Are you interested in refereeing/umpiring in sport? Would you like to learn more about sports refereeing or improve your ability to officiate in sport? Then we may have a great opportunity for YOU!

Following the success of our referee group last year, Otago Secondary School Sport Association is wanting to provide further support and opportunities to students interested in the area of sports officiating. 

This year we would like to get a group of students interested in learning more about refereeing in their chosen sport together. For many sports at Columba, student referees are required to assist on game days, sports tournaments, and inter-school exchanges. It is our goal that over the year, support will be provided for our referee group to develop their skills, attend coaching clinics when available, and generally help our students feel supported and valued as a referee/umpire for our school. 

Getting involved in refereeing is a great way to stay connected in sport if you are injured or unable to play, and many sports in NZ have some superb developmental pathways where you can take your refereeing to a high level (even to professional level). 

At Columba, the main sports that are always in need of referees or umpires are netball, basketball, touch and hockey. If you are interested in becoming part of our referee group, or if there are other sports you would like to learn more about refereeing for, then please let us know through this form (eg. football, rugby, volleyball).

https://forms.gle/xQ7wguesvP4BVR1w7

Throughout the year, there will be a number of skill development opportunities provided by our regional sporting bodies for our referee group to attend. All of these will be optional of course. You will also receive acknowledgment from our school, as well as your referee service badge for Columba College.

There is a referee workshop being offered by OSSSA (Otago Sec. School Sport Association) in March, which may be a great way to get started for this group!

Many thanks everyone. Refereeing is an excellent way to provide service and give back to your school!