s a cost saving measure. Media reports claim the NRL will receive $2 billion from their new broadcast deal. The cost saving of going to one ref is simply peanuts. However, in the spirit of cooperation, the referees were willing to meet and exceed any savings by cutting their wages further. This is on top of the pay cut they have already taken. From the moment the game first shutdown due to the pandemic, the referees have been approaching the League wanting to play their part and share the sacrifices to ensure the Game’s viability moving forward.

The League bosses were simply arrogant with this one ref decision. They were like a ‘bull in a china shop’. They ignored the unanimous view of a Project Apollo discussion panel held on 11 May 2020. Representatives there included players, coaches and clubs, all of whom agreed that the two-referee model was superior. They were just ignored.

We are committed to our great game, and to keeping it both exciting and safe. If we lose the next hearing in the Fair Work Commission, we will be on the field with one referee on May 28. But if we are successful, we expect that the NRL will respect that decision and have two referees on the field in Round 3 and beyond.

PRLMO lodge dispute with Fair Work Commission

Professional Rugby League Match Officials (PRLMO) Incorporated have today lodged a Dispute Notice with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) under their Enterprise Agreement, regarding the decision to move from two referees in the National Rugby League (NRL) to one.

The PRLMO represents the vast majority of NRL match officials, both full time and casuals, and it is their understanding that the NRL do not have the option to change the officiating model during the term of the Agreement, which extends to the end of 2022.

The Dispute Notice now forces the NRL to engage in meaningful dialogue with the match officials via the PRLMO, something they have been seeking for weeks since the competition was first suspended. The PRLMO sincerely hope this dialogue will enable resolution. If not, it is their understanding that the matter may proceed to the Fair Work Commission for conciliation, and then if necessary, to arbitration whereby the FWC itself decides the matter. 

The PRLMO are confident that in this circumstance the FWC would rule in their favour and enforce the retention of the current two-referee officiating model. They anticipate this outcome can be achieved prior to the first game on May 28.

The PRLMO are providing instruction on this matter to Michael Harmer of Harmers Workplace Lawyers. Harmers are associated with the PRLMO as a partner since early in 2020. 

In taking this action, they are mindful of the wider interests of all stakeholders in the game of rugby league, including fans, sponsors, clubs and players. The PRLMO and its members are concerned that the proposed change to a single referee model has enormous implications, and yet the notice period prior to a decision has been only two working days (Monday, 11 and Tuesday, 12 May). 

PRLMO Chairman Silvio Del Vecchio said, “We are determined that on the 28th of May the quality of our Game as we know it it will be retained, by being officiated under the current model that has been tested and successful for more than a decade.

“It is in the best interests of the safety of players, and the integrity of the Game itself.”

In their submission to the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) meeting on Wednesday, the PRLMO provided seven reasons why any change required longer and more careful planning and wider consultation. These reasons included:

• Duty of care to players

• Duty of care to match officials

• The best interests of fans and sponsors

• Potential errors in calculation of the financial saving, which is the primary rationale provided by the NRL and ARLC

• The consistent messages of the NRL about the superiority of the two-referee model, including as recently as last year’s Grand Final.

With regards to the duty of care to players, for example, the PRLMO is aware that a very high percentage of incidents of potential harm to players is detected by the second centre official (the assist ref); without the assist ref’s unique angle, incidents are more likely to go undetected, such as contact with the head of a ball-carrier in a tackle. The assist ref thereby also enables more timely application of HIA rules.

It is important to note that the intention of this action by the PRLMO is to ensure that the NRL engages in dialogue, which it has so far failed to do. 

“We continue to ask the NRL to engage in open dialogue with us, yet they continue to ignore those requests”, Del Vecchio said.

This Dispute Notice seeks merely to enforce workplace laws. The NRL and PRLMO freely entered into the Enterprise Agreement and neither party can act outside of it. These actions do not prevent the competition from commencing on May 28 but do influence the officiating model that will apply.