Student Bloggers

One of the most memorable moments of my New Zealand adventure was immersing myself in rugby culture. I began playing rugby in middle school and my passion for the sport continued to grow over the years. Despite an injury that prevented me from playing, my love for rugby has never waned. Being in New Zealand provided me with an opportunity to fulfill my passion for the sport, and it was truly a remarkable experience.

As someone who had stopped playing the sport because of an injury, my focus was not solely on watching rugby games. Whenever I watched a professional game on TV I was always drawn to becoming more actively involved. This led me to develop an interest in refereeing. The idea of running around a pitch as the game unfolded around me was very appealing. Thus, more than just spectating, I was eager to participate in refereeing while in New Zealand.

Joining the Otago Rugby Referee Association (ORRA) was a stroke of luck. It provided me with the chance to learn about refereeing and be a part of the game through valuable education and opportunities. The environment was ideal for kick-starting my journey as a referee.

Looking back on the recent months, I have had some fantastic experiences with ORRA. As an assistant referee, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the Championship Colts match at Forsyth Barr Stadium in April. In May, I made my debut as a referee, and I have since been appointed to a few secondary school rugby fixtures, which I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of.

What made my time with ORRA so memorable was the camaraderie amongst the members, and the strong bond I formed with the referees. Training sessions every Monday and Wednesday were particularly enjoyable as I got to know other referees who were always willing to offer helpful tips and teach me new skills. Pre-match coffee gatherings on Saturday mornings and post-match functions on Saturday nights provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the games. I always felt welcomed by the ORRA community, and their incredible culture was instrumental in my growth and development as a referee.

My time with ORRA will always be an unforgettable memory. Even after returning to the US, I intend to continue refereeing as a hobby. I am truly grateful to ORRA for providing me with such great opportunities and introducing me to another lifelong passion.