*NEW* Junior Referee Academy

We're excited to introduce the Wānaka Touch Junior Referee Academy, providing Year 9+ players with the opportunity to learn the rules of Touch, build confidence and develop valuable leadership skills while giving back to our junior programme.

The Academy is open to all Year 9+ players, whether you're an experienced player or simply interested in learning more about refereeing.

As part of the Academy, referees will:

• Learn the rules and positioning of Touch;
• Receive practical on-field coaching and support;
• Be provided with a referee shirt and whistle;
• Referee Year 5–8 games alongside an experienced referee;
• Build confidence, leadership and communication skills;

No previous refereeing experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn!

Referee Training Day

Sunday 11th October 2026

11.00am – 2.00pm

Wānaka Rugby Grounds

Further information will be sent out closer to the day. 

Adult Referees Needed

We're always looking for adults to help referee our Senior Module.

Whether you're an experienced referee or would like to learn, we'd love to hear from you. Training and ongoing support will be provided, and referees will never be asked to referee alone while they're building their confidence.

Adult referees receive $12 per game, and senior teams that provide a referee for the Monday night competition will also receive a $50 discount on their team registration.

Interested in becoming a referee? Tick the referee option on your team registration form, or get in touch with the Wānaka Touch Committee—we'd love to have you involved.

Referee Upgrades

For anyone looking to upgrade to a Level One, we will be traveling to the Te Waipoinamu tournament in Christchurch over the weekend of 19th and 20th December 2026 to facilitate this for anyone interested. If this is of interest to you please contact wanakatouch@gmail.com.