#inspire – celebrating female referees in rugby
Rebecca Grice has been officiating for a few months.
She has played at Sleaford Ladies club for the past 5 years and loves that rugby gives her time for herself, to get away from it all and, of course, to enjoy post-match team beers.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Rebecca to chat about what rugby means to her, who inspires her and how she stays motivated.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
Rugby is what me and my dad look forward to every year. It’s time I get to spend with my dad supporting and cheering along England.
Rugby gives me time for myself to get away from reality and be with the best bunch of ladies, having the best fun on the pitch – laughing, joking and making some great tackles, all with a beer at the end with a great team!
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
I only just took the entry Match Official programme in the summer, following up with the RFC L2 course in Autumn!
I am injured but still wanted to be involved in the game, even if I was unable to play.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
In all honesty, it’s been slim, but I am willing to learn as I am such a newbie. I have referred a handful of training sessions ready for my course in October.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
Being injured and realising that if I can’t pull on a shirt to play with team, then why not try and be involved another way? Helping the club, helping the team and gaining more knowledge of the game can only help me become a better player!
What motivates you to referee?
I would like to be the best player I can be. And to be the best I can, I need as much information I can get hold of that will help me to understand all aspects of the game.
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
Just go for it. It doesn’t matter where you come from, who you are, what experience you have just never say never. I want to be remembered as someone who set no boundaries and never let anything stop her!
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/