Embracing Rugby’s Core Values: The Vital Role of Assistant Referees at Norwest Bulls Junior Rugby Club

At Norwest Bulls Junior Rugby Club, we are passionate about more than just winning rugby matches—we’re dedicated to developing young people through the powerful values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline, and respect. These principles, championed by both Rugby Australia and the Sydney Junior Rugby Union (SJRU), underpin everything we do on and off the field.

Why Rugby Values Matter

Rugby is unique in its ability to teach life lessons through sport. Whether it’s shaking hands after a hard game, respecting your opponent, or listening to the referee even when you disagree, our sport shapes character.

Rugby Australia outlines these values clearly:

• Integrity – Being honest and playing fair, even when no one is watching.

• Passion – Showing enthusiasm for the game and those involved.

• Solidarity – Supporting your teammates and the rugby community.

• Discipline – Sticking to the rules and accepting decisions without dissent.

• Respect – Treating others with dignity—opponents, teammates, referees, and yourself.

These aren’t just nice words—they’re essential to how rugby is played and taught, especially in junior competitions.

The Crucial Role of Assistant Referees (ARs)

Assistant Referees play an important part in upholding the integrity of the game. Their key responsibilities include:

• Judging when the ball goes into touch or becomes dead.

• Overseeing the lineout—indicating the throw-in side and mark.

• Signaling successful goal kicks.

• Watching for foul play and communicating with the referee.

To perform these tasks properly, ARs are required to complete the Level 1 Rugby AU Assistant Referee Course—ensuring a consistent and safe standard across the game.

When Your Child Is Playing: The Importance of Impartiality

We know how passionate parents can be when watching their kids play—but as an Assistant Referee, it is critical to remember:

Your role is not to coach from the sidelines. Your job is to assist the referee in making fair, unbiased decisions that respect the game and all players involved.

This can be especially challenging when your own child is on the field or when there’s a strong local rivalry, such as playing against a team who we may also face in rugby league. Emotions run high, and the temptation to call things in favour of your team can be real—but it goes against the very spirit of rugby.

Bias, coaching, or influencing the game while wearing the AR vest undermines trust, fairness, and respect—three core tenets of our sport.

If we want our players to respect opponents, officials, and the game itself, we as adults must model that behaviour. That includes refraining from any commentary that may encourage our kids to act with disrespect toward the opposition. Our tone and example from the sideline can influence more than just the score—it can shape how our children understand values like sportsmanship and character.

A Final Word

At Norwest Bulls, we are proud of our rugby community, and we know that the integrity of our competitions is only as strong as the people who help uphold it. Every Assistant Referee has a responsibility—not just to the rules of the game, but to the values that make rugby truly great.

Whether you’re a seasoned rugby parent or volunteering as an AR for the first time, remember: you’re helping shape not just a game, but a generation.

For more on how to become an accredited Assistant Referee, visit Rugby Australia’s official page.

Let’s continue to lead by example—because the way we play the game matters.