Long standing coach Martyn Rothwell stepped across the whitewash and took charge a Student Rugby League match in the Midlands recently.

Martyn, a Level 3 Rugby League coach, has coached Loughborough University’s Super 8 side for the past four seasons as well as heading up the RFL’s Performance Pathway in the region, which includes the U15s and U16s Scholarships.

The Nottingham University A v Loughborough University B game in the Midlands division of the BUCS Student Rugby League was an ideal place to make a start and it was an enjoyable debut.

“I really enjoyed it” explained Martyn. “I’m under no illusions that there are tougher games out there, but both sets of players just wanted to play the game and have a good time for eighty minutes which obviously makes the officials job easier. I’ve also been respectful of referees and appreciate the hard job that they have and now I’ve given it a go, I appreciate it even more.”

“I was advised by a leading coach in Australia to have a go at officiating a game, he told me understanding how the game looks through the eyes of the referee will help me to develop a better understanding of certain areas and how to coach them better”

Danny McNeice, the Match Officials Development Officer for the region said, “Martyn has been involved within the sport for a long time and has a good understanding of Rugby League as both a coach and a player. With him taking the decision to give refereeing a go he brought with him a that experience which is invaluable to any match official.

“There will be many more senior players and coaches in our game that are looking to do something different and becoming a match official would be something I would encourage them to consider. It is a great way to keep fit and stay involved in the game without a massive commitment.”

For more information about how to become a match official please visit www.therfl.co.uk/referee