Balmain Rugby League Referees Association

What a fantastic weekend for our association!

A huge congratulations to all our members on their recent appointments and for proudly representing our association. Your dedication, professionalism, and passion for the game continue to make us incredibly proud.

We would also like to congratulate every team that took part in last weekend's matches. The standard of football on display was outstanding, with some fantastic contests and great footy played across all grades. Thank you to everyone who contributed to such a memorable weekend.

As we now head into Week Two of the finals series, it was wonderful to see so many members attend our final on-field training session for the year. The commitment, enthusiasm, and support shown by everyone highlights the strong culture and camaraderie within our association.

To all teams taking part this weekend, we wish you the very best of luck. Enjoy the occasion, back yourselves, and give it your all. We know you'll represent your clubs, teammates, and our association with pride.

Good luck to everyone involved and let's make it another great weekend of football! 💙💛🏉👏

MELEE ESCALATION POLICY.

What is a melee?

A melee is any on-field altercation, push-and-shove, or fight between players.

As a player what do I need to do?

If an incident of foul play happens on the field, DO NOT become involved, walk away and retreat from the area. Allow the Match Officials to deal with the issue at hand.

As coaching staff what do we need to do?

Stay OFF the field, allow Match Officials to deal with the situation. Under NO circumstances should you go onto the field to remove players, pull players off others.

As parents or spectators what do we need to do?

STAY OFF THE FIELD. Allow the Match Officials deal with the situation in ALL circumstances.

As a Club what do we need to do?

Educate your players and coaching staff on the Melee Policy.

🏉 Balmain Referees Life Member #53 – Graeme West 🏉
Thank you NSWRL Referees Association for proudly recognising Life Member #53, Graeme West, a dedicated official whose contribution to rugby league spans decades and has left a lasting mark on the game.

Graeme's outstanding refereeing career saw him officiate 181 First Grade NSWRL/ARL matches, along with an incredible 302 First Grade games as a Video Referee. His expertise was trusted on the biggest stages, including 11 State of Origin matches as a Video Referee and 2 First Grade Grand Finals.

Beginning his First Grade journey in 1983 and concluding in 1996, Graeme demonstrated professionalism, commitment, and a passion for the game that earned the respect of players, coaches, fellow officials and supporters alike.

Through countless hours of dedication both on and off the field, Graeme helped uphold the standards of refereeing and contributed significantly to the growth and success of rugby league officiating.

👏 Thank you, Graeme West, for your remarkable service, commitment, and lasting contribution to our refereeing community.

🏆👏

Continuing with our new daily series: Behind the Whistle!
Each day, we’ll shine a spotlight on a referee or touch judge who has helped shape, serve and contribute to the great game of rugby league.

Today we recognise Graeme West, a proud product of the Balmain Referees Association and graded official #724. Graeme built an outstanding career across two major eras of rugby league officiating — first as an on-field referee, and later as a highly experienced video referee.

In the middle, Graeme controlled 181 first grade games across the NSWRL and ARL,.
After his on-field career, Graeme continued to play an important role in the game through the video referee system. He was appointed as video referee for more than 300 first grade matches, including two NRL Grand Finals — the 2004 Grand Final between the Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, and the 2005 Grand Final between Wests Tigers and North Queensland Cowboys. Rugby League Project lists Graeme West as one of the video referees for the 2004 decider, alongside Chris Ward, and for the 2005 decider, alongside Mick Stone.

From controlling first grade matches in the middle, to making major calls from the video referee box in Grand Finals and State of Origin, Graeme West’s contribution to rugby league officiating has been significant.

A first grade referee, video referee, Grand Final official, Origin official and respected figure within the refereeing community — Graeme West helped keep the game moving.

Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!

The NSWRL Melee Escalation & Associated Crowd Invasion Policy is in effect, with a zero-tolerance approach to on-field incidents.

If an altercation occurs:
✅ Stay where you are
✅ Take a few steps back
✅ Let the referees manage the situation

❌ Do not run in
❌ Do not attempt to break it up
❌ Do not enter the field if you are not involved in play

Breaches can result in significant penalties, suspensions, crowd invasion bans, match forfeits, and further sanctions for individuals and clubs.

Let's all play our part in keeping our game safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone. 🏉

Congratulations to Sean Hampstead, Balmain Referees Association Life Member #71, on being recognised by the NSWRL Referees Association.

A well-deserved acknowledgement of Sean’s outstanding contribution, dedication, and service to rugby league refereeing over many years.

Thank you to the NSWRL Referees Association for recognising one of our own. 👏🏉

Continuing with our new daily series: Behind the Whistle!
Each day, we’ll shine a spotlight on a referee or touch judge who has helped shape, serve and contribute to the great game of rugby league.

