#inspire – celebrating female referees in rugby
Isabel Hill has been officiating for just over a month.
Her dad, Matt, is a rugby coach at their local rugby club, Yate RFC. He inspired Isabel to get involved and attend the introduction to Referring course and she is now looking forward to attending the ERRA with him in November.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Isabel to chat about her route into refereeing, what she loves most about rugby and what motivates her to inspire others to take up the whistle.
Can you tell us a little about your relationship with rugby?
I have watched rugby since I was little and have been involved in tag-rugby at school level, getting involved at my local club when my brother started playing.
I can be found down the rugby club every Sunday morning supporting the coaching team.
Opposite the ground is the athletics track where I spend the rest of my spare time training as I also represent my local club.
I am sports mad and heavily involved in clubs where I participate and lead sessions.
I am studying sports leadership and Sports Science. I love the values and community spirit that rugby provides.
What was your first experience as a Match Official like?
My first experience was referring a training session. I felt overwhelmed at first but quickly gained confidence throughout the game.
Attending the Introduction to Referring course helped me to gain the basic skills and overview needed to be an official.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
I am still young and have yet to experience my first full game but I’m looking forward to having many memorable moments.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
My Dad inspired and encouraged me to get involved. Being sports and fitness mad I quickly started helping to coach players.
My brother bought me my first whistle for Christmas and it wasn’t long until I was using it to instruct the players during sessions.
Not being a player I was keen to get involved in the sport and refereeing was the natural way forward.
What motivates you to referee?
My love of sport, particularly rugby and my dad encourages me too.
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
Growing up, I never saw a female official in any major sport games. I have a strong belief that women should have an equal opportunity to take part in sport at all levels and rugby can be a strong platform for this.
I am hoping I can be the example to others and become the role model I never saw.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/