#INSPIRE – celebrating female referee’s in rugby
Judith Grant has been refereeing for 3 months.
She has played rugby since she was 11 years old, but now wants to referee as a way to stay part of the game she loves.
Judith has rugby to thank for helping her autistic son, James, to overcome some major barriers and she loves how inclusive the sport is.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Judith to chat about her love of rugby, what motivates her and why female refs are so important.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
I have played rugby since I was 11 and on into my senior years but I find that as I do get older and become unable to play I would like to still be a part of the game.
I currently still play for Darlington Ladies and will do for as long as my body will allow.
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
I officiated an under 10’s game and forgot how fast these kids are but they appreciated my approach and when I did pick up on anything I used it as a teaching opportunity and explained what the issue was.
Overall, it was a great first game.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
It has yet to happen, but I’m sure it will be just going out for the first time on the pitch and seeing the game from a totally different side.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
No one person has inspired me but it’s my love for the game that has got me involved.
What motivates you to referee?
Myself as I don’t want to lose my connection with rugby that I have had for so long.
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
I feel honoured to be seen as a positive role model to girls and women as I want then to grow with the game and know that at any age you can don a pair of boots and enjoy rugby no matter your ability or experience and rugby never really needs to end.
We are in a very diverse world nowadays and I wish there was someone I could have looked up to as a girl or young adult in the world of refereeing as it probably would have changed my game play and given me a better understanding of the game as a whole.
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/