An Australia-first initiative in Rugby Union, the RugbyWA Match Official Pathways Academy will launch in 2026, providing a pathway for the continued growth and development of Match Officials in the state.
The RugbyWA Match Official Pathways Academy is a structured program designed to enhance the skills of Match Officials in Western Australia, preparing them for both local and national-level competitions. It emphasizes the development of technical, physical, and interpersonal skills, while promoting ethical and professional conduct.
The Academy will feature a tiered pod system, in which referees at different levels are able to collaborate and mentor one another under the guidance of appointed developers. This approach aims to promote learning, connection, and personal growth in a supportive and adaptable environment.
In addition, the Match Officials Pathways Academy will be highly integrated with the RugbyWA Emerging and Developing Players Programs, allowing for stronger relationships between local players, coaches and upcoming referees. This integration will also allow Pathways Referees to access strength and conditioning support, performance services, and performance analysis alongside players and coaches, fostering a holistic development culture.
RugbyWA Chief Executive Officer, Simon Taylor, said: “The launch of the RugbyWA Match Official Pathways Academy marks a major milestone for our game. This Academy, the first of its kind in Australia, creates a clear and connected pathway for referees, nurturing their personal and professional growth while embedding them within our broader development ecosystem.
“By integrating with our Development and Emerging Programs, we’re building stronger relationships across the game and shaping a future where referees, coaches and players grow side-by-side. This is a transformational step for rugby in Western Australia, and one that sets a new benchmark nationally.”
The RugbyWA Match Official Pathways Academy will kick off in mid-January. To learn more about the Match Official Academy, visit the webpage.
