Bay of Plenty secondary school students are being given the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Bay of Plenty international referee Bryce Lawrence.

‘You Make the Call' is an introductory course to the sport of refereeing rugby and is designed for Year 11-13 students.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union referee manager Paul Greenstreet says 'we are targeting students who would like to take up rugby refereeing as a sport and also current rugby players and participants in other sports”.
'The course can also appeal to students who are studying physical education or other sport-related studies,” says Paul.

The three-day course covers a number of different skills needed to be a successful rugby referee and qualifies for NZQA credits.

On completion of the course, the new referee recruits receive a certificate from the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The course covers injury prevention and management, application of sports rules at a junior or beginner level and pre-competition preparation as a sport official.

Bryce Lawrence, who started his referee career in the Bay of Plenty when his contemporaries were playing the game, has gone on to become a well-respected International Rugby Board international official.
Bryce made his Super Rugby debut in 2005 and has gone on to officiate in prestige matches, including the first test between the British and Irish Lions against South Africa in 2009.

Last year's inaugural ‘You Make the Call' courses resulted in a group of youngsters joining the Bay of Plenty Rugby Referees and officiating on a regular basis.
While the graduates start off refereeing at a junior level, several have gone on to become assistant referees – running the line at senior games on Saturday afternoons.

There are three courses to be held in the Bay of Plenty, commencing with Tauranga and Mount Maunganui followed by classes in Whakatane and Rotorua, from June 29 to July 1.

For further information contact Paul Greenstreet phone 029 487 8429.