North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Female rugby ref pushes boundaries
Rugby referee Natarsha Ganley has thrived in unfamiliar territory.
After making her debut in the international game this month, on Saturday, Ganley made history in the local club competition.
Ganley was involved in her first international fixtures, as an assistant referee, during the International Women’s Series.
She ran the touch for Australia versus England in Wellington, England versus Canada in Christchurch and Black Ferns versus England Roses in Rotorua.
‘‘I expected a step up in game speed and skill level, but you are never really fully aware of the passion and intensity that these games hold until you experience it first-hand,’’ Ganley said.
‘‘The intensity of the game is addictive, and it has definitely fuelled the fire for me to pursue my refereeing career further.’’
On June 24, Ganley marked another milestone when she became the first woman to referee a North Harbour Rugby premier men’s club game.
Canterbury, Auckland and Manawatu have already had a woman referee at premier level.
‘‘I feel that my game performances over the last few years have really backed up my ability to deserve to referee at this level,’’ Ganley said.
Ganley controlled the Takapuna versus Glenfield match at Onewa Domain.
‘‘Being selected isn’t enough for me. I know that I will need to roll my sleeves up and referee at a standard that positively affirms my selection to this grade,’’ she said.
North Harbour Rugby Referees Association chairman John Dooley hopes Ganley’s historic appointment motivates other women to follow in her footsteps.
‘‘She has worked extremely hard to get there and we are immensely proud of her achievement,’’ Dooley said.
Women’s rugby has exploded internationally since its inclusion in the Olympic Games, which has had a flow-on effect in terms of referee development.
Overseas some women are now contracted as full time referees.
‘‘I don’t think that gender matters when controlling the game,’’ Ganley said
‘‘But I do think that these women that are pushing the boundaries are the ones that are changing mindsets as to people’s opinions of what women are capable of, which is an exciting prospect to younger females wanting to referee.’’