#Inspire – celebrating female referee’s in rugby
Avy Devgun has been a rugby match official for 6 years.
Rugby has been a big part of her life since she was 5 years old. Her dad was a referee and seeing him in action inspired her to take up the whistle.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Avy to chat about which female referees inspire her, why she loves rugby so much and what her career highlights have been over the last 6 years.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
Rugby has always been a part of me and my life since the age of 5. I am always wanting to progress further in my playing and refereeing career.
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
My first game was on my home club soil which was the best experience as I started my playing career there so it meant a lot. To also start my refereeing journey there has been a massive highlight in my career.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
Officiating at the 450th anniversary games at Rugby school. It was memorable as it was a big event for school rugby and for it to be where the game was invented was the best part.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
I got started through school as I needed to take up an extra role. Because I’ve seen my dad refereeing, I decided to take the course and haven’t stopped since.
What motivates you to referee?
Sarah Cox motivates me because she has come leaps and bounds to get where she is.
I hope one day I’ll be able to get in the middle of a men’s prem / championship game and hopefully even an international.
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
Inspiring women and girls, means a lot to me. I started as a player and due to injury, I’ve focused more on my refereeing and doing quite well in it.
I would like to inspire the upcoming generations on how great it is to referee and how it can develop / improve overall character. It’s helped me to become confident and powerful in a sense when refereeing.
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/