Awards evenings have been held in Northland and Auckland to celebrate our referees and their acheivements in the 2023 season. 

"It's been another season of progress across the board. In 2023 there was an increase in referee numbers, especially females, as well as 5200 football and futsal appointments through the season," said Mark Hester, Referee Education Officer – NRFL. 

"Despite the weather disruptions and logistical adjustments with the FIFA Women's World Cup, our referee group again played a key role in delivering our Quality Competitions strategy. All thanks go to them, and it was tremendous to have such a great turnout and atmosphere at the Awards evenings." 

"Special mention goes to Nick Waldron, his achievements as a FIFA referee are testament to his commitment. As he stands down from FIFA at the end of the season, I'd like to congratulate and thank him for his hard work and setting an example as to what's possible."  

"Our game run on the dedication of the people involved and we need match officials to make football and futsal happen across our region. I’m delighted with the boost in numbers in 2023, and the increased in standards and experience our referee group bring to our competitions," said Laura Menzies, NRF CEO.  

"Huge thanks go to members of the Referee Advisory Group, expertly chaired by Kevin Turnock, the referee sub-committees, for your mahi, advice and expertise over the season, it’s so important and appreciated. Thanks also to our referee team Mark Hester, Bridget Baker and Beth Rattray for delivering week after week."  

2023 referee award winners 

Dedication to Refeering Darren Mason                    

Most Improved Referee Greg Stewart

Personality of the Year Aaron Hooper

Most Improved First Year Referee David Badham            

Mike Stather Memorial Trophy - Award to the Referee for the Most Appearances Les Moorhouse

Northland RDO Award Les Moorhouse

Rudi Hoffman Memorial Award   - Referee that embodies the 'Spirit of NRF Referees'    Wayne Barry
        
Stephen Fletcher Memorial Award  - Referee with the best development growth beyond their first year     
James Portegys
        
Alexandria Wendy MacLennan Memorial Cup  - Most promising new Referee  Nathan Cox
        
Forrest Cup - Best first year Greg Staines
        
Page Cup - Most improved Community Official  Marcus Turner
        
Lynn Fox Trohpy  - Most improved Assistant Referee  Kirsty Whiting
        
The Ken Wallace Cup - Most improved Referee  Riley Greenbury, Beth Rattray
        
Schipper Family Trust Cup - Best level 1, 2, 3 Referee Shawn Liu
        
Lynn and Neil Fox Cup - Best Assistant Referee  Hayden Tutbury
        
The Rugg Rosebowl - Professionalism within refereeing, on and off the field Martin Neale
        
Solarix Networks Ltd Cup - Best level 4, 5 Referee Nick Waldron
        
The Andrew ‘Pop’ Menzies Award - Referees’ Assessor of the Year Paul Smith
        
Brian Precious Memorial Trophy - Referees’ Assistant Referee of the Year Reza Al Rabea
        
The Graham West Trophy - Referees' Referee of the Year Riley Greenbury
        
REO Cup - Voluntary support to the Referee Education Officers Aaron Day
        
Ian Hiscox Award - Merit award selected by Ian Hiscox Chris Scott
        
Paul Smith Award - Merit award selected by Paul Smith Tony Daniels

Article added: Wednesday 25 October 2023