Referee Education Manager Kim Lees
After 6 years working with the ARU (and 42 years in the workforce), Kim Lees has decided that it is time to retire from full time work. Kim leaves the ARU at the end of July after having joined the Community Rugby Division as the Referee Education Manager in June 2002. Prior to this Kim was the Referee Development Officer at RugbyWA (August 1997 – December 1998) and at Brumbies Rugby (March 1999 – May 2002). In 2004 in recognition of a major focus of his work in developing match officials Kim received the Australian Sports Commission Officials Development Award and in 2006 was made a Life Member of the ACT Referees Association.
During his time with the ARU Kim has overseen the implementation at the Community level of new and improved refereeing and referee coaching techniques through updated training courses and national development programs. He has been activity involved in supporting the match officials for both the Australian Rugby Shield competition and at national championships and has been a great supporter of education and development for officials at all levels of the game.
Kim’s involvement in Rugby stretches back to his playing days at school and as a senior referee in the ACT from 1972 to 1995. Kim will not be lost to Rugby as he will continue in his role as an IRB Trainer working with developing countries in the Pacific and has made himself available to undertake special project work for the ARU.
The Referee Education Manager position will be advertised shortly and a replacement is expected to be made within the next couple of months.
