Kiwi kids offered ultimate NRL referee experience

Kiwi kids offered ultimate NRL referee experience

Auckland, 15 April 2014 – Four Kiwi kids have the chance to win the ultimate, first-of-its-kind NRL Referee Experience with AA Insurance, and gain a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to make the big calls on the field.

The launch of AA Insurance’s NRL Referee Experience competition comes one month after the company took up this season’s sponsorship of NRL referees during New Zealand home matches of the Holden Cup and NRL Telstra Premiership.

“This competition is the first experience of its kind in New Zealand and is a chance to shows kids how important a referee is, by keeping the game moving and sorting out issues quickly and fairly - we hope it will be a fun way to give kids an insight into the key role that referees have in ensuring a game is managed in the fairest way possible,” says Richard Park, Head of Marketing, AA Insurance.

“Our sponsorship is not just about putting our branding on the NRL referees’ kit; it’s also about working with the NRL to reinforce the important role that referees have on the field. There is a real need for more refs at all levels of rugby league in New Zealand, and requires more resource because without a ref, there is no game,” says Richard.

Former NRL player turned referee, Henry Perenara, is one of the refs whom winners may get the chance to meet during a home game.

He says there are plenty of great reasons to become a rugby league referee. “It’s a great way to be involved in the game and can deliver a sense of achievement by providing a really important service to players, coaches and fans of the game.”

Henry, who is the only Kiwi ref in the NRL, considers his switch from player to ref as one of the best decisions he has made.

Competition details:
Winners will receive a prize package that includes:
· Premium game day seats to a NRL Telstra Premiership match at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland

· A behind-the-scenes tour of Mt Smart Stadium, including the video ref box

· A limited edition mini ref jersey to keep

· A meet and greet with NRL referees

· Use of a headset to hear all the officials during the match

Experiences will take place during June and July at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Winners who don’t live in Auckland will be flown up with their parent or guardian by AA Insurance to claim their prize and attend the match. Accommodation and transfers to and from the airport and match are included. Entries officially opened on Monday 14 April 2014 via aainsurance.co.nz

ENDS

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