Balmain Rugby League Referees Association

🌟 National Volunteer Week – Celebrating an Extraordinary Contribution 🌟

This National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognise the remarkable dedication of Life Member Tony Beger, whose lifetime of service is nothing short of inspiring.

Across decades, Tony has given his time, expertise, and passion to countless organisations, shaping communities and supporting people in ways that truly make a difference. 💙👏

🏉 Balmain Rugby League Referees Association
• Active member, Life member & Director for 22 years

🏉 Rugby League Judiciary Roles
• Balmain Junior Rugby League – Chairman (12 years)
• NSWRL Conference Judiciary – Member (8 years)

🏉 Rugby Union Leadership
• NSWSRU Judiciary – Deputy Chairman (15 years)
• Sydney Women’s Rugby Union – 7 years (including 3 as Chairman

❄️ Winter Swimming Association of Australia
• Life Member
• National Treasurer (20 years)
• Deputy Referee – National Championships (14 years)

🌊 Surf Lifesaving (40 years)
• Nationally accredited starter at surf carnivals
• Assessor & Examiner
• Scrutineer
• Accredited Coastal Radio Operator
• Drone Pilot
• Former Radio Operator at State Emergency Centre

🤝 Peer Support Officer – Surf Life Saving NSW (12 years)
Providing vital support and debriefing for members following traumatic incidents

🚨 State Emergency Service (10 years)
🏊 Swim Teacher (3 years)
Supporting people with disabilities
🩸 Blood Donor – Blue Babies Program (12 years)
🩺 UNSW Simulated Patients Program (2 years)
Helping train future doctors
⛑ St John Ambulance (Zambuk – 1 year)

Tony’s extraordinary record of service reflects a lifetime commitment to community, sport, safety, and support for others. His willingness to give back across so many areas sets a powerful example for us all.

👏 Thank you, Tony, for everything you continue to contribute. You truly embody the spirit of volunteering.

Today is the day!

Are you keen to learn more about officiating or develop new skills in rugby league? Our upcoming workshops are designed to support and inspire the next generation of referees.

👟 Ages 6–12
🗓 Saturday 23 May 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

👟 Ages 13–15
🗓 Saturday 23 May 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Participants will gain valuable knowledge of the game, improve confidence, and enjoy a fun, supportive learning environment.
📍 Venue: Blackmore Oval, Leichhardt
📞 Liam Mills | 0403 376 372
📧 [email protected]

👉 Not to late, secure your spot today and be part of the action!

🏉 Ready to take your love for rugby league to the next level?

Join us at Blackmore Oval, Leichhardt for our upcoming referee workshops and learn what it takes to be part of the game!

👟 6–12 Years Workshop
🗓 Saturday 23 May 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

👟 13–15 Years Workshop
🗓 Saturday 23 May 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Perfect for young participants wanting to build confidence, learn new skills, and get involved in rugby league from a different perspective.

📍 Blackmore Oval, Leichhardt
📞 Liam Mills – 0403 376 372
📧 [email protected]
🚨 Limited spots available – register now!

Looking to get involved in rugby league officiating or build your skills? Join us at Blackmore Oval, Leichhardt for our upcoming referee workshops!

👟 6–12 Years Workshop
🗓 Saturday 23 May 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM

👟 13–15 Years Workshop
🗓 Saturday 23 May 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity for young participants to learn the fundamentals of refereeing, develop confidence, and be part of the game in a new way!

📍 Venue: Blackmore Oval, Leichhardt
📞 Contact: Liam Mills
📱 0403 376 372
📧 [email protected]

👉 Spots are limited, so get in early to register your interest!

The Balmain Rugby League Referees Association are proud to partner with Pennine Community Supports — a trusted registered NDIS provider dedicated to creating opportunities for people with a disability to achieve their goals and live their best lives.

Pennine Community Supports are passionate about delivering personalised support with care, respect, integrity, choice, and excellence at the heart of everything they do. Their experienced team works closely with participants and families to provide tailored support both at home and in the community, helping people build independence, confidence, and meaningful connections.

