DEDICATED official Graham Nipperess is thrilled to see a major development in his second stint as Ipswich Rugby League Referees Association (IRLRA) president.

“The growth of women’s footy is really catching on,” Nipperess said.

“It’s a big thing.

“Once the NRL women start playing [this season], there’ll be even more interest.”

That’s why Nipperess is delighted the IRLRA has kicked off a female referee recruitment drive, providing a no-cost opportunity.

Thanks to recent funding from an Active Women & Girls grant, the Ipswich association is able to offer all female match officials complimentary registration and a uniform kit, saving them $160.

Nipperess said that presented an ideal opportunity for female participants from age 13 to join the referees’ fellowship.

“The women’s game is becoming bigger in Ipswich so if we have female referees coming on at the same time, they are perfect for the games,” he said.

“I know a lot of our young blokes enjoy it [refereeing] and getting up a bit higher.

“We just want to get more people interested.

“The grant was put up to encourage any female to come on board.”

Nipperess said female spectators who enjoyed rugby league could make excellent referees, along with women who want to stay involved and continue friendships after they have played.

Nipperess was previously the association president for eight years before retiring and returning to help out again.

Over the past five years, female participation for the IRLRA was about 15 per cent of registrations.

A major decline in numbers occurred after the Covid-19 outbreak.

However, the increased interest in women’s rugby league at local, state, national and international level provides new experiences for female referees.

Nipperess said other benefits of becoming a female referee included improved fitness.

“They start off in under 6 to under 9s, which you haven’t got to be that fit for,” he said. “But the further up the ranks you go, the fitter you have to be.”

The association president said education, uniform and insurance was covered in the latest recruitment package.

Photo: DAVID LEMS

The IRLRA also recently secured the services of international referee Rochelle Tamarua (pictured), who has provided a positive role model on what can be achieved in the sport.

She recently invited more female participants to share in what refereeing offered.

“We’ve got NRLW [the national women’s competition],” Tamarua said.

“Women’s football is drawing the crowds in.

“As a female referee in the middle, you’ve got to believe that you belong too.”

Contact Kellie Bridge on 0410 492 099 or check out the IRLRA Facebook page for how to become involved.