​In celebration of NAIDOC Week and First Nations Round, ACT Rugby Referees Association have launched a special edition 2023 jersey.
The artwork created by Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi/Ngunnawal artist Lynnice Church, symbolises the importance of building strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities through listening, learning, and sharing.
While it was debuted at Royal’s R12 fixture, the jersey was worn by all senior appointed referees in R13 fixtures.

Thank you to our members, new and returning, for their participation and contribution to an informative 2023 preseason seminar at Brumbies HQ on Saturday 25 March.

A pleasing turn out of junior and senior referees and referee coaches who enjoyed a E&B roll together ahead of an important information exchange, shared experiences, robust discussion and a few good laughs.
For those members unable to attend, be sure to review the seminar content below (PowerPoint presentation) and be best prepared for season 2023.

ACT Rugby Referees Association really appreciates the support of the ACT Brumbies for use of their fantastic facilities.

An invitation to all ACTRRA members and their family for the annual William Boyle Memorial run to be conducted on the foreshore of Lake Burley Griffin on Tuesday 7th February, 2023 from 6 -7:30pm. 
 
This season we have modified the Bridge-to-Bridge run (or walk) held traditionally on the first Tuesday in February, to take in the delights of a shorter new Acton basin foreshore course. We have booked the public BBQ area at Henry Rolland Park, adjacent to Commonwealth Ave bridge (western basin), to accommodate for family to come along, be a part of the ACTRRA community, network with fellow Referees, Coaches, and ACTRRA community members, and commemorate the contribution of one of our members, the late William Boyle. 
 
So, we encourage all members to come along and to bring family members for a fun run/walk/stroll (if you wish) around the area followed by an ACTRRA sausage sizzle and social event.
 
For general BBQ catering purposes, we will email all members and seek an RSVP prior to the event. 
 
Where: Henry Rolland Park (plenty of public parking adjacent). Look for the yellow ACTRRA Marquee
When: Tuesday 7th February @ 6 - 7:30pm (or drop by for a short time). Family run/walk will commence approx 6:15pm for those who wish to partake.
What you may wish to bring: Camping chair or picnic rug / water bottle (if walking / running) 

Registration for the 2023 season has opened!
​ Registration is via Rugby Xplorer, as per previous years. To start the registration process, please see the link below which will take you to the ACT Referees registration page on Rugby Xplorer. If you have any questions regarding registration, please feel free to reach out. 
https://myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/choose-registration?name=ACT%20Referees 

Note: Life Members - please ensure you select the "non-appointed member" option (if you are not intending to be appointed as a match official).

ACTRRA executive are seeking expressions of interest for both a Junior Appointments Coordinator and a Senior Appointments Coordinator. For further information on these roles, please contact ACTRRA Secretary, Mitch Egan, at [email protected], or Chair of Coaching and Grading, Karl Hamlyn, at [email protected]. 

Congratulations to all referees who received awards for 2022, which were presented at our annual presentation on Sunday 11 Sept @ The RUC
​
BAR TROPHY - Most Improved Senior Referee
Nathan Mass​

JIM HEALY TROPHY- ​Clubman of the Year
Nathan Mass
​
DAVID FRYER TROPHY - ​Referee Coach of the Year
James Willemsen
​
PETER LAWLER TROPHY - ​Referee of the Year
Brodie Ingram

WILLIAM BOYLE TROPHY - ​Most Outstanding Scholarship Referee
Ethan Gumbrell

See all winners here: http://www.actrra.org.au/awards.html

This message from Brumbies Community rugby went out to clubs on 28 July 2022:

Yuma Monaro & South Coast Club Presidents,
 
Please find attached a joint letter from Brumbies Rugby & the ACTJRU regarding the widespread and recurring issue of Match Official abuse. For your awareness this has also been sent to all juniors clubs and schools across the region.
 
It reinforces the necessity for us all to work better together to ensure that this type of conduct is dealt with more effectively and driven out of the game, so that we can continue to attract and retain Match Officials in rugby and that officiating remains a really enjoyable role.
 
With finals approaching in most competitions around the region, this is an opportunity to remind everyone of our behavioural expectations and to emphasise the seriousness of Match Official abuse.
 
This communication puts all participants on notice that increased sanctions will be imposed going forward under the Disciplinary Rules, to seek to mitigate the risks of Match Official abuse by players, coaching staff and spectators.
 
We appreciate your support in advance.
 
Yarra,
Craig
  
Craig Leseberg​
Deputy CEO & General Manager Community Rugby
 

This is a reminder that on 26th July at 7.00pm, ACTRRA will hold their second Development Evening of 2022. The details for the evening are below:

Topics covered: Scrums, Refereeing trends
When: 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Finishing at approximately 9.00pm
Where: Brumbies HQ, Building 29, University Dr S, Bruce ACT 2617
Catering: Dinner will be provided for those attending.

Training will be run beforehand commencing at 6pm and our Trainer, Steve, is expecting a large turnout!

This development evening will not be broadcasted elsewhere, due to the nature of scrums and the benefit of having this lesson delivered face to face.

If there are any questions or queries, please contact ACTRRA Secretary, Mitch Egan, through [email protected]

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow evening for Training and Education!
ACT Referees

​On Saturday 30th April, Andrew Lawler will make his first grade debut for ACTRRA. Congratulations Andrew!

Andrew joined ACTRRA this year having refereed previously at Central Coast and recently has come from NZ where he refereed in Wellington Premier rugby.

​Andrew will be refereeing at Napean oval in Penrith this weekend.
Penrith Emus vs Queanbeyan Whites
3:05pm @ Nepean Oval, Penrith
Well done Andrew, and go well!

This weekend we will see two of our members make their John I Dent First Grade debut. Congratulations to Steven Koh and Nathan Mass on their appointment to the following matches.

Steven Koh
Tuggeranong Vikings vs Gungahlin Eagles
3:05pm, Viking Park

​Nathan Mass
Queanbeyan Whites vs Canberra Royals
3:05pm, Campese Field: Taylor Park