Sport
16 June, 2025
Toughest sport there is, with Baradine young ladies leading the way!
Rugby league is a hard game that often engenders strong passions from both players and fans, with match officials often the unwanted centre of attention.
With very few people therefore willing to put their hands up to become referees or touch judges, two Baradine Central School students, Heidi Taylor and Indiannah Carey, have not shied away from what can at times be a demanding position, but also an equalling rewarding one.
Both Heidi and Indiannah can now be seen running lines in the Castlereagh League competition, with the two aspiring to becoming centre referees as their careers grow, Castlereagh League Referee’s Association President, Matt Wesley, said.
“The girls are very welcome additions to our ranks, and we will be giving them every support as they develop as match officials!”
The two young ladies already lead a busy lifestyle with their other sporting interests, which include League Tag, rugby union, netball, Oz Tag, and athletics.
Indiannah explained she was inspired to become a rugby league referee from the example set by another whistle-blower. “I had a really good experience in a game when the referee who was nice and kind, no matter how he was being treated, and I want to be like that for someone else,” she revealed. Heidi just likes being involved in the football, and what better way to be a part of the action, than as an official?
With the support of their families, both girls are keen to continue to learn about what it takes to be a referee and contribute to the game that they love.
Castlereagh League Chairperson, Chris Deighton, echoed the delight in having both Heidi and Indiannah involved as match officials.
“I urge everyone including spectators, club officials and players to be respectful towards the girls (as you should be with every match official) and be encouraging of them as they progress through the ranks,” Chris said.
“Heidi and Indie are leading the way in terms of referee recruitment and if they are prepared to have a go then surely there must be others who can follow their lead and put their hand up and become a match official,” Deighton went on to say.
It is a fantastic way to be involved in ‘the greatest game of all’ and, yes, it can be challenging, but it has many rewards also,” he concluded.
Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a referee need only contact Castlereagh League RA Secretary, Joe Ramage, or get in touch with their local club.
