Names: Jason King (47), Haydn King (17) and Nathan (13)
Zones: Macquarie Football & Northern NSW Football Referees
Years Officiating: Haydn – 6, Jason – 2, Nathan – 2
The King family is just one of the many refereeing families officiating across Northern NSW.
Haydn was the first to take up the whistle when he was just nine years old, admitting his was “hooked on refereeing ever since” and after watching his brother officiate so many games little brother Nathan just had to try it, dragging his dad Jason along with him.
“I had watched Haydn referee many times and thought it would be fun, so I tried it,” said Nathan.
Father Jason said, he had no intentions of becoming a referee when he stopped playing.
“Nathan wanted to attend the referee’s course but didn’t want to go alone, so I tagged along, passed the course, got assigned to some junior games and realised I really enjoy all aspects of refereeing.”
“I’ve made some new friends along the way and running around the field is good for my health. I would say the most enjoyable part for me as a Dad, is when I officiate on the same match as the boys or when I’m on the sideline watching them refereeing a game,” said Jason.
The family have been involved in football for many years, with Jason having played for 44 years and the boys having played from under 6’s.
All their focus is now set on officiating, confessing there are just so many benefits and enjoyable things that being a referee has brought to their lives.
“I enjoy everything about it. It’s fun,” said Haydn.
Since they have all taken up officiating, all three of the King boys have already achieved a great deal – Both Nathan and Haydn have been officiating in NPL matches, Haydn was selected to referee the NPL 15 Years Grand Final last year and their father Jason has been a referee in Zone League Semi-Finals, and Herald Women’s Premier League First Grade matches, honours he admits he “never expected.”
As the three continue their referee careers, some have high aspirations, while others are happy doing what they’re doing, however, they all had the same advice for any other football families considering becoming match officials.
“If you’re thinking of becoming a family of referees, our advice would be to definitely give it a go. You’ll really enjoy it and some make new friends.”
Thank you to the King family and all referee families for their contribution to our great game.
