PRLMO not consulted on proposed return to one referee

Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) are extremely disappointed with Friday’s announcement by the National Rugby League (NRL) that it will seek approval from the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) to return to a one referee model in 2020.

Since the Game shutdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the PRLMO has sought to engage in meaningful ongoing negotiations with the NRL regarding the proposed restart. The match officials have already made significant personal sacrifices to assist in making the restart viable and had indicated they were ready to further play their part in ensuring the long-term interests of the Game. Returning to a single referee model was never raised in any of the discussions and is a decision that has wide-reaching implications across the Game.

On Saturday, PRLMO Chairman Silvio Del Vecchio spoke of his deep disappointment at the level of disrespect the NRL has once again shown towards the PRLMO and the officiating squad, “We find it absolutely outrageous that the NRL chose to announce this to our members at the same time as they issued a media release flagging a return to one referee, he said.

“We have long sought a relationship with the NRL based on mutual respect and transparency. If the NRL genuinely want to restart the competition on May 28, they will need to consider a conciliatory approach towards our members moving forward.”

Del Vecchio was only made aware of the proposal just minutes before the match officials were told Friday night. “We have been in discussions with the NRL, in good faith, he said. “We have an EBA in place, which requires consultation from the NRL regarding any changes that impact the match officials. Clearly this wasn’t done.

“The match officials are committed to the restart of the Game, but the way the NRL has announced this proposal is incredibly disrespectful. We will continue to work closely with our members; they have asked us to explore our options for industrial action if it were to come to that.

“We hope to start discussions with the NRL regarding this matter as soon as possible and we will continue to work towards a positive outcome for both our members and the Game.”

PRLMO announces partnership with Harmers Workplace Lawyers

Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) are proud to announce an exclusive partnership with one of Australia’s largest employment and industrial law practices, Harmers Workplace Lawyers. Harmers has represented many of Australia’s largest corporations, CEOs and senior executives across a broad range of industries and has run some of Australia’s landmark cases in employment and discrimination.

The announcement comes as PRLMO members prepare to take the field for what is sure to be an exciting 2020 season in the National Rugby League. The PRLMO now represents the professional and industrial interests of over 90% of the active officials in the NRL, and this new partnership will ensure those members continue to have unrivalled access to industry leading knowledge and resources.

In announcing the partnership this week, PRLMO Director Martin Ryan commented, “From time to time the PRLMO require access to professional employment law advice, and hence we have been seeking a partnership. We are delighted that our first choice, Harmers Workplace Lawyers, have agreed to partner with us.

Harmers Chairman and Senior Team Leader Michael Harmer has over 40 years’ experience and is a recognised industry leader in workplace relations.  His remarkable resume has seen him provide legal and strategic advice in a number of major enterprise bargaining and change management initiatives, while building up extensive experience and expertise in a variety of practice areas. Harmers Workplace Lawyers was the recipient of six awards last year alone, including Employment Law Specialist Firm of the Year at the Australasian Law Awards.

PRLMO Director Martin Ryan (left) with Michael Harmer

Speaking on the new partnership with the PRLMO, Harmer said, “We are delighted to partner with the PRLMO. Harmers has a long history of representing both elite athletes and sports sector clients. We are passionate about ensuring that match officials receive the best legal advice to ensure the protection of their workplace rights. Justice for referees is important to the future quality of the game.”

You can find out more about Harmers Workplace Lawyers by visiting www.harmers.com.au

For comments and photographs, please contact Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated directly via info@prlmo.com.au or 0448 190 077.

Refs join campaign to help Samoan families this Christmas

PROFESSIONAL Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated have proudly joined the campaign to spread Christmas cheer across Samoa, as the country battles a measles crisis that had already claimed in excess of 50 lives.

The initiative, which was started by Manly star Martin Taupau and his wife Michelle, is aimed at delivering Christmas presents to children in the affected areas to spread joy and hope in what has been a harrowing time for so many.

In excess of 50 children under the age of five have already died as a result of the outbreak, with more than 4,000 reported cases of the highly contagious disease in the country.

Grant Atkins and Rohan Best delivering the toys that will be sent to Samoan families this Christmas

With multiple organisations already working to provide sanitary items and supplies to the region, Martin and Michelle, who works as the NRL Community Relations Manager, decided to focus on spreading Christmas spirit to bring some much-needed relief to families who are struggling. Through their work, the NRL Community team have been able to garner support for the cause.

Hearing of Taupau’s campaign, the members of the PRLMO immediately came together to support the cause and contribute. This week NRL referee Grant Atkins and PRLMO Board Member Rohan Best delivered a car boot full of toys that will be sent to families in the region as part of the campaign.

