#inspire – celebrating female referees in rugby
Macey has been officiating for 6 months.
She has her mum, Leah, to thank for encouraging her to progress through the rugby channels and for taking her to every training session and match to-date.
Macey has played for Berkshire and the ERDPP before recently completing courses in refereeing.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Macey to chat about her route into refereeing, what motivates her and why female representation in rugby is so important.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
I started playing for RRFC in the U11s and have continued training there. I am now in the upper U16s and play for Berkshire and have been accepted into the Player Development Program.
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
I have not had much experience as I have recently completed my courses but I would like to continue learning as much as I can and inspire other girls and women to take up rugby and become officials.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
I enjoy being an official at the minis tournaments as they really look up to me and the coaches and other officials.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
My coaches and seeing how short we are on female referees in rugby.
What motivates you to referee?
My love 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
It means a lot to me and I would really love to inspire other young players to continue with their rugby journey.
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/