#inspire – celebrating female referees in rugby
Jocelyn has been officiating for just under a year.
As well as meeting her partner through rugby, she has also built a “tribe” of friends and loves the community spirit of the sport.
In collaboration with our partners at ACME Whistles, we met up with Jocelyn 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?
When I first moved to the country, rugby was a way of building a tribe and friendships. I had settled in Leamington Spa and met one of the current players in the gym I joined.
She convinced me to turn up and watch a game and I really didn’t look back after that. I can no longer play but to stay involved I started coaching and, more recently, officiating.
What was your first experience as a
Official like?
My first official outing was actually as an AR, and I got the opportunity to help out at a centre of excellence festival for the under 18 girl’s side.
It was full on but a great experience as I was surrounded by female match officials. It really did give my confidence a boost.
Tell us about your most memorable officiating moment to date.
I was asked to AR for one of my fellow female match officials and we went as a team of 3. I had no intention of stepping into the middle at all, but the other 2 officials were going to take turns.
After the first 40 minutes, the referee was feeling a little overwhelmed so I put my hand up to swap into the middle. I ended up doing a full 40 minutes and managed to find my voice.
Who inspired you to take up the whistle?
That would be Laura from my team. She convinced a few of us that we would be a good asset and we should just do it. So with some encouragement from her and a few other people, I did.
What motivates you to referee?
For me it’s wanting to stay involved in the game but also show other female players and volunteers that there is more to being involved than just playing or volunteering at the club – they can also step into the middle.
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
For me it’s that I wish I had had those types of role models when I was younger. It’s pushing down doors so that others will find it easier to do it.
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/