“Our Game does an amazing job of coming together and supporting the community in times of need.” said Atkins.

“When we heard about this initiative, our members were united in their strong desire to support the Samoan community, as they work through this incredibly tough time.

“We just hope our small contribution can put a smile on the face of some of those kids this Christmas, and allow the families affected to share in that joy.”

In receiving the donations from the PRLMO on Wednesday, Taupau expressed his gratitude for their generosity and support.

Atkins during the 2019 NRL season

"It's amazing; I'm really appreciative of all the players, the NRL Community team and officials that have showed their love on social platforms and verbally as well," he said.

"We're really, really fortunate in the game of rugby league that they want to donate and be a part of this. The PRLMO and its members are no exception. The way they reached out and wanted to help is wonderful."

Taupau shared a message of solidarity for the Samoan people doing it tough.

"The NRL is behind them - all the players, all the officials, all the fans, everyone within the NRL is supporting them," he said.

"We're doing everything we can within our powers to support them, whether it's showing love, keeping them in our prayers or donating any items that will bring joy and happiness leading into the Christmas period."

Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated (PRLMO) represents the professional and industrial interests of elite match officials in the National Rugby League.

Match officials announced for NRL Grand Final day

Ben Cummins will take control of his fifth Grand Final in the National Rugby League this Sunday. He has been appointed the Head Referee for the decider between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium. He will be assisted by Gerard Sutton, who is also appearing in his fifth Grand Final. This will be the second time the pair have worked together in the final game of the season, having presided over the 2015 game between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys that was decided in Golden Point.

Ben Cummins will officiate in his fifth NRL Grand Final this Sunday

Chris Butler and Nick Beashel have been appointed as the touch judges for Sunday night’s game. Both have Grand Final experience and have worked together in many significant fixtures. Jared Maxwell will be the Senior Review Official and he will be assisted by Ben Galea.

“Ben and Gerry have been the standout referees in the finals series and they will make an excellent team on Sunday in the grand final,” said NRL head of football Graham Annesley

“The have a significant amount of experience in big games.

‘They have both refereed in grand finals previously and Gerry refereed in all three State of Origins this year. There is no doubt in my mind they are the best referees for the job.”

Todd Smith will referee the 2019 NRL State Championship Final

Kasey Badger has been appointed as the Head Referee for the second Holden Women’s Premiership Grand Final featuring the Brisbane Broncos and the St-George Illawarra Dragons. Badger was the assist referee for the inaugural NRLW Grand Final last year. She will be assisted by Queensland’s Daniel Schwass.

In the NRL State Championship Final, the Newtown Jets of the New South Wales Canterbury Cup will take on the Burleigh Bears from Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.

Todd Smith will cap of an impressive season as the Head Referee, having last week refereed the Canterbury Cup Grand Final. He will be assisted by Tyson Brough, who was also the Assist Referee for the Intrust Super Cup decider.

“My most hearty congratulations to all match officials appointed to the Grand Finals this week,” said Chairman of the Professional Rugby League Match Officials Silvio Del Vecchio

“These appointments are a reflection of the hard work and sacrifice the officials have put in throughout the year.

“Being appointed to a Grand Final is something that every official strives for. This weekend will be special for each of these officials, their family and their friends. I wish them the very best of luck for Sunday.”

2019 NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final

Sydney Roosters v Canberra Raiders

Sunday, 6 October 2019 - 7:30pm

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Ben Cummins

Assist Referee: Gerard Sutton

Touch Judges: Chris Butler / Nick Beashel

Senior Review Official: Jared Maxwell

Review Official: Ben Galea

Standby Referee: Grant Atkins

Standby Touch Judge: Dave Munro

2019 NRL Holden Women’s Premiership Grand Final

Brisbane Broncos v St George-Illawarra Dragons

Sunday, 6 October 2019 - 4:05pm

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Kasey Badger

Assist Referee: Daniel Schwass

Touch Judges: Jordan Morel / Kara-Lee Nolan

Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy

Review Official: Bryan Norrie

Standby Referee: Adam Cassidy

2019 NRL State Championship Final

Newtown Jets v Burleigh Bears

Sunday, 6 October 2019 - 1:35pm

ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Todd Smith

Assist Referee: Tyson Brough

Touch Judges: Benjamin Teague / Jacob Whitehouse

Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Review Official: Ben Lowe

Standby Referee: Liam Kennedy

Next generation to preside over second tier deciders

This weekend will see premierships decided in both the New South Wales Canterbury Cup and the Queensland Intrust Super Cup, with both Grand Finals to take place on Sunday.

