Refereeing in different countries is stimulating. It improves your rugby knowledge, you learn about yourself and learn the cultural nuances that make other teams great. That is exactly what Lauren Young from Ontario is experiencing in Brisbane, refereeing for the Queensland Rugby Union in Australia.
Two weeks ago, Lauren was rewarded for her efforts throughout the season with a preliminary final in junior rugby. All junior elimination matches were played at the same ground. The atmosphere was motivating, crowd was intense and the encouragement from other referees throughout the day, all being at the same venue, was a way of showing support for the team-of-three.
For the players, it was exhausting, as Brisbane sweltered through its hottest August day in 63 years, setting a record temperature of 35 degrees. (Ridiculous heat, being the middle of winter!) For Lauren and the other referees, the words ‘drink break’ only came as a sigh of temporary relief. Lauren battled on, courageously played advantage to the maximum and the players were rewarded with seven tries in a 50-minute game. In an elimination match like this, mental toughness was the real challenge. It’s all about the little things you do that help maintain your performance.
For her efforts in this final, Lauren was then rewarded with the Grand Final a week later, scheduled to be played at Ballymore, the sacred Test-venue and former home of the Queensland Reds. Any time one gets a run at Ballymore, either as a player or an official, it is a special day. Many legendary internationals ran out though the same tunnel and one can only feel proud and privileged to represent their association in this manner. Lauren was consistent with her on-field performance and that was the form which earned her a grand final opportunity.
Queensland would like Lauren to referee for the association again next season should she return to Brisbane to complete her Master’s degree in Education. However, she would have to firstly decide to hang up her playing boots, as she is again scheduled to run out through the tunnel at Ballymore on the weekend, but this time as the starting flanker for Easts Tigers’ Rugby Union, in the women’s major semi-final against Wests’ Bulldogs. Lauren has thankfully learned to show empathy as an official and has promised not to give the referee a hard time. Congratulations Lauren on a fantastic first season in a new rugby culture.
Contributed by Jason Lees
Jason is originally from Ottawa and will be returning to Ontario – Toronto to be precise - next year. He is also a referee and will be welcomed by the Society.