Ref stars to earn State grand final

Albany rugby referee James Knowlson has shown his ability to officiate at a high level, during the recent Touch Football WA Junior State Championships in Perth.

Knowlson, 15, made the trip to Perth to try to attain his level three accreditation in touch football. He did that and more.

Needing to be assessed at State level, Knowlson was invited to participate in the championships and he went on to umpire the open grand final.

The Year 10 Albany Senior High School student capped a terrific showing at the event after being named the referee of the tournament.

Knowlson said he got valuable experience from the championships.

“Winning referee of the tournament means a lot to me,” he said.

“Refereeing down in Albany, I have never been exposed to the quality game I was experiencing in Perth and to know that I am capable of refereeing those sorts of games is a great feeling.

“To be recognised by some of the best mentors and coaches in the State as doing my best means a lot to. The experience itself was amazing.”

Knowlson said he aimed to have a long future in officiating.

“To have the chance to have one-on-one coaching by some of the best mentors in the State is something I embraced,” he said.

“I have been wanting to go for my level 3 since I did my level 1.

“My ambitions are to continue through to my level 6 badge and hopefully referee in the World Cup, NRL Touch Premiership and other big tournaments.”