Lucy’s talents prove to be a game-changer

LUCY Merrick has made Australian history by becoming not only the youngest person to officiate at national level but also the first female to referee a national-level game.

Last week Ms Merrick officiated the Women’s Australian Gridiron Championships in Perth and when Victoria took on NSW, the 18-year-old became the first female to wear the white cap at national level.

“The referee is the head of the crew,” Ms Merrick said.

“They wear a white cap and the rest of the crew wear black caps.

“A referee has to do as much as all the other jobs, such as a line judge, but they also have to be in charge of the crew.”

The ex-Guilford Young College student started her journey with gridiron after becoming fascinated by her dad’s involvement.

“I remember him being a part of a league when I was a baby, which has since folded,” Ms Merrick said. “He has been a player and a coach and he started this season officiating with me.”

When Merrick was 14 she refereed her first game and it didn’t take her long to get noticed.

“After two games I was invited to go to Queensland to officiate at the Fun Ball,” she said.

“I officiated the juniors and watched the women’s and men’s games and learnt a lot from that.”

Ms Merrick holds many records in Australian gridiron including being the youngest person to referee a senior gridiron game and, after refereeing Tiger Bowl IV this past season, she became the youngest person to referee a grand final.