Drew Oultram will be the Assist Referee for the Canterbury Cup Grand Final

The Canterbury Cup decider will feature the Newtown Jets up against the Wentworthville Magpies at the brand new Bankwest Stadium, while the Intrust Super Cup will be fought out between the Wynnum Manly Seagulls and the Burleigh Bears at Dolphin Stadium in Redcliffe.

The NSWRL today announced that Todd Smith will take control of their decider, assisted by Drew Oultram. The touch judges will be Ben Teague and Cameron Mitchell. Both Smith and Oultram bring with them NRL experience, with Smith receiving a full time contract to join the NRL Squad in 2019 and later debuting as an Assist Ref in first grade. He also featured prominently as a first grade touch judge, including in Week One of the NRL Finals Series. Oultram also made regular appearances as a touch judge in the Telstra Premiership.

Both are experienced campaigners in the Canterbury Cup competition and previously made regular appearances in the Holden Cup competition. Smith was the 2018 NSWRL Senior Referee of the Year and this year was the head referee for the QLD Residents v NSW Residents representative match. Oultram was the Assist Ref for the 2018 NSW Cup Grand Final, as well as the 2016 Holden Cup Grand Final.

Up North in the Intrust Super Cup, Liam Kennedy will officiate in his second consecutive Grand Final, this time appointed as the Head Referee. He will be assisted by Tyson Brough, with Jarrod Cole and Jacob Whitehouse the touch judges. Clayton Sharpe will be the Video Referee, with Tim Rutherford assisting him.

Liam Kennedy will be the Head Referee for the Intrust Super Cup Grand Final

Kennedy featured in the NRL as an Assist Ref and touch judge throughout the 2019 season, having debuted in both roles the year prior. Like Smith and Oultram, he brings with him considerable experience in second tier competitions, having officiated in almost 100 Intrust Super Cup games.

Meanwhile Jarrod Cole’s appointment on the touch line is an inspirational achievement in itself, with the NRL touch judge having undergone heart surgery earlier in the year. Cole suffered a heart attack during the pre season just three weeks before his wedding. After recovering from surgery, Cole fought back to return to both the NRL and Intrust Super Cup. His Grand Final appointment caps of a remarkable return to the field. He has previously officiated in the Queensland decider as both a referee and a touch judge.

On behalf of the Professional Rugby League Match Officials Incorporated we wish all those appointed the very best of luck for the weekend.

2019 New South Wales Canterbury Cup Grand Final

Newtown Jets v Wentworthville Magpies

Sunday, 29 September 2019 - 3:00pm

Bankwest Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Todd Smith

Assist Referee: Drew Oultram

Touch Judges: Ben Teague / Cameron Mitchell

Standby Referee: Darian Furner

2019 Queensland Intrust Super Cup Grand Final

Wynnum Manly Seagulls v Burleigh Bears

Sunday, 29 September 2019 - 3:15pm

Dolphin Stadium, Brisbane

Referee: Liam Kennedy

Assist Referee: Tyson Brough

Touch Judges: Jarrod Cole / Jacob Whitehouse

Video Referee: Clayton Sharpe

Assist Video Referee: Tim Rutherford

Standby Referee: Nick Pelgrave

Standby Touch Judge: Dan Munroe

PRLMO speaks out against ref-blaming culture

WEEK one of the 2019 National Rugby League Finals Series brought with it some exhilarating rugby league, including memorable individual and team performances. These should be the main talking points, but unfortunately some media outlets have instead focused on a difficult decision made by the match officials in the dying stages of Saturday evening’s Qualifying Final.

The headline, ‘Experts blast diabolical late touchie call which robbed the Storm’ was an example of the highly exaggerated and sensationalised reporting of the incident that was to come. The decision by touch judge Michael Wise was labeled as a ‘howler’, with one commentator calling it, “One of the greatest stuff-ups I’ve ever seen”.

These exaggerated and sensationalised comments can have a very deep impact on the wellbeing of the individuals, their families, their peers and the Game itself.

Wise, who has officiated over 220 first grade games, including State of Origin, Test Matches and numerous NRL finals fixtures, is considered one of the most respected and reliable touch judges in the Game.  

“Michael is a highly respected match official with many years’ experience”, said Professional Rugby League Match Officials Chairman Silvio Del Vecchio. 

“Match officials are forced to make split-second decisions in incredibly challenging circumstances. The media and the public demand perfection, but it is simply not a realistic expectation in a game where human error is a factor”, he said. 

