S1 Ep48: Ian Smith on abuse, why he quit and what it’s like being a full time official | The Last Tackle #2

What’s it like being a referee? How do you deal with the abuse? And do they do day to day?

Love Rugby League’s James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire are joined by former Super League referee Ian Smith and gain some fascinating insight on the life of a match official, as well as talk about some of the key moments from the first round of fixtures.

Smith speaks candidly about an incident in what turned out to be his final game as a referee which required the police to drive his car to get him out of the ground safely.

He tells us about the routine of a full-time referee and how they prepare for games.

We touch on Smith’s work now as a State of Mind presenter, where he uses his experience to deliver mental health sessions in the rugby league community and beyond.

And Drew and Ian give their predictions for round two of Super League, as well as taking on the 13 quick-fire questions.

For all the latest, visit www.loverugbyleague.com

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