TALENTED Camden Haven rugby league referee Izaac Gaskin-Hogan, 18, has made his debut officiating at the senior men’s level.
Izaac took charge of the Round 14 clash on Friday, 1 August between the South West Rocks Marlins and the Bellingen Valley Dorrigo Magpies in the Hastings District Rugby League Competition.
“When I was told that I would be refereeing the Hastings match I was keen,” Izaac said.
“I’ve been holding the flag since I was 12 and the whistle since I was 13, so when I found out about my selection I was stoked.”
Growing up playing football for the Camden Haven Eagles before picking up the whistle, Izaac attributes his strong sense of community responsibility to his family, who are passionately involved in local rugby league circles.
“I was encouraged to become a referee while I was still a junior player for the Eagles,” said Izaac.
“The club was struggling to find enough referees to cover their games and the younger kids were missing out.
“I hated seeing this so I thought I would give it a go.
“Ever since then I have loved it.”
Despite being a familiar face across fixtures in both Group 3 and Hastings competitions, Izaac still bears the dissatisfaction of players and supporters on occasion.
“Sometimes the crowd will just give it to me,” he said, “but I just laugh it off and continue to do my job and focus on the game.”
He has also been the beneficiary of helpful tips and tricks from senior officials like Corey Richardson and Jason Higgins.
Izaac hopes to be officiating long into the future, giving back to a game he dearly loves.
“I want to take this opportunity as far as possible and continue to referee until I can no longer hold the whistle, becoming the very best match official that I can be,” he said.
By Kim AMBROSE
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