First Female Referee in 77 Years at Parramatta Referees

Sunday, September 8th, will mark a historic moment for Parramatta Referees as Olivia Lawne takes the field at Ringrose Park as the number one referee in the district. Olivia’s appointment as the centre referee for the A Grade Division One fixture between East Hills and Mounties is a groundbreaking achievement, as she becomes the first female to officiate in this role in the association’s 77-year history.

Olivia’s journey to this pinnacle has been remarkable. Joining the association in 2014, at a time when female participation was low, Olivia has demonstrated unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her transformation into an elite referee is a testament to her commitment, consistently officiating at a high standard over the years. The association is immensely proud of her achievements and the inclusive environment it continues to foster, allowing referees of all abilities to develop and excel.

Beyond her duties on the field, Olivia serves on the Association's Executive Board, juggles local district football, and works as a high school teacher, specializing in PDHPE and Religion. She also has been part of the NSWRL High Performance train-on squad since 2023, further solidifying her status as one of the top referees in the state.

Olivia’s sports journey began with Little Athletics and Rugby League, playing for Winston Hills Tigers, Hills Bulls, and Winston Hills Bears in both soccer and rugby league. Her hands-on experience in these sports has undoubtedly contributed to her deep understanding of the game, enhancing her abilities as a referee.

Reflecting on her early days with the Parramatta Referees, Olivia recalls the challenges of being one of only two female referees in an association where the majority were older and more experienced. “I was pretty nervous as a 14-year-old girl, but I’ve seen the association evolve tremendously,” Olivia says. “It’s gone from a ‘park footy’ vibe to a more serious and professional environment, with clear pathways to the NRL.”

Olivia featuring in a new article when she was just 14

Olivia also acknowledges the significant shift towards supporting female referees, noting that the growth of women’s football has made it easier and less daunting for women to enter the field. “There’s now so many opportunities for female refs. Seeing women like Kasey, Belinda, and Karra-Lee officiate at the highest levels gives us something to aspire to,” Olivia shares.

When asked how she felt when her name was announced as the number one referee, Olivia admits, “I was quite shocked but really excited. I was just happy to be part of the top three, and regardless of the result, I’d have been satisfied.”

Olivia became the first female in Northern Territory to officiate A Grade

As a leader within the association and a role model for younger referees, Olivia’s commitment and attitude are invaluable. Her advice to aspiring female referees is simple yet profound: “Give it a go. As a female referee, you stand out more because there are fewer of us, so if you pursue refereeing and are good at it, you have a great chance of making it far.”

The hardest part of officiating, Olivia notes, is the physical demands of training and the pressure of making quick decisions on the field. Yet, it is clear that Olivia thrives in these challenging situations, consistently demonstrating the qualities of an elite referee.

This achievement by Olivia Lawne is not only a personal milestone but also a significant step forward for the Parramatta Referees Association. Her leadership, both on and off the field, continues to inspire the next generation of referees and underscores the association’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence in officiating.

The full officiating team for this weekend fixture is below;

Referee: Olivia Lawne

Touch judges: Harrison Bayssari and Bernard Biala

In-goal assist: Adam Allouche and Marcus Rowe

Stand by referee: Mark Harvey

Stand by touch judge: Lachlan Smith

Match day coach: Ken McNaught

Shot clock: Ethan Murray

Trainer: Aiden Smith