Rugby: More needed to take whistle

Northland Rugby Union CEO Jeremy Parkinson takes charge of a JB5 game between Hikurangi and Mangakahia at Kensington Park. Photo / Andrew Johnsen

Jeremy Parkinson is lacing up his boots in the midst of a refereeing shortage.

The outgoing CEO of Northland Rugby Union (NRU) has started officiating this season, taking control of junior games.

With his work as a rugby development officer and a team manager, Parkinson said he strongly believes in the importance of a positive team culture.

He enjoyed building a team and working to develop a culture which helped team members grow as players and as people.

Parkinson's experience in developing team culture puts him in excellent stead for becoming a referee.

He is relishing the opportunity to get involved with grassroots rugby. "Working with the younger teams, you're not just the referee, you're also in a prime position to do a bit of coaching as well."

Although refereeing is an integral part of any sport, it is rarely undertaken.

Referees can be the subject of intense criticism from players, coaches and spectators alike - just ask Wayne Barnes. But Parkinson enjoys the interaction with coaches and players.

"I find feedback from the coaches particularly rewarding. Some weeks a coach will tell me that's the best game they've had all season," he said.

"Encouraging the young players to play the best game they can, and watching them thoroughly enjoying that process is worthwhile."

The NRU is looking for more people to take the whistle.

Currently there are only 48 referees going around, barely enough to cover the number of games played.

A lack of referees isn't just a problem in rugby.

Rugby league is lacking referees at the junior level.

Northland Rugby League General Manager Duane Fyfe said although they have enough at senior level, referees at school level are lacking.

"Getting referees for school grades is tough because their games are during work hours," he said.