Inaugural Emerging Squad Summit Sets the Standard for the Future

On Saturday 20th December, the inaugural Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Summit marked an important milestone for the Jericho Group Parramatta Referees.

Held just before the Christmas break, the summit brought together members of the Beyond Bank Parramatta Referees Emerging Squad, invited referees from across the Association, and select members of the NSWRL Junior Representative squads for a full day of learning, challenge, and connection.

It was the first event of its kind delivered by Parramatta Referees and set a strong foundation for how referee development will continue to evolve.

A Well-Earned Reset Before the Christmas Break

The timing of the summit was intentional.

The Beyond Bank Emerging Squad had just completed an intensive 7 week training block, showing outstanding commitment and consistency throughout the off-season period. Alongside this, squad members were involved in over 100 international game fixtures, gaining valuable experience across a wide range of matches and environments.

With the season complete and training set to resume again in February, the summit provided a well-earned opportunity to reset, reflect, and reconnect as a group before the Christmas break.

Rather than switching off entirely, the day reinforced the importance of maintaining standards, routines, and mindset during the off-season, while also recognising the work already put in by the squad.

A First of Its Kind for Parramatta Referees

The Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Summit represented a new approach to development within the Association.

While Parramatta Referees has a strong on-field training culture, this summit introduced a structured off-field development program that combined leadership education, physical challenges, personal growth sessions, and team activities.

Importantly, the summit extended beyond the Beyond Bank Emerging Squad. A number of referees were invited to train alongside the squad for the day, as well as members of the NSWRL Junior Representative squads. This created a shared learning environment and reinforced pathway alignment across different levels.

The day was strongly supported by the coaching staff, whose involvement ensured each session was engaging, purposeful, and aligned with the Association’s standards.

Opening the Day with Leadership

The summit began early with an opening session titled What Is Leadership, delivered by Brian Barlow.

The session challenged referees to rethink leadership beyond titles or seniority. Instead, leadership was framed around behaviour, accountability, preparation, and consistency.

Key themes included:

• Leading through actions

• Taking responsibility for preparation

• Making decisions under pressure

• Holding yourself accountable

This session set the tone for the rest of the day and encouraged referees to consider how leadership applies both on and off the field.

One Beyond Bank Emerging Squad member reflected:

“It made me realise leadership isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about how you carry yourself and how you respond under pressure.”

Targeted Development in Small Groups

Following the opening session, referees were split into smaller groups for a series of rotating workshops and challenges. This format allowed for greater interaction, discussion, and hands-on learning.

Each session targeted a specific area of development while encouraging teamwork and communication.

Leadership Fitness Challenges

The Leadership Fitness Challenges combined physical activity with problem solving and communication.

Referees worked together under fatigue, focusing on how they communicated, supported one another, and adapted to changing situations. The emphasis was on teamwork rather than individual performance.

This session highlighted the connection between physical fitness and mental resilience, both of which are essential for referees, particularly after the demanding training block the squad had already completed.

An Beyond Bank Emerging Squad referee shared:

“The fitness challenges showed how important communication is when you’re tired. It really reflected game situations.”

Growth and Development

The Growth and Development session encouraged referees to reflect on their personal journeys.

Discussions focused on long-term improvement, responding to feedback, and staying patient through the pathway process. Referees were challenged to identify strengths, acknowledge areas for growth, and set realistic goals.

This session reinforced that development takes time and that consistent effort, like the work shown over the past 11 weeks, leads to meaningful progress.

Productivity and Routine

The Productivity and Routine session focused on habits that support performance.

Referees explored how routines, time management, and preparation impact both training and match day performance. Practical strategies were shared to help referees balance refereeing commitments with school, work, and personal life.

This session was particularly valuable for younger referees navigating increasing expectations as they progress through the pathway.

Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Challenge Games

The Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Challenge Games introduced a competitive but fun element to the day.

These activities tested teamwork, adaptability, and decision making in a relaxed environment. The games allowed referees to apply leadership principles in a different setting while strengthening connections across the group.

Laughter and encouragement throughout the session highlighted the importance of enjoying the journey while maintaining standards.

 

Leadership Challenge

The Leadership Challenge brought together the key themes of the day.

Teams were given scenarios that required planning, communication, and clear leadership. These challenges mirrored situations referees face regularly, where calm decision making and teamwork are critical.

One participant commented:

“The leadership challenge pushed me to be more confident and speak up when it mattered.”

High Performance Skills on Display

A highlight of the summit was the opportunity to observe skills demonstrated by members of the NSWRL High Performance Squad.

These demonstrations gave referees insight into the standards, professionalism, and attention to detail required at higher levels. For many Beyond Bank Emerging Squad members, this was both motivating and inspiring, especially after being exposed to a wide range of international fixtures throughout the year.

Pictured: Members undertaking skills

Strong Support from Coaching Staff

The coaching staff played a key role throughout the day, providing guidance, feedback, and support.

Their involvement ensured sessions were structured, engaging, and aligned with the Association’s expectations. The collaborative environment reinforced that development is a shared responsibility.

Finishing the Day Together

The summit concluded with a team dinner, providing a chance to reflect on the day in a relaxed setting.

It was an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and reinforce the sense of unity that the summit aimed to build.

Setting the Standard Moving Forward

The inaugural Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Summit delivered meaningful outcomes.

It recognised the hard work already completed across the past 11 weeks, built on the experience gained through more than 100 international fixtures, and reinforced leadership, accountability, and growth.

As training resumes in February, the lessons from the summit will continue to shape the season ahead.

The first Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Summit has set a clear standard, and it marks the beginning of a strong new chapter for Parramatta Referees.

Our Thanks

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Beyond Bank, our Principal Partner Parramatta Leagues Club, and our valued Community Partner Wentworthville Leagues Club for their continued support and commitment to referee development.

In particular, the support of Parramatta Leagues Club plays a critical role in enabling opportunities such as the Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Summit, allowing us to invest in meaningful development initiatives that support our referees both on and off the field. Their ongoing partnership continues to have a significant impact on the growth and success of our Association.

We would also like to acknowledge Wentworthville Leagues Club, whose support as a Community Partner continues to provide valuable opportunities for our members, including this summit over the weekend. Their willingness to support initiatives like the inaugural Beyond Bank Emerging Squad Summit reflects a genuine commitment to community sport and the development of referees at all levels.

We are extremely grateful for the support of all our partners and appreciate the role each plays in helping create opportunities that allow our referees to grow, learn, and perform at their best.