“These officials work day in and day out to give themselves the best possible opportunity to get decisions correct, but like the players, mistakes can happen. When they do, it is imperative that we maintain perspective and respect for the individuals.”

The incident came just two days after ‘R U OK’ Day, a cause that advocates for people to have conversations about mental health and wellbeing. Most media outlets and sporting commentators promoted the cause, recognising the crucial role mental health awareness now plays. Del Vecchio calls on the media to consider these values when reporting on incidents like this one.

“The culture of blaming match officials and demanding perfection is something that has to stop. This has a flow-on effect from NRL to grassroots and it impacts the willingness of people to get involved and take up a whistle or a flag. Without the match officials, there is no game.”

NRL Refs continue partnership with Bravehearts ahead of White Balloon Day

This year the NRL Match Officials Squad will once again be lending their support to Australia's leading Child Protection Charity Bravehearts, as part of their annual White Balloon Day campaign on Friday, September 6th. This will be the 11th consecutive year of partnership between this squad and Bravehearts, making it their longest consistent charity partnership.

NRL referee Phil Henderson supporting Bravehearts White Balloon Day 2019

Bravehearts was founded by Hetty Johnston, AM in 1997 as a result of an incredibly personal and traumatic experience. Hetty's young daughter disclosed that her grandfather had been sexually abusing her. When Hetty went in search of an organisation to support and guide her through the complex and harrowing process that would follow, no such thing was available. This led Hetty to form Bravehearts, to provide advice and support to those affected by child sexual assault.

Fast-forward to 2019, Bravehearts now employs more than 65 people across Australia, providing child protection training and education initiatives, specialist child sexual assault counselling and support services, as well as research and reform campaigns to prevent child sexual assault in our society.

In Australia, research suggests that 1 in 5 children will be impacted by child sexual assault before reaching the age of 18. This equates to approximately 1 child every 10 minutes. Statistics like these highlight why it is everyone's responsibility to stand up and play an active role in addressing these issues, working collaboratively in an effort to eliminate this horrific abuse from our communities.

Round 26 of 2008 would be the first time the NRL Match Official’s Squad would work to raise awareness for Bravehearts, wearing a special purple jersey with the Bravehearts logo on the front. In the years that followed, the squad was without a sleeve sponsor and a decision was made to donate this space to Bravehearts throughout the year. An agreement was later reached with the then major sponsor, where they would donate their jersey space to Bravehearts in the final round of each season.

NRL Referee Matt Cecchin shows his support

With a change of major sponsor in 2017, the squad remained united in their desire to maintain the long running partnership and show their support for Bravehearts. The decision to wear purple socks in the final round of each Telstra Premiership competition, meant that the group could continue to raise valuable awareness and highlight this important cause on the national stage.

Purple is the colour of courage. By wearing these socks, the match officials are hoping to help in reaching the 1 in 5 people in the stands watching the game and those watching from home who have experienced harm in childhood with a message of support and encouragement to break their silence and tell somebody. Bravehearts vision is to ultimately make Australia the safest place in the world to raise a child, and education and awareness are key components in this pursuit

The corridors at Bravehearts' head office on the Gold Coast are lined with the signed jerseys from each year the NRL Match Officials have supported them. They represent a partnership that the staff there treasure greatly, and are a symbol of the NRL squad standing up for Australia's kids and helping to give a voice to the voiceless.

You can find more information on Bravehearts and how you can help support their vital cause by visiting their website www.bravehearts.org.au

Przeklasa-Adamski to debut in senior role in Round 25

Saturday night’s Round 25 fixture between the Gold Coast Titans and St George-Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium will see NRL match official Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski appear as a head referee for the first time.

Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski during the 2019 Telstra Premiership

The debut comes on the back of a number of successful years for Przeklasa-Adamski as both an Assistant Referee and touch judge in the Telstra Premiership Competition. He will be assisted by the very experienced Gavin Badger, with Mark Bohan and Jarrod Cole on the touch line.

Przeklasa-Adamski came through the Parramatta District before being Graded to the New South Wales Rugby League Referee’s Association. He officiated in a multitude of lower grade games, before making his NRL debit as a Touch Judge in 2015. His NRL number is 141. Przeklasa-Adamski later became a member of the full time match official’s squad, and went on to debut as an Assistant Referee in Round 21 of 2017. He has been a regular in this role since that time, and this weekend’s debut comes as a fitting reward for many years of hard work and commitment.

