Parramatta Referees Celebrate Women in League Round with NRL Training Session

On Wednesday, July 31st, to mark the Women in League Round, the female members of Parramatta Referees Association had the unique opportunity to join a training session with the NRL elite match officials at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence.

The session allowed the females to meet and interact with the referees they regularly see officiating NRL games on television. This was a significant moment for them, Our Association has long championed the inclusion and development of female referees within its ranks.

At Parramatta Referees, there's a strong commitment to fostering a supportive environment for female officials. This includes providing female-specific gear, access to dedicated change rooms at our training facility, and ensuring equal opportunities across the board. The Association takes great pride in the growth and sustained involvement of female members over the years.

Among those in attendance were Catherine Butler, Maisy Macarthur, Talia Kohn, Olivia Lawne, Kyla Bilski, Brooke Munro, Bailey Clark, Isabella Power, and NRL match official & Parramatta member Kasey Badger. Although a few members were unable to attend, the turnout was impressive and reflective of the Association's growing female representation.

Last season, the Association introduced the inaugural Kasey Badger Female of the Year award to support its vision. Olivia Lawne was honored as the first recipient of this award.

During the session, participants engaged in various activities designed to test both their mental and physical fitness, such as shuttle runs and 2v1 touch drills, while also needing to recall key information. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for members to connect with female referees from across the game.

One member expressed her gratitude, saying, "It was a great night, and we really appreciate the NRL referees for putting on the session." Another member noted, "It was surprising to see how many females Parramatta Referees has compared to other Associations, and we all appreciate what Parramatta Referees is doing to maintain that."

For many, training at the NSWRL Centre of Excellence, where they regularly train made them feel at home, for alot of our members this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to train at such a place. Parramatta Referees Association remains committed to rewarding its members and offering the best opportunities possible.

The support for female officials is evident at Parramatta Referees, with members like Maisy Macarthur and Brooke Munro currently participating in the NSWRL Female Advancement Program, and more expected to join next season. This ongoing development highlights the success of the Association's efforts.

One member shared, "Parramatta Referees has really prepared us well in fitness and skills, making the night much easier for us. The bond we girls have formed is special."

The progress of Parramatta's female referees is further underscored by several key milestones this weekend: Brooke Munro will debut as a referee in the U16s, Maisy Macarthur will officiate the Match of the Round on Saturday, and Isabella Power will make her senior touch judge debut on Sunday. These achievements mark an unprecedented weekend for Parramatta Referees.

The evening concluded with a catered dinner, providing a chance for members to reflect on the night's activities. The Parramatta Referees Association extends its gratitude to the NRL referees for organising this memorable event.