Coaching Profile Sean Barrett
How many years have you coached/officiated?
I have been coaching since 1992, so for over 15 years I have been involved in the grassroots of the game.
What are your qualifications (coaching/officiating level)?
I have been a Level 2 coach since 1998, and am a Level 1 Referee (2004) and ARU Assessor.
How did you get involved in refereeing/coaching?
I began helping out at Junior Level when I was playing Senior Rugby for Kiama Rugby Club. A few years later I was invited to begin Coaching with the Illawarra Junior Representative programs, and coached many Rep teams from Under 14 to under 21’s teams. I was involved with the Illawarra Academy of Sport from 1998 as Assistant Coach. In 2003 I became employed by NSWRU as a Development Officer and have been in my current role of Rugby Manager since 2006.
Your officiating / coaching career highlight?
Coaching teams to Grand Finals or Country Championship Finals is always a highlight and I was lucky enough to do this on a few occasions with success. This year, Coaching the Illawarra Seniors to the Caldwell Cup Final was another challenge as it was my first Senior regional Coaching position.
Your future coaching / refereeing aspirations?
Professional coaching seems a great challenge that I would like to do eventually but short term I would like to get involved at National age group level ie Australian Under 20’s or Junior Waratahs programs.
What attracts you most to being a State Coaching/Refereeing Manager?
Challenging coaches to broaden their knowledge and players abilities, for us to become a better Rugby Region/State/Country we need to consistently challenge ourselves and our players. Seeing players develop and go on to represent with State/Australian schools and/or provinces is rewarding.
Most difficult aspect of your coaching/officiating position?
I currently work with over 100 coaching volunteers in the Illawarra, trying to provide them with quality input regularly is difficult but rewarding.
Coaching / Officiating idol/role model? Why?
I have played under many coaches who have different management styles and philosophies, but they all have had a positive influence on my coaching career. I thought Rod MacQueen was a great coach and really was at the forefront of the holistic approach to coaching.
Best advice you could give a new referee / coach ?
Stick to it, stay positive, use your resources well and try to be your own coach.
Other interests aside from Rugby?
For 10 years, I have competed at State & National level for Touch Football, but with two children under 4, that has taken a back seat recently. Also like to get on the Longboard in summer for some fun. I am also what I call a keen golfer but family and friends call me a hacker.
Favourite Super 14 team/favourite player?
Have always been a Waratahs man with Chris Whittaker and Matt Burke favourites but presently like the all round skills of Luke Burgess and even though he is from across the ditch, Dan Carter.
