Balmain Rugby League Referees Association

01/09/2026

📸 **More Grand Final Memories!** 🏆💚

A few more moments from last weekend’s **Grand Finals at Leichhardt Oval**.

What a fantastic day celebrating our players, teams, volunteers and match officials! 🏉👏

31/08/2026

🏆💙 What a Grand Final Weekend at Leichhardt Oval! 💙🏆

As another fantastic season comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible year for the Balmain Referees Association.

Grand Final weekend at Leichhardt Oval was a wonderful celebration of our game, and we couldn't be prouder of all our match officials who represented the Association with professionalism, passion and dedication throughout the season. Being appointed to officiate finals is a great achievement and a reward for the hard work put in week after week.

We would also like to thank all the clubs, players and fellow officials we have worked alongside throughout the year. Rugby League simply wouldn't happen without the efforts of so many passionate people.

Congratulations to everyone on a fantastic season, and thank you for being part of the Balmain Referees Association family. Bring on 2027! 🏉🎉💙

28/08/2026

💚 **RESPECT TODAY. PROTECT TOMORROW.** 💚

They’re not just referees.

They’re **students.**
They’re **learning.**
They’re **gaining confidence.**
And they’re **the future of our game.**

Every whistle. Every call. Every decision.

Behind every decision is a young person learning to officiate, develop their skills and be part of our great game. They deserve the same respect we expect from them.

💚 At the **Balmain Rugby League Referees Association**, we’re incredibly proud of our young match officials and the commitment they show each weekend.

💚 We ask **players, coaches and spectators** to play their part this weekend too — encourage them, respect them and give them the environment they need to learn and grow.

This season, **referees under the age of 18** within the Balmain Rugby League Referees Association have worn **green socks**.

The green socks provide a clear reminder that the person in the middle or on the touchline is a **minor** and reinforce the importance of showing patience, understanding and respect.

They may be learning today, but **they are the future of our game tomorrow.**

Let’s make sure they enjoy there Grand Final as well by, feeling supported.

💚 **RESPECT TODAY. PROTECT TOMORROW.** 💚

28/08/2026

🏆 **GRAND FINAL WEEKEND IS HERE!** 🏆

What a weekend of rugby league we had last weekend! The Semi Finals delivered plenty of excitement, determination and some fantastic football, with teams leaving everything on the field as they chased their place in this weekend’s Grand Finals.

Now, the stage is set for Grand Final weekend at Leichhardt Oval!

These games are about so much more than the final score. They are a celebration of everyone who makes community rugby league possible — the players who have worked hard all season, coaches and team staff, dedicated volunteers, and our match officials who play such an important role in every game.

👏 Come along, bring the family, make some noise and get behind everyone taking part. Whether you're supporting your team, cheering on a friend, or simply enjoying a great day of community rugby league.

Good luck to everyone competing this weekend — and most importantly, enjoy the moment!

28/08/2026

2026 Grand Final Booklet!

Simply scan the QR Code for this years online version.

23/08/2026

🏉👏 Blue Ribbon Association Proudly Represented at Allianz Stadium 👏🏉

A huge congratulations to our three match officials, Greg Watt, James Lee and Dean Tyler, who proudly represented the Blue Ribbon Association today at Allianz Stadium as part of the curtain raiser before the NRL clash between the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers.

The trio took charge of the annual Emergency Services Cup, contested between Australian Firefighters Rugby League and NSW Police Rugby League in a hard-fought and spirited encounter. Congratulations to the Australian Firefighters, who claimed the trophy with a 12-6 victory.

Well done Greg, James and Dean on your professionalism, dedication and commitment to the game. We are incredibly proud to see Blue Ribbon officials involved in such a special event that showcases the strong connection between rugby league and our emergency services community.

🔵⚫️ Congratulations gentlemen on flying the Blue Ribbon flag with pride! ⚫️🔵

21/08/2026

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! 💙💛🏉👏

04/08/2026

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.

04/08/2026

🏉 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!

01/08/2026