Background and Personal Journey
Simon Park, a General Practitioner in Doncaster and a father of twin daughters, has had an inspiring journey from player to match official. His love for rugby runs deep, and even after retiring from playing to focus on family, Simon found a way to stay connected to the sport. He recalls, "I was playing rugby for Barnsley up until the day my daughters were born. My wife and I decided I’d retire then, but I still wanted to stay involved in the game."
After discussions with Steve Lumb and Brian Smyth, Simon decided to pick up the whistle and become a referee. His first experience officiating was a match between Mosborough 2’s and Retford 3’s, which was memorable not only for the result but because he had to change with the home team. Reflecting on that day, Simon says, "Brian Smyth assessed me that day, and I still have that report, along with everyone since."
Simon’s journey into refereeing leadership began in his first year when he took part in the RFU Leadership Academy alongside Kev Crawshaw and Steve Huckett. This laid the foundation for his future roles, eventually leading him to become the Chair of the Yorkshire Federation of Referees in 2020.
Role and Responsibilities
As Chair, Simon’s responsibilities extend beyond officiating. He serves as a liaison between the five individual referee societies, the Yorkshire CB, and the RFU. "I field queries from referees and clubs, and I focus on supporting rugby to the best of my ability, both on an individual and regional level," he says. A major part of his role involves addressing two key challenges: recruitment of new match officials and tackling match official abuse.
Simon is particularly proud of initiatives like the Whistler’s Trophy, which not only gathers feedback on teams’ behaviour but also celebrates positive experiences between referees and clubs. "We’ve developed a great working relationship with Yorkshire CB, aiming to improve club behaviour and enhance the match experience for referees," he adds.
Insights and Perspectives
According to Simon, a good referee is someone who "loves and understands the game, doesn't seek attention, and applies the laws with fairness and balance." His experience at the professional level, including officiating in the Championship, Professional Women’s Rugby (PWR), and acting as 4th official in the Premiership, has taught him to handle the scrutiny that comes with the job. "It can be daunting, but I remind myself that this is my hobby, and mistakes are opportunities to learn," he reflects.
Over the years, refereeing has taught Simon many lessons, but the most important one is patience. "Breathe, take a second, and think before speaking," he advises.
Federation Goals and Impact
One of Simon’s primary goals is to support the growth of officiating across all levels of rugby in Yorkshire. The Federation is involved in several initiatives, such as securing new sponsorship deals with Ossett Brewery and rolling out the "Introduction to Refereeing" program to all societies. "The aim is to foster an open culture within the committee, allowing for productive discussions and decisions," he says, emphasizing how proud he is of the teamwork and support from committee members.
Refereeing Culture and Community
When asked about the refereeing culture in Yorkshire, Simon describes it as "abrasive but fair." The region is known for its fiercely contested set pieces and breakdowns, which haven’t changed much over the past decade. However, one area that has seen growth is women’s rugby, which Simon finds incredibly encouraging.
To those considering becoming referees, Simon’s advice is simple: "Give it a go! Whether to stay on the pitch longer or give something back to the game, you might love it as much as I do."
The Federation fosters a sense of camaraderie among referees through open discussions at Society meetings, where even new referees can engage with experienced officials, including Premiership referees.
Looking Forward
The future of refereeing in Yorkshire is bright, with more opportunities arising for touch and non-contact rugby. Simon is also excited about the growth of women’s rugby. As the Federation gears up to celebrate its 130th anniversary next year, Simon is enthusiastic about the changes ahead, including a return to traditional branding and colours, as well as the upcoming Yorkshire Charity Weekend, raising funds for the MND Association.
On a personal level, Simon looks forward to continuing his officiating work as an Assistant Referee in the National Leagues and taking on more local refereeing duties as he steps back from some of his higher-level commitments.
Personal Touch
When Simon isn’t refereeing or working as a GP, he enjoys walking and running with his dog, watching live sports and music, and spending time with his family and friends. And in a fun fact that might surprise many, Simon reveals, "I have medals for ballroom dancing!"
Simon’s journey exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the sport, both as a player-turned-referee and a leader in rugby officiating. His role as Chair of the Yorkshire Federation of Referees allows him to leave a meaningful legacy, driving positive change and fostering growth in the referee community.
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