Rugby: Refereeing a great way to stay in the game

Rugby referee David Hodgson is proof sports officiating is not solely the domain of the younger crowd.Photo/Supplied

He is less than four years away from the retirement age, but 61-year-old David Hodgson is hardly putting his feet up on the weekends.

A lifelong rugby fan, Hodgson is in his eighth season as a Bay of Plenty rugby referee.

He began while coaching JMC rugby, officiating games of college rugby on Saturday mornings before progressing through to senior games in the afternoon.

"My son went through the grades and I had played rugby in my youth and in president's grade until a serious injury put paid to my playing days," he said.

"I still love the game and wanted to be involved. When my stepson was playing 1st XV rugby, I made contact with a guy I knew who was involved in refereeing to see how you went about becoming a referee."

Hodgson's highlights so far include refereeing an under-15 final as a curtain raiser for a Steamers match at Baypark, officiating at last year's national Sevens tournament in Rotorua and meeting and training under some of the country's top whistle-blowers.

"I enjoy the challenges - physical, mental and people management," he said.

"It is a great way to keep fit whilst giving something back to the game I love. Refereeing allows [older] players to have a game of rugby, so it's a win-win.

"The camaraderie amongst the refs is great. I have been fortunate to have a referee coach whose help has been great in supporting me and encouraging me over the years."

With a strong stable of current and former referees including Bryce Lawrence and Glen Jackson, Hodgson believes the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is in a strong position to develop budding officials.

"For a younger person it is definitely a possible career path."