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How We’re Helping To Keep Referees On The Rugby Pitch
Ever seen a game of rugby without a referee? No? That’s because referees are just as integral to the sport as its players and fans.
But you may be shocked to hear that only a third (34%) of qualified officials stay to oversee more than three games.
That’s why ACME Whistles is proud to announce our partnership with The Rugby Football League, to help keep referees in rugby.
The new programme launched this week by RFL referees Ben Thaler and Liam Moore, will celebrate referees from their entry into the sport, right through to the most decorated referees and ambassadors of the game.
Our new partnership will support the hundreds of referees coming through RFL training courses each year with an additional layer of expert advice, content, and support.
The partnership will also celebrate inspirational stories throughout the year, building to a yearly awards evening honouring referees from community to professional level.
To celebrate the first three games, our up-and-coming referees will be awarded their own ACME Thunderer 558 whistle, the whistle of choice in the rugby league.
Simon Topman, managing director of ACME Whistles, commended the young referees coming into the sport.
“We hope referees will see this new partnership as a recognition and thanks for every evening and weekend they have given to the sport. After all, without the hundreds of referees out there, the sport we love wouldn’t be possible.”
Other industries are quick to recognise such dedication, and we didn’t see why our referees should be overlooked.
To help raise the number of officials staying after their first three games, RFL referees will continue to be awarded for their commitment. Throughout their involvement in the sport, they will progressively receive more prestigious and personalised whistles to commemorate their 100th, 200th, 300th, and even 400th game.
“We want to create different touchpoints to celebrate each referee’s journey in the sport - and at each junction create a moment of pride in their achievements.” - Liam Moore, RFL referee
As the producer of the Official Whistle of RFL, the partnership works seamlessly, and we are proud to see our whistles continuously used within Rugby by both established and new referees.
“Ever since Joseph Hudson invented the referee’s whistle in 1884, we have looked to help officials and umpires across a range of sports – and this new partnership with the RFL is yet another step to keep more refereeing talent in rugby league.” - Simon Topman, Managing Director at ACME Whistles
Ben McFarlane, marketing director at ACME Whistles, added; “We’ve worked with the RFL to create something really special, ranging from an engraved Matt Black ACME 58.5, through to a personalised gold referees whistle. We want referees to be proud of their contribution to rugby league - creating ambassadors for those coming into the sport to aspire to.”
For now, we’d like to congratulate all of the RFL referees for their hard work and dedication to the sport, and we look forward to seeing you with your ACME Whistles in the near future!
Also see: Rugby Referee Whistles