#Inspire – celebrating female referee’s in rugby
Nomtha Gray has been a rugby match official for 7 years.
Her passion for rugby is so infectious that her husband is now a fan, despite knowing nothing about it when they met. She took him to games, taught him the rules and now he’s encouraged her to take up the whistle.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Nomtha to chat about how officiating tests her in a positive way, why she loves rugby so much and how important it is to see more women on the pitch.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
I never really had an opportunity to play. I went to an all-girls’ school where it wasn’t even an option. When friends at University took me to my first game, I got hooked.
I even planned my exams around the World Cup in South Africa (I still passed!)
Since my hip replacements, I realised I could still be part of the game and so I started running touch for my local club and then went on to find a refereeing course.
I thought I’d do a year or two but I’m loving it more than ever and I’m fitter than I’ve ever been!
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
My first game was an U15 girl’s match, some of whom had never played and they were all amazed at a woman being their referee!
After the game, the players and coaches all thanked me. One coach was so pleased to see a woman on the field, he asked if I could referee their next game!
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
So, so many great memories, but doing this year’s girls’ county finals for U13s was incredible. I had to learn a new set of age grade rules, but I was part of an inaugural event for the county’s girls which was an incredible honour.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
It was when a referee turned up for my local team’s game unprepared and with the wrong attitude.
I was running touch on that day, and I felt that the community game deserved more. I went back home and started researching what it would take for me to be a referee!
What motivates you to referee?
It’s knowing that me being there is the “see it” part for so many young girls and boys that I referee.
For some of them, they won’t think it unusual to have a woman referee them. It’s also a great way for me to keep challenging myself.
In a few words, please tell us what it means to you to be a positive role model and INSPIRE other women and girls to get in to refereeing
Last season, after the game, I was having a chat with another Ref when I realised a young girl was waiting patiently. I thought she was there to talk to her grandad (the other Ref), but she just wanted to thank me for the game and for being “a lovely Ref”.
#INSPIRE wasn’t what I expected, but I’m just starting to realise how important it is.
If you’re feeling inspired to take up the whistle, find out more about becoming a Match Official here: keepyourbootson.co.uk/referee-toolkit/supporting-match-officials-female/