Teenager Eleanor Whittaker has discovered the joys of refereeing after developing her skills at Hautapu Sports Club’s touch module.
After earning her Level 1 refereeing qualification, Eleanor (15) was selected to referee at the National Touch Championships in Auckland where she was part of a pool of officials, controlling games of top-level players.
“It was great to be with other referees,” she says. “I was able to learn from them, in a safe environment.”
She says she was encouraged to get into refereeing by Level 3 referee coach Alex Tukerangi “who was really supportive.”
At first, she was waitlisted as a potential referee for the national competitions at Takanini’s Bruce Pulman Centre but was then invited to join the pool of officials for the four-day event in February.
One of the youngest referees at the tournament, Eleanor was rostered to help officiate in up to four games a day.
Teams of three referees would run the games, of 12-minute halves, by interchanging during play.
Her enthusiasm for refereeing and rapid development earned her a nomination in the refereeing section of the recent Waikato Touch awards.
Hautapu Sports touch administrator Stacey Kobus says the club is proud of Eleanor Whittaker’s progress as a referee.
“Eleanor has always been amazing to have onboard as a ref,” she said.
“She’s reliable and passionate. We receive such good feedback from players, parents and coaches each week as Eleanor not only referees the game constantly and predictably, but communicates so clearly on the field, helping the youngest players understand the calls and grow their game.”
And what’s next for Elearnor?
“I’m thinking of refereeing rugby union,” she says.
Main photo: Eleanor Whittaker … has quickly learned the joys of refereeing.
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