AS the opportunities within women’s rugby continue to develop, one of Coonamble’s own is forging a path for herself within the growing game.

Making her refereeing debut in the Waratahs and Western Force game on Friday 24 March was Ella Goldsmith, 25 year old daughter of Jamie & Leonie Goldsmith.

“I was the AR, or assistant referee for the Friday night game at Allianz but this weekend I’m off to Fiji and I’ll be the one in the middle for the Drua and Rebels game,” said Ella.

“Then I’ve got two more after that.”

Ella began her refereeing journey back in 2021 following a short stint playing AFL.

“AFL just wasn’t really my thing, so I started to get my refereeing levels up in rugby,” said Ella.

“I had played rugby but stopped in 2020 to try something new.”

“Even with that little break in between when I was playing AFL I was still really involved in rugby, you know coming from Coonamble we all love a bit of rugby.”

ABOVE: Ella Goldsmith

A path was made available to Ella with the Waratahs development team, and work her way up from gala days to Saturday matches.

“The pathways for women’s match officials are huge right now, there’s so many opportunities available, you get to travel the world and meet all these new people.”

“For me that’s really welcoming, and I can see a path forward for myself within the game.”

“I also find that it’s constantly challenging, you’ll never be able to ref that perfect game so there’s always something to improve on and something to strive for.”

What started out as trying something new has lit a fire in Ella to push to be the best referee she can be.

“I started off doing it for fun and to challenge myself, however, I think I’m really excited that I’ve been given some great opportunities to further develop my skills and challenge myself further like being able to referee in the Super W,” said Ella.

“You don’t have to want to ref at the next World Cup you can just be content with refereeing your local fixture every Saturday.”

“But for me, I’m constantly striving to challenge myself and take those opportunities.”

As for her refereeing style, she says “It’s a tricky question.”

“Coming from a playing perspective I have a good understanding of the game.”

“I don’t know if I have a hard set-in-stone style, but I watch so many other referees and I try to take some things that they do well and put it to practice.”

“Everyone referees very differently, I like to think I’m a good listener but can also be a strong communicator, you have to have both qualities to take charge of a game.”

And despite such a rapid rise to the premier grade of women’s rugby in Australia, Ella says the transition is going well.

“I’m still getting used to things like broadcast and wearing the communication vests - you get broadcasters listening to you and coaches listening to you as well so that’s always in the back of your head.”

“But for me when I’m actually in the game, I’m in it, relaxed and ready to go.”

“I like to referee your everyday Saturday game just like I’d referee in the super W.”

Like many in her position, Ella has taken inspiration from the trailblazing Amy Perrett.

“She’s my coach and she was my main inspiration,” said Ella.

“I’m sure if you ask any other female match officials, they’ll probably say the same.”

“She’s the only female that’s refereed a Super Rugby game in the middle, and she’s been instrumental in the growth of the game and bring more females into the game.”

You can watch Ella take centre stage this weekend on Saturday 1 April, when she referees the Super W match between the Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels at 12:05 pm.