From learning new skills to supporting physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, Pennine Community Supports are committed to making a positive impact across our community.

If you or someone you know is looking for personalised disability support services, get in touch with the wonderful team at Pennine today!

📞 02 8625 1025/ 0402 543 190
📧 [email protected]
🌐 Pennine Community Supports

Thank you to Pennine Community Supports for your valued support of our referees and the wider rugby league community 👏

🌟 Celebrating National Volunteer Week with Balmain Referees Association 🌟

Balmain Rugby League Referees Association is proud to celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers across our community this National Volunteer Week (Monday 18 May – Sunday 24 May).

As Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteers, this week recognises the amazing individuals who give their time, energy and passion to support grassroots Rugby League. From officiating matches to mentoring new referees and supporting match day operations, our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do.

Quite simply, without our referees and volunteers — there is no game.

Week in, week out, these dedicated individuals make our sport happen. They step onto the field and behind the scenes to ensure games are played fairly, safely and with integrity. Their efforts create a positive, inclusive environment where players of all ages can enjoy the sport and be part of a thriving community.

This year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” reminds us of the power of getting involved — the friendships built, the skills developed and the sense of purpose that comes from giving back.

🙌 To all our referees, mentors, assessors and volunteers — thank you. Your commitment, passion and professionalism keep our game strong.

👏 Join us in celebrating and thanking the people who make it all possible!

They’re not just referees.
They’re students.
They’re learning.
They’re the future of our game.

Every whistle, every call, every decision — they deserve respect.

💚 At Balmain Referees Association, we’re proud to support our young officials.
💚 We ask players, coaches, and spectators to do the same.

This season, referees under the age of 18 within the Balmain Rugby League Referees Association will be wearing green socks. This change is aimed at clearly identifying that the referee is a minor and reinforcing the importance of respect from players, coaches and spectators.

Together, we can help provide a positive and safe environment for our young officials.

To all the amazing Mums in our rugby league community — thank you. 💜

Thank you for the early mornings, sideline support, canteen help, encouragement, and endless love you give to your families and to our referees, week in and week out. 🏉❤️

Behind every great referee is an even greater Mum.
From everyone at the Balmain Rugby League Referees Association, we wish you a wonderful Mother’s Day and celebrate everything you do for our association and our community.

Community. Respect. Integrity. Teamwork. 💟

Blowing the whistle on disrespect this May

Respect the referee. Think before you speak.

This week’s Shoosh for Kids theme is about respecting referees and officials. Referees are part of what makes junior sport possible. They are human and sometimes learning, often kids themselves.

All referees and officials deserve encouragement and respect from the sideline.

This weekend, we encourage all spectators to think before speaking and choose words that support the game instead of criticising officials. Instead of calling out comments about decisions or mistakes, try phrases like “thanks ref” and “good game everyone” or simply cheer the effort on the field.

Positive sidelines help kids feel safe, confident and excited to keep playing!

For more information check out the link: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/shoosh-for-kids

Back to Districts strengthening referee pathways across NSW.

Great to see our recent joint training session with the South Sydney Referees Association featured on nswrl.com.au as part of the Back to Districts campaign 🙌

The piece highlights NSWRL High Performance Match Officials reconnecting with the grassroots and investing in the development of the next generation of referees across NSW.

As an Association we are proud to be involved and to play a role in strengthening officiating pathways at district level 🏉👏

Check out below: https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2026/05/08/back-to-districts-strengthening-referee-pathways-across-nsw/

Back to Districts strengthening referee pathways across NSW Referee Back to Districts initiative continues to strengthen pathways as it enters fifth year.

The Balmain Referees Association is incredibly excited to share that Luke Heiler has been appointed to the Grand Final Weekend for the NSWRL Junior Representative Competitions!

Luke will officiate as a Touch Judge for the Harold Matthews Cup Grand Final
📍 Leichhardt Oval
🕚 Kick‑off: 11:45am
🏉 Newcastle Knights vs Sydney Roosters

👏👏 Congratulations, Luke! 👏👏