#Inspire – celebrating female referee’s in rugby
Desiree Olliver-Moss is an Assistant Referee with aspirations to formally referee a game next season.
Due to a lack of coaches at her son’s rugby club, Desiree pitched in and became a coach, as well as refereeing some of the sessions.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Desiree to chat about her desire to progress as a referee, what motivates her and why female representation in rugby is so important.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
I used to take my son to rugby and became involved due to a lack of coaches. I had played a bit and wanted to help out.
I then got into coaching and I run a girls section where I ref during the sessions.
My Everest is to actually formally referee a game.
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
Last season I Assistant Refereed a Colts game with another female referee taking charge in the middle. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we were well looked after.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
I only have the Colts game to go on, but it definitely encouraged me to pursue refereeing on a more regular basis. The atmosphere and camaraderie were great.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
I wanted to develop myself and, with a fellow female player’s support, we talked each other in to doing the ERRA.
By doing this I thought it would help with my coaching but also encourage some of the youth girls and their dads to become referees to help the game.
I want to try and be a role model for our younger female players.
What motivates you to referee?
To gain a better understanding of the game and to help facilitate games so players can play well.
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
With girls having so much pressure on them these days I think it’s important to show them that they can be part of a team, a sisterhood, and the Rugby family is a great team to be a part of.
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/