Why join us:
Flexible, positive work environment.
Ongoing learning and professional development.
Values-led, supportive team culture.
A varied role working across clubs, schools, competitions and representative rugby.
A meaningful opportunity to strengthen refereeing and participation across Southland
About the role
We are looking for an energetic, organised and relationship-focused team player to lead referee recruitment, retention, education and development across Southland. Refereeing will be the role’s primary focus, including working closely with and supporting the Rugby Southland Referees Association. As a member of the Community Rugby team, you will also actively support participation, competitions, programmes, events and other community rugby priorities across the region.
Working across community, representative and provincial rugby, you will coordinate referee services, deliver training and development, and support referee coaches and evaluators. You will also work alongside other Game Activators to help deliver wider Community Rugby programmes and respond to the needs of clubs, schools, players, coaches, volunteers and rugby partners. This is a hands-on role for someone who understands the game, communicates well and is willing to contribute wherever needed to grow and support rugby in Southland.
Your responsibilities include:
Develop and implement initiatives that increase referee recruitment, retention, training and education across Southland.
Coordinate refereeing services for provincial competitions and tournaments, and support regional events where required.
Develop and deliver practical training and development for referees, referee coaches, evaluators, associate referees and trainers.
Coordinate provincial and regional referee squad programmes and activities.
Develop and oversee a clear Rugby Southland referee induction programme.
Educate players, coaches, media and supporters on the Laws of the Game and the role of the referee.
Provide referee services and support to Rugby Southland representative teams.
Act as Rugby Southland’s referee subject matter contact for junior clubs, schools and senior clubs.
Build and maintain a positive working relationship with the Southland Referees Association, supporting its members, development activities and connection with Rugby Southland.
Build strong relationships across the rugby community and respond to stakeholder requests in a timely and helpful way.
Support approved tournaments, competitions, coach education programmes and referee-focused marketing initiatives.
Work alongside other Game Activators and the wider Community Rugby team to support participation initiatives, coach education, club and school programmes, tournaments, competitions and other community rugby activities as required.
Support Southland Stags match-day delivery and other Rugby Southland events when required.
Maintain forward plans, calendars, event briefings, debriefs and relevant registration and competition information.
As the successful candidate, you will have:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence facilitating courses and speaking to groups.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
A strong understanding of rugby, and a willingness to learn the Laws of the Game and how they are applied by referees.
Excellent planning, time management and operational skills.
The ability to work independently, take initiative and manage competing priorities.
Confidence using technology to support learning, assessment, communication and programme delivery.
A collaborative and adaptable approach, with a willingness to support wider Community Rugby priorities alongside the role’s specialist referee responsibilities.
Flexibility to support competitions, tournaments, representative fixtures and events when required.
Experience in referee development, education, facilitation or community sport would be advantageous.
About Rugby Southland
Rugby Southland has been at the heart of community sport in the deep south since 1887. We support rugby across the region through our clubs, schools, competitions, development pathways and representative teams, including the Southland Stags and the Hinds. Proudly maroon and gold, we are shaped by the character of Southland: hardworking, resilient and full of heart.
Our purpose is simple: To Inspire Our Community. Our values are Honesty For All, Strive For Excellence and Achieve Our Goals. We are proud of our supportive, collaborative culture and are looking for someone who will bring energy, care and high standards to referee development while contributing positively across the wider community game.
If you are passionate about refereeing, enjoy developing people and want to make a positive impact on rugby across Southland, we would love to hear from you.