Dewsbury 's Super League official James Child calls time on his refereeing career
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Child, who is a member of the Dewsbury and Batley Referees’ Society, has taken charge of 333 Super League fixtures, the last of which was Leeds Rhinos’ play-offs win at Catalans Dragons in September.
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Hide AdHe joined the full-time list in 2010 and was in charge of the 2017 Grand Final, when Leeds Rhinos beat Castleford Tigers, as well as this year’s Challenge Cup showpiece between Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants.
The 39-year-old became one of a select group to have officiated at four World Cups with his involvement in this autumn’s competition.
Child was also the RFL’s match officials manager from 2011-2017, coaching touch judges at Championship and League One level.
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Hide AdHe said: “I’ve been refereeing since I was 11 so this was a tough decision to make, but it’s the right time for a variety of reasons.
“I have always combined my role as a match official with my profession as a chartered surveyor and after 17 years with Leeds City Council I’m joining the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment company, CBRE, as an associate director in their development advisory team, based in the Leeds office, but working across the north of England.
“I’m not sure whether I’ll be staying involved in rugby league in an active capacity, but I will remain a passionate supporter of the sport I have always loved and will always bang the drum.
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Hide Ad"I’ve had so many wonderful experiences and memories throughout my years in the sport.
"To be appointed for a major match is an honour and a responsibility – and to be in the middle for the Challenge Cup final this summer was a special moment, as the competition has so much history and I’ve been watching it all my life.”
RFL head of match officials Steve Ganson paid tribute to James and said: “James has been offered an exciting role outside the sport and we wish him well.
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Hide Ad"James has been a senior member of our group and I was delighted to appoint him to referee both the Challenge Cup final in 2022 and the Grand Final in 2017. He leaves with our thanks and best wishes.”