This month's referee of the month is Ryan Waite, from Tauranga, who moved to the Bay from Auckland at the beginning of this year.
Waite, 30, had been playing rugby since he was five years old and is new to refereeing this year.
"I stopped playing two years ago aftera bad injury and wanted to still be involved," said Waite. "Dad was a ref for a number of years in Taranaki and now coaches the refs down there, so I've always thought I'd like to give reffing a go following my playing days."
He says he loves the challenge and opportunity to keep improving.
"You have great support around you like coaches that give you feedback, and chatting to the top Bay refs like Nick Briant really helps to develop your game." Refereeing Tauranga Boys' College 2nd XV against his old school team New Plymouth Boys 2nd XV, is a highlight of Waite's refereeing career.
"I have reffed a few other A1 games and I love the intensity and rivalry of these [school] games."
Waite recommends becoming a referee to anyone.
"The opportunities are great particularly for those that are young. My advice is have a good understanding of the game, set goals and work hard to achieve them.
"If you are keen to give refereeing a go, now is the time," said Brent Jenkins, Bay of Plenty Rugby's referee manager. "We would like to start working with new referees now so we can have them up to speed and ready for games." Contact: www.boprugby.co.nz
