Over 200 people attended the Auckland Rugby League’s Mini/Mod Referee Workshops over the past three months, with coaches, managers and wider whānau among those who took part.

Ten separate workshops were held at different clubs across Auckland, with the workshops contributing to a subsequent 70 percent increase in the number of people completing the ARL’s online referee course.

A number of the referees from the workshop also went on to take charge of games at ARL Gala Days.

ARL referees development officer Rochelle Tamarua said the workshops were designed to be a fun and practical learning environment.

“It’s really a chance to expand knowledge of the rules of the game and to learn a thing or two about refereeing and what goes into it,” Tamarua said.

“Each workshop was interactive and a positive learning space and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It was fantastic to see so many people taking part.”

For Richmond club member Harlym Iefata, the course helped him into refereeing while also improving his understanding as a player on the field.

“I believe becoming a match official has helped me as a player and it’s helped that I’ve had the best support from my family and Rochelle, who has encouraged me not to give up refereeing when there have been times I felt like I could.”

While the Mini/Mod Referee Workshops have concluded for 2021, expressions of interest for next year are being accepted now and can be lodged through the club secretary or by contacting Rochelle Tamarua on rochelle.t@aucklandleague.co.nz.