Meet Rugby League Referees, Mark Austin & Lewis Collins – Ep 6
We had a great recording session with Lewis & Mark. Very insightful chat about community-level refereeing, how to manage a game and more 💪
🏉 ABOUT LEWIS COLLINS
Originally born in Cornwall, Lewis discovered the game through his Halifax-born dad and progressed through Rugby Union as a player and referee before switching codes as COVID hit. Lewis now referees in the Midlands and is also an assistant coach at the Shrewsbury Lions Junior RL club.
↪ Lewis on Twitter
↪ Lewis on Instagram
🏉 ABOUT MARK AUSTIN
Initially born in Widnes, Mark discovered Rugby League at school, instantly became a Widnes fan, and has held a season ticket for over 30 years. Mark became a referee as his playing days grew to a close and wanted to not only extend his journey through the sport but also wanted to play his part in ensuring the game survived here in the Midlands.
↪ Mark on Twitter
↪Check out the Midlands & South West Referee account on Twitter
We covered so much, and it was great to hear a referee’s take on things. Check it out.
🏉 ABOUT THE RUGBY LEAGUE OUTSIDERS PODCAST
Welcome to Rugby League Outsiders, where two passionate fans and former players, Karl Walker and Craig Williams, bring their love for the game to the Midlands. After relocating to the area, they were disappointed to find that rugby league wasn’t as prevalent as it was in their former homes.
However, instead of accepting defeat, Karl and Craig saw this as an opportunity to promote the sport and make it more accessible for others in the Midlands. They started the Rugby League Outsiders podcast to shed light on the hidden gems of rugby league in the region and to give a voice to those who may have been overlooked. Tune in weekly as Karl and Craig share their insights and experiences, interview players and coaches, and delve into all things rugby league. From local clubs to the latest news, they’ve got you covered. Like and share this video and help spread the word about this amazing sport in the Midlands.
Key Points:
WE ASKED:
✅ What inspired you to become a rugby league referee, and how did you get started in the sport?
✅ What qualities do you believe are necessary to be a successful rugby league referee, and how do you cultivate those skills?
✅ Can you describe a particularly challenging or memorable match that you officiated, and how you handled the pressure and intensity of the game?
✅ How do you prepare for a match as a referee, both mentally and physically, and what rituals or routines do you have to help you focus?
✅ How do you manage conflict or difficult situations on the pitch, and what strategies do you use to defuse tensions and keep the game flowing?
✅ What advice would you give to aspiring rugby league referees, and how can they best prepare themselves for the challenges of the job?
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