The next generation of referees across New South Wales have received a valuable boost, with NSWRL High Performance (HP) Match Officials reconnecting with their grassroots as part of the annual Back to Districts initiative.
Now in its fifth year, the program continues to strengthen the referee pathways by bringing elite NSWRL officials back to the local referees’ associations where their own journeys began.
NSWRL Referees High Performance Manager Stuart Raper said the program remains a crucial link between community and elite officiating.
“As we have done over the last five years, our officials have gone back to their roots and where it all began,” Raper said.
“They assist in coaching and educating the young officials that as they were once in their shoes.
“It is an important initiative for those aspiring referees’ coming through to see what is possible.”
Over the past week, HP Match Officials stepped into training environments to mentor, educate and inspire. Sessions focused on key areas including preparation, communication, positioning, game management, and providing developing referees with firsthand insight into the standards required at the top level.
The program also highlights the strong connection many HP officials maintain with their local referees’ associations, serving as executive members, coaches, or mentors within their districts to demonstrate the ongoing commitment to developing referees at every level of the game.
This year’s Back to Districts also saw several associations combining for joint training sessions. Souths and Balmain came together to share knowledge and learn, while Group 7 and Illawarra officials also collaborated. These shared environments promote consistency, strengthen relationships across regions, and reinforce the collective responsibility of developing referees at every level of the game.
“The relationship with our community officials and associations needs to be strong and connected so we can help in any way to continually improve performance and our pathways,” Raper said.
“Having these sessions gives the officials in the HP squad the opportunity to share their experiences as well.
“They are real examples of the pathway working.”
