Referee Panels 2026
ORRA referees are organized into panels based on their experience, skill level, and the grade of matches they are qualified to officiate. Progression between panels is based on performance, development, and meeting the required standards.
🏆 Premier Panel
Grades up to: Premier Men's Club Rugby, Top First XV Matches
- James Doleman
- Fraser Hannon
- Caleb Neilson
- Erin Doherty
- Logan Whitty
- Jackson Brierly
- Craig Anderson
- Keiran Eathorne
- Rodger Hewitt
- Brandon Hale
- [To be updated with current panel members]
📈 Panel A
Grades up to: Country Premier Men's Club Rugby, Premier Women's Club Rugby, Division 2, U20 Colts
- Ollie Shore
- Nigel McLachlan
- Allan Thompson
- Georgia Mason
- Matt McBride
- Jono Homer
- Hamish McKnight
- Cammy Forrest
- Steve Salton
- Hunter Jennings
- Tim Lucas
- Grant McDonnell
- Dave Kennedy
- Andrew Laughton
- Simon Wallace
- Nigel Brown
- Will Meredith
- [To be updated with current panel members]
🏉 Panel B
Grades up to: U21 Colts, Division 3
- Andrew Clarkson
- Fraser Reid
- Matty Aitken
- Brad McFarlane
- Jacob Davies
- Murphy Lister
- Phill Carroll
- Ian Huddelston
- Cullen Fagen
- Carter Dermody
- Jensen Hemmingsen
- Trey McLean
- Ray Wilson
- Marcus Frost
- Rob Van Vugt
- Amy Eason
- Derek Shaw
- Bryce Hyde
- James Grubb
- Paul Bolton
- Bryce Adie
- Doug Hill
- [To be updated with current panel members]
🎓 High School Panel
Grades up to: Development Women's Club Rugby, High School Matches (Various Grades)
- Logan Boyd
- Angus MacGregor
- Kane Cocker
- Amelia O'Connell
- Elisabeth Hutton-Neill
- Bryn Dingemans
- Andrew Robertson
- Richard Morrison
- Ash Jarden
- Martin Warriner
- Greg Purvis
- Ivan Richards
- Jesse Gray
- Craig Lister
- Calvin May
- Gary Russell
- Harry Shaw
- Jimmy Hill
- Kev O'Neil
- Mike Thurston
- Chad Douglas
- Jayden McLew
- Brodee Thomson
- Daniel Thoms
- [To be updated with current panel members]
Panel Selection and Progression
Panel placements are reviewed annually by the executive committee in consultation with the Coaching & Development officer. Progression is based on:
- Meeting or exceeding fitness standards (Bronco test)
- Achieving required law test results
- Consistent match performance
- Assessment scores and feedback
- Professional conduct and attitude
- Commitment to development and training
Panel Responsibilities
| Panel | Match Grades | Expected Availability | Training Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier Panel | Premier Men's, Top First XV Schools | High - most Saturdays | All sessions mandatory |
| Panel A | Women's Premier, Division 2, U20 Colts | Regular - frequent appointments | Most sessions expected |
| Panel B | Division 3, Social club grades | Moderate - as available | Key sessions required |
| High School Panel | Development Women's Club Rugby, Schools competitions (all grades) | Weekday/Saturday availability | Schools-specific training |
Want to Progress to a Higher Panel?
Interested in moving up? Here's what to do:
- Have an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and submit it to the system
- Review the standards and requirements for your target panel
- Make sure you've completed both your bronco and law exam to the relevant standard
- Attend all relevant training sessions
- Seek mentoring from panel members above you
Panel Updates
Panel compositions are reviewed at the start of each season and may be updated throughout the year based on performance and development. For questions about panel placements, contact the Coaching & Development officer.