On behalf of the Professional Rugby League Match Officials, we wish Ziggy all the best for his debut.

Rugby League International Federation to appoint Match Officials Manager

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) yesterday announced their intention to recruit a Match Officials Manager, who will become the most senior match official administrator in international rugby league.

In what will be a first for the rapidly growing international game, the RLIF said that the Match Officials Manager will oversee the coordination of all training and development of match officials around the globe, as well as being ultimately responsible for the appointment of match officials for international fixtures. There are also plans to create a Match Official Committee made up of representatives from each of the major rugby league bodies, with the RLIF Match Officials Manager to Chair this Committee.

Matt Cecchin refereeing the 2019 Test Match between Fiji and Lebanon

“It is the responsibility of the RLIF to have a supply of well trained, excellently prepared match officials for our growing number of international matches and this is a vital part of our mission as the internation federation”, said Danny Kazandijan, who is the Global Operation Manager at the RLIF.

“Last year we had close to 100 international matches in all disciplines of the sport and that is only going to increase. It is vital that the training and development of our match officials keeps pace with growth in participation so that there is a clear pathway for match officials from the grassroots to the very highest levels within the sport.”

It won’t be known where the part time position will be based until the successful applicant is selected, but the Match Officials Manager will have a wide-range of objectives and will be tasked with ensuring the deployment of consistent and high quality officials to global matches and events. This will include Test Matches, The Rugby League World Cup and numerous other international fixtures and competitions.

“It is an exciting position and one that will have a great impact on rugby league at a global level”, Kazandijan said.

You can read the full position description and find out how to apply by CLICKING HERE

Belinda Sharpe breaks new ground as first female referee

Story courtesy of nrl.com

Belinda Sharpe's dad didn't want her to play rugby league despite his teenage daughter developing a real love for the game, so a family friend stepped in and suggested she become a referee instead.

She did and on Thursday – or a couple of decades later – Sharpe steps into history becoming the first female referee of a NRL game, when the Broncos host the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.

For Queenslander Sharpe, it’s a 'home' game too with her dad and mum, Alistair and Cathy, in the stands to see her out in the middle with senior referee Ben Cummins.

Of course Sharpe has been a familiar sight on the sidelines of NRL matches since her first NRL touch judge appointment in 2014 when Wests Tigers faced the Sharks at Leichhardt Oval.

She was a touch judge in four Tests during the 2017 World Cup.

And crossing the sideline into the field of play is also not unfamiliar to her. Sharpe began refereeing Intrust Super Cup matches in 2015.

She was in the middle to handle a Broncos v Wynnum-Manly trial game in February this year.

So after six years of senior football, she's about to break an 111-year hoodoo.

Perhaps Sharpe had an inkling a female appointment was imminent since she and Kasey Badger were upgraded to full-time referee contracts in May this year, along with Todd Smith.

"At that stage I was just focused on coming down to Sydney and joining the full-time squad and getting my feet into that environment," she told NRL.com.

"That was the first and foremost thing for me. Certainly it's been a whirlwind couple of months for me, and that appointment was a stepping stone to this Thursday for sure.

"I just loved rugby league growing up and I played touch football, ended up refereeing touch footy and made the transition from there.

"The game has been my passion and now I've turned that into a full-time career."

She has never heard any 'What would you know, you're a girl' sledges from the sideline. Even the players don't apologise when they swear in front of her and nor should they.

"We're all certainly in a high-pressure environment anyway as referees so I don't see any difference between any of us. We just go out on the field to do a job to the best of our ability," Sharpe said.

"We can't focus on anything externally and I won't be. My gender is irrelevant in that respect.

"I've never come across anything like that [sledging]. At the end of the day they just want a referee who is capable of doing their job and it doesn't necessarily matter who they are, or whether they're male or female. They just want you to do a good job.

"That hasn't changed over the years in any grade I've been involved in. Once you demonstrate you're competent in that role, that's all that matters.

"The players are used to seeing me out there since I've been doing it for a few years now so they don't treat me any differently."

Sharpe knows her gender brings the spotlight onto both her and rugby league.

She's spoken a couple of times to Eleni Glouftis, who became the first female AFL on-field umpire in May 2017.

"I've not met her yet but I've spoken to her on the phone. She's made some great strides in AFL and is travelling along really well.

"Certainly I'll look forward to comparing notes with her in future conversations."

Sharpe was told the news of her appointment on Monday by NRL referees coach Bernie Sutton.

She then rang her husband Clayton – also an NRL touch judge – and her parents.

"They were all really excited and looking forward to coming to the game. They're very happy for me."