One of the busiest families in the Mackay & District Rugby League Referees' Association (MDRLRA) marked a special milestone this year, showcasing their dedication to the sport and to refereeing.
The Reid family came together to officiate a junior rugby league match, with Scott Reid in the middle, his wife Les-Lee Reid on one sideline and their youngest son Cale, 16, on the other.
The Reids' commitment to refereeing began seven years ago when their eldest son Alex, who is no longer involved, first took up the whistle.
Scott followed a year later, with middle son Ryan also spending time as a match official.
Reflecting on the experience, MDRLRA treasurer Les-Lee Reid, the latest to take up on-field role after many years volunteering in support roles with the association, said it was a great experience to come together on the field for the first time.
"It was actually great, just being together as a family and supporting the association, I’d do it every weekend if we had to," she said.
“It was good just to have us all on one game to see how we all interact with each other.”
Les-Lee said she felt huge support from the members in getting on the field - after a few years of encouragement.
"We had a shortage one weekend and I thought 'Oh, stuff it, I may as well get out there and do it'," she said.
"Not just my boys but other members of the association have been trying to get me to do it for about four years saying 'Come on, get your shoes on and get out there'... and all of a sudden I was out there and I thought, this isn't as bad as I thought it was for all these years.
"Part of it is fitness, but it's also about helping control a game and helping it run smoothly.
"It's nice getting to know all the kids and them getting together and having fun and getting out there and officiating the game they love as well, and that's how we see it, as a family."
Les-Lee said refereeing was particularly valuable for her boys learning how to deal with the pressure of a fast-paced game and how to manage social situations.
"They've got a lot out of it in regard to how to deal with conflict, and their social skills in how to deal with different personalities and make (others) feel they're part of it, but keeping everyone in line," she said.
Retention of junior referees and ultimately moving those old enough into seniors is the focus for the association moving forward, but are hoping to see more older referees - 17 years and up - come forward to bolster the pool available for senior matches.
Les-Lee Reid took the field alongside her husband Scott and their son Cale, marking a new chapter for the Reid family in rugby league officiating. Photos supplied
Les-Lee, Scott and referee from the GF women's local league Luke McCulloch
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