Today we recognise Sean Hampstead, a proud product of the Balmain Referees Association and graded official #777.

Sean built an outstanding career as both a referee and video referee, controlling 290 first grade ARL/NRL matches between 1996 and 2008. His first grade debut came in Round 11, 1996, when the Cronulla Sharks played the South Queensland Crushers at Shark Park, and his final first grade match came in Round 26, 2008, when the Canberra Raiders played the Canterbury Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium.

Across his career, Sean earned appointments at some of the game’s highest levels, including 2 Test matches, 3 State of Origin matches, 1 City vs Country, and the 2005 World Club Challenge between the Bulldogs and Leeds Rhinos at Elland Road.

After his on-field refereeing career, Sean continued to contribute through the video referee system, with 127 NRL video referee appointments, including 4 State of Origin matches and the 2010 NRL Grand Final as video referee.

His contribution to rugby league officiating was formally recognised in 2018, when he was awarded Life Membership of the NSW Rugby League Referees Association.

Sean was part of an important era in the game — moving from the traditional one-referee system, through the growth of professional officiating, and into the video referee era. His career shows longevity, adaptability and service at the highest level.

A first grade referee, representative official, World Club Challenge referee, video referee and NSWRLRA Life Member — Sean Hampstead has played a significant role in keeping rugby league moving.

Who will be featured tomorrow? Stay tuned!

🚫 Spectator abuse has no place in community sport.

No child should have to experience that.

Our young referees volunteer their time so that hundreds of players can enjoy the game we all love. Mistakes are part of learning—for players, coaches and referees.

When you see green socks, remember:
🟢 They are under 18.
🟢 They deserve patience.
🟢 They deserve respect.

Let's be remembered for encouraging our young officials—not intimidating them.

Respect Today. Protect Tomorrow.

A powerful report about our own Association in yesterdays The Sunday Telegraph has highlighted a growing crisis in grassroots rugby league. As one of the oldest Rugby League Associations in Australia, we have lost 30 referees in just three years.

Please see yesterdays article in full along with information on how people can find out more on how to become a referee.

The Sunday Telegraph and Code NRL have highlighted a growing concern in our game impacting our own Association— the shortage of grassroots referees, with many stepping away due to abuse and ongoing pressure.

Our young match officials are out there because they love the game and deserve respect and support from everyone on the sidelines. Let’s all play our part 👏

If you are interested in becoming a Referee hit the QR Code



https://www.codesports.com.au/nrl/rugby-league-referee-association-faces-crisis-as-dozens-quit-over-abuse/news-story/6857403366f7f30ed962b4ddf1499cb1

🌟 National Volunteer Week – Celebrating an Extraordinary Contribution 🌟

This National Volunteer Week, we proudly recognise the remarkable dedication of Life Member Tony Beger, whose lifetime of service is nothing short of inspiring.

Across decades, Tony has given his time, expertise, and passion to countless organisations, shaping communities and supporting people in ways that truly make a difference. 💙👏

🏉 Balmain Rugby League Referees Association
• Active member, Life member & Director for 22 years

🏉 Rugby League Judiciary Roles
• Balmain Junior Rugby League – Chairman (12 years)
• NSWRL Conference Judiciary – Member (8 years)

🏉 Rugby Union Leadership
• NSWSRU Judiciary – Deputy Chairman (15 years)
• Sydney Women’s Rugby Union – 7 years (including 3 as Chairman

❄️ Winter Swimming Association of Australia
• Life Member
• National Treasurer (20 years)
• Deputy Referee – National Championships (14 years)

🌊 Surf Lifesaving (40 years)
• Nationally accredited starter at surf carnivals
• Assessor & Examiner
• Scrutineer
• Accredited Coastal Radio Operator
• Drone Pilot
• Former Radio Operator at State Emergency Centre

🤝 Peer Support Officer – Surf Life Saving NSW (12 years)
Providing vital support and debriefing for members following traumatic incidents

🚨 State Emergency Service (10 years)
🏊 Swim Teacher (3 years)
Supporting people with disabilities
🩸 Blood Donor – Blue Babies Program (12 years)
🩺 UNSW Simulated Patients Program (2 years)
Helping train future doctors
⛑ St John Ambulance (Zambuk – 1 year)

Tony’s extraordinary record of service reflects a lifetime commitment to community, sport, safety, and support for others. His willingness to give back across so many areas sets a powerful example for us all.

👏 Thank you, Tony, for everything you continue to contribute. You truly embody the spirit of volunteering.