Rugby League Official Tara Jones Shares Unique Insights as Player and Referee
On [DATE], rugby league star Tara Jones revealed how her exceptional dual role as an international player and elite match official has fueled her trailblazing success. The St Helens and England player made history last week by debuting as a Super League touch judge in London, and recently became the first woman to referee a men’s senior domestic rugby league game in the northern hemisphere.
As a player, Jones had already etched her name in the record books by scoring the first-ever try in a Women’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley for her club St Helens. Now, the 28-year-old occupies a unique position in world sport as a current international player who also officiates at the top level, all while balancing a full-time job.
Jones believes that her experience as both a player and a referee has given her a distinct advantage in both roles. “As a referee, I’ve had players and coaches tell me that you can tell I play the game,” she explained. “You can understand and read the game, and know how players might be feeling in a moment. I think reading the game well can get you in a better position.”
The dual-role has also allowed Jones to build valuable relationships with officials when she’s on the field as a player. “I sometimes try to push them to their limits in a respectful way because I’m a competitive player,” she said. “You try to push the boundaries with officials.”
As a referee, Jones emphasizes the importance of communication and building rapport with the players. “If you go out screaming and shouting at players, then they are not going to respect you,” she noted. “We are there to do a job, but we are human, like the players are human. I like talking to players on the field and I will do that as much as I can, but there is a line that if you cross it, you will still be getting a penalty against you.”
“Sometimes when people see a female referee in a men’s professional game, they are taken aback and might question whether I am good enough. I like to prove to people that I am, and I’m glad when I can change their opinion.”
While Jones is passionate about progressing her refereeing career, she is also determined to continue playing at the highest level for the time being. “In the future, I might have to make some very tough decisions, but for now, I want to continue playing and performing at the top level, while also advancing my refereeing,” she said.
Jones acknowledges that her gender has sometimes been a point of contention, with some questioning her abilities. “Sometimes when people see a female referee in a men’s professional game, they are taken aback and might question whether I am good enough,” she said. “I like to prove to people that I am, and I’m glad when I can change their opinion.”
The rugby league official has also urged fans to be mindful of the abuse directed at referees, both online and in-person. “When someone is shouting at a referee and giving them loads of abuse, would they like it if that was their son, or husband or their wife with someone else shouting at them? No, they probably wouldn’t,” she said.
Jones’ inspiring journey as a player and referee serves as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the power of breaking down barriers in the world of rugby league.
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