Refereeing over 100 matches of rugby league every weekend from February to September each year, CBRA also provides officials to the NSWRL and NRL competitions.
CBRA secretary Daniel Gardner said they have had 89 Life Members and welcomed their 863rd member on June 6.
“Interestingly our newest member is only 13-years-old and our oldest would be in their 80s,” he said.
“We have strong pathways for referees, as evident with NRL Referee Adam Gee being a Canterbury Bankstown District Rugby League Referees Association (CBDRLRA) Member.”
With 120 members sometimes refereeing up to 10 games a weekend, Daniel said CBRA was always on the lookout for more.
“When I started 16 years ago, I never imagined that I would be doing it for this long or end up as secretary,” he said.
“It’s just such an enjoyable association to be involved in and it’s exciting umpiring games.
“I wasn’t the most talented player but refereeing allows me to still be involved in the greatest game of all.”
Daniel said CBRA catered for all of the various ambitions among the referees.
“Some just see it as a part-time job that helps you maintain fitness, where as others might have the goal of refereeing the NRL,” he said.
Meeting once a month on a Wednesday night at Canterbury League Club, CBRA holds association training on the other Wednesdays at Neptune Park, Revesby, with most beginner courses online along with face-to-face sessions for upcoming referees before they make their field debut.
“We are very grateful to our sponsors,” Daniel said.
“These include Canterbury League Club, Bankstown RSL, Devel Pty Ltd, Soneta Plumbing & Civil, Cleanrite Sydney, Club Menangle and First National Real Estate Daystar.”
To find out more, email Daniel at cbrasecretary@outlook.com.
