James Child to stand down as full-time Super League official
Super League referee James Child will stand down from his full-time match official role in 2023, the Rugby Football League has today confirmed.
Child, 39, became one of a select group to have officiated at four Rugby League World Cups with his involvement in this autumn’s competition in England.
Other major appearances include the 2017 Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford and the 2022 Challenge Cup final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He racked up a total of 333 Super League fixtures as a referee, not counting touch judge and video refereeing appointments.
James Child: It’s the right time for a variety of reasons
Child said: “I’ve been refereeing since I was 11 so this was a tough decision to make, but it’s the right time for a variety of reasons.
“I have always combined my role as a match official with my profession as a Chartered Surveyor, and after 17 years with Leeds City Council I’m joining the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment company, CBRE, as an associate director in their development advisory team.
“I’m not sure at this stage whether I’ll be staying involved in rugby league in an active capacity. But I will remain a passionate supporter of the sport I have always loved, and will always bang the drum.
“I’ve had so many wonderful experiences and memories throughout my years in the sport. To be appointed for a major match is an honour and a responsibility – and to be in the middle for the Challenge Cup final this summer was a special moment, as the competition has so much history and I’ve been watching it all my life.”
Steve Ganson, the RFL’s head of match officials, added “James has been offered an exciting role outside the sport and we wish him well.
“James has been a senior member of our group and I was delighted to appoint him to referee both the Challenge Cup final in 2022 and the Grand Final in 2017. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”
More Super League content
England Knights international commits long-term future to Salford
Are ball in play stats overrated? The product versus the game
London Broncos for Super League: The journey so far
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast