Every referee has a first game.
For young match official Dylan, stepping onto the field for the first time was made a little easier thanks to Rugby Australia's Green Shirt Program – an initiative designed to support new referees as they begin their officiating journey.
The Green Shirt Program identifies inexperienced match officials by having them wear a distinctive green referee shirt. The aim is simple: encourage greater understanding, patience and respect from players, coaches and spectators while new referees develop their skills and confidence.
For Dylan, the program has made an immediate difference.
"Wearing the green shirt made me feel more confident. If I make a mistake, people around me know that I'm still learning as a referee," Dylan said.
"It helps me understand the rules of the game a bit more, and that makes me a better player myself."
The green shirt also provides reassurance during those early matches, allowing new officials to focus on learning rather than worrying about making mistakes.
"It kind of gave me that sense of protection that I won't always get in trouble," Dylan said.
"The coaches and the players who I'm reffing know that I'm still in that learning process."
While the program supports new referees on the field, its impact extends far beyond the whistle.
Dylan says refereeing has helped him grow as both a player and a person.
"It definitely helps you develop your skills, even as a player. You learn self-confidence and you're able to trust in yourself a bit more."
His father has seen that transformation firsthand.
"The proudest dad moment I have when Dylan refs is every time he steps out on the field," he said.
"It's a great opportunity for him that has changed the whole way of looking at the game."
"The green shirt gives him more opportunity to learn and shows everybody else that he is still learning and new to refereeing. It has elevated his confidence in the game and brought a lot more confidence into his everyday life."
That growing confidence has already led to exciting opportunities.
One of Dylan's career highlights came when he was invited to be part of the referee team at a Western Force match.
"The coolest referee opportunity I've had is definitely being part of the referee team at one of the Western Force games," Dylan said.
"It was really cool being able to assist the referee. It gave me exposure to what it's like to be a referee on the big stage and showed me how far you can go while being a ref."
His father believes those experiences are invaluable.
"I like Dylan refereeing because it gets him outside, gets him thinking about the game, and gives him opportunities he never would have imagined."
The Green Shirt Program continues to play an important role in creating a positive environment for new match officials across community rugby. By recognising that every referee is learning, the program encourages players, coaches and spectators to show empathy and respect, helping reduce unnecessary pressure and abuse while building the next generation of referees.
