The RFL has launched an independent Match Officials Standards Panel to support the development of officiating in the professional game.
The Panel members are former professional player Chris Joynt; former referee Stuart Cummings; Jeff Pettitt; Sue Maughan, and the panel is chaired by Janie Frampton.
“The Standards Panel has been created in order to develop an independent audit system which assesses the quality of Match Officiating,” Ralph Rimmer, the RFL’s Chief Operating Officer, explained.
“The Panel is entirely independent and will report to the RFL board and other stakeholders on whether the standard of officiating in the professional game is improving, staying level or declining.
“The challenges faced in Rugby League are common to a range of sports and this approach is likely to be adopted by other sports. The Panel’s expertise includes perspectives from other sports which they will bring to their objective performance measurement for Grade One Match Officials.
“They will analyse the RFL’s off-field support function to ensure that it is contributing fully to the driving up of standards.”
The Panel will provide analysis and advice on areas for future improvement, taking into consideration all levels of Match Officiating in Rugby League.
Members of the Match Officials Standards Panel
JANIE FRAMPTON (Chair)
Current Sports Officials Consultant, advising on Match Official strategic development both domestically and internationally. Former CEO of Sports Officials UK. Former FA National Referee Manager – Education and Training, FA Regional Referees Manager. FIFA Instructor, one of few female FIFA Instructors worldwide who have been seconded to operate on World Cups as an Instructor, Performance Assessor or Technical Analyst. Twenty-six years’ experience as a football referee and the second woman to come through the men’s professional game, officiating 33 times at International Level.
STUART CUMMINGS MBE
Managing Director of Official Consultancy, advising across many sports including Cricket and Weight Lifting. Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours for services to Rugby League. Still regularly provides expert opinion on Rugby League live broadcasts and publications. Former Director of Match Officials; a position which involved the strategic development of the Match Officials for the sport, appointments, and performance review and development. Qualified as a Rugby League referee in 1988 and was awarded senior referee status in 1991. In his refereeing career, he took charge of over 400 first-grade games, including 4 Challenge Cup finals, 2 World Cup finals and 2 Grand Finals.
CHRIS JOYNT
A former professional Rugby League player who appeared in over 400 games following his debut in 1992. Captained St Helens and won several trophies with the club including the Super League, Challenge Cup and World Club Challenge. 29 International Caps playing for Great Britain, England and also Ireland. Chris also played in the NRL with Newcastle Knights.
JEFF PETTITT
Mind coach and owner of A&H International – the UK’s leading football refereeing kit supplier. Has coached several professional golfers, culminating in Scott Drummond, winning the PGA Championship in 2004. In preceding years he also coached 3 golfers onto the European Tour. He has coached Premier League Assistants and Football League Referees. He spent 15 years as an FA referee, during which he also reached the position of Assistant Referee in the Premier League.
SUE MAUGHAN
Currently General Manager of Badminton Wales. Educated to Master’s level in Sports management and Leadership with a previous 16 years’ experience working for Sport Wales. Lead on Governance and High Performance structures, including the assessment and monitoring of strategic plans. Level 4 Athletics Official, officiating at local through to International events. National Technical Officer for Olympics and Paralympics 2012 & Commonwealth Games 2014; Field Referee at European Paralympic Athletics Championships 2014. She has advised several sporting National Governing Bodies including; Tennis, Hockey, Football and Athletics.
