Making History: Father and Son Officiating Team
On Saturday, August 10th, a significant chapter was written in the Association’s history when Mathew Picone, alongside his sons Benjamin and Nicolas, officiated a match together at Mount Pritchard Sports Ground. This unique father-and-son officiating team marks a milestone not just for the Picone family but for the entire refereeing community at Parramatta Referees.
Mathew Picone’s journey to this historic moment began long before he joined the Parramatta Referees Association in 2022. His deep-rooted connection to rugby league started in 1981, when he first laced up his boots at the tender age of 8 to play for the Hills District Bulls. After moving to Kempsey on the Mid North Coast, Mat continued to hone his skills on the field before returning to Sydney at 18. Here, he secured an apprenticeship and began playing for State Rail in the NSW Tertiary/Uni Cup, amassing over 250 senior games between 1992 and 2009.
Mat’s love for sports extended beyond rugby league. He was a ranked squash player in his youth, and he also played District and Shires cricket for many years. This diverse athletic background provided a strong foundation for his later roles in various sporting organisations, where he made significant contributions.
Throughout his career, Mat has held numerous leadership positions across different sports, demonstrating his dedication to community and promoting the values of sport. His roles have been varied, from coaching the Leichhardt Wanderers U5s in the mid-90s to serving as the captain and coach of the State Rail Rugby League Football Club for over a decade. Mat's commitment to the sport was further recognised when he was awarded life membership to the NSW Tertiary Rugby League in 1998, a testament to his enduring influence and dedication.
Beyond rugby league, Mat also served in administrative and coaching roles in softball, cricket, and other community sports, consistently striving to uplift the standards of the organizations he was part of. His tenure as President of the Parramatta Referees Association, beginning in 2024, is just the latest in a long line of leadership positions that have seen him shape and guide the sporting community.
Mat’s sons, Benjamin and Nicolas, have inherited their father’s passion for sports. Both boys have shown an enthusiasm for a variety of sports, including cricket, basketball, and softball, with Nicolas still actively playing rugby league for the Merrylands Rams. Their sporting journey began at a very young age, with Benjamin starting in 2016 at just 5 years old. The following year, Nicolas joined his older brother on the field at the age of 4, showing an early affinity for the game.
In 2022, Benjamin decided to take up refereeing, a role that had long intrigued him. With Mat’s support, both he and his father joined the Parramatta Referees Association, beginning a new chapter in their sporting lives. The family’s involvement in refereeing has not only strengthened their bond but has also allowed them to contribute meaningfully to the sport they love.
Reflecting on the experience of officiating alongside his sons, Mat expressed a mixture of pride and emotion. “The occasion for me hasn't really sunk in yet, Every parent is proud of their kids and seeing them enjoy participating in junior community sport is a very special and proud Dad moment that I will forever appreciate. More importantly, I hope when they are parents, they look back fondly on the occasion and I get to watch them share similar experiences with their kids.”
This historic appointment has not only been a personal milestone for Mat but also a significant moment for Benjamin and Nicolas, who are following in their father’s footsteps, learning valuable life skills along the way.
For Mat, the transition from player to referee has brought numerous benefits, both personally and for his sons. “For myself, the greatest benefit, apart from staying active and maintaining my own physical and mental health, has been staying connected and involved as Benjamin transitioned from playing to refereeing. Since becoming a referee at Parramatta Refs, I have seen Benjamin grow in confidence and maturity, make great new friendships, and develop important life and social skills.”
The sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to stay active have been significant factors in Mat’s continued involvement with the Parramatta Referees Association. He credits the organisations professionalism and commitment to development as key elements that set it apart from other sporting associations he has been involved with.
“Without a doubt, the most professional community sport association I have been involved in,” Mat said. “Always looking to innovate and lead, from training in a world-class facility to providing genuine development pathways for members to succeed by implementing the most modern coaching techniques and a continuous improvement mindset in everything we do.”
As Mat, Benjamin, and Nicolas continue their journey with Parramatta Referees, they exemplify the values of dedication, community, and family. The Association congratulates them on this wonderful milestone, recognising it as not just a historic event but a testament to the opportunities that refereeing can offer.
For the Picone family, this moment is one that will be cherished for a lifetime—a reflection of the friendships, memories, and life lessons that come from being part of the refereeing community. As they look forward to the future, Mat, Benjamin, and Nicolas stand as an inspiring example of the bonds that sport can create, both on and off the field.
A list of some of Mat’s accomplishments are below;
- Coach -Leichhardt Wanderers U5's- 95-96.
- Captain/Coach State Rail RLFC 1996-2008.
- President SRARLFC 1996-2006
- Vice President NSW Tertiary Cup 96-99
- NSW Tertiary Cup Selector 1997- 2004
- Life Membership to the NSW Tertiary Rugby League in 1998
- NSW Tertiary Judiciary Chairman 99-2003.
- Trainer NSW Tertiary Rep Team 1997-2003
- A/Coach NSW Tertiary Rep 1999/2000
- President NSW Tertiary Cup 2000-200
- Board Member Aust University RL 2001-05
- Head Trainer Aust University RL 2003
- Junior League Co-Ordinator Mounties 2016
- Coach Mounties U6 2015-16
- Coach Merrylands Rams U17's 2016
- Compliance Manager Merrylands 2017
- Coach Marconi Mustangs 2017- 2023
- Secretary Marconi 2018-19/22-23
- Referee Parramatta Referees 2022-Present
- President Parramatta Referees 2024-Present
