Gazette rugby reporter Mark Chestney has said it was a “pleasure” to help former Super League referee Ian Smith write his autobiography, which is out now.
Ian grew up in Oldham and went on to have a decorated career as a professional Super League referee. It was a career that took him all over the world in the capacity of match official or video referee.
Although he was never handed a major rugby league final to officiate, Ian took charge of more than 350 First Grade games.
However, he is a man who always questioned his own ability, despite being initially named as one of the six full-time Super League match officials in 2006.
Travelling the world saw him experience the highs and lows of being a match official in professional sport. When his time with the whistle ended, maybe not how he would have liked, he moved into a coaching and mentoring role with the RFL that saw him help up-and-coming referees on their own rugby league journey.
Ian’s relationship with the RFL came to a disappointing end when he was made redundant in January 2016 and he had to look for a different career path of his own. In 2017 he began his involvement with the State of Mind Sport charity, which specialises in promoting mental health within the workplace.
Ian’s story gives readers an intimate view behind the scenes both as a professional sportsman, then through to his life after sport, where he now shares the stage with friend and former professional rugby league player, Jimmy Gittins.
To order a copy for £11.99, visit paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/NQQCPCAF2KY6Y.
Proceeds are being split between State of Mind Sport and the Oldham branch of Parkinsons UK.
Mark, who reports on Hull KR and Skirlaugh RLFC for the Gazette, said: “I first got to know Ian when he was the match official for the 2003 BARLA Victory Tour to Moscow which I was on as press officer, and we hit it off there and then.
“We have remained in touch and when he hinted at writing his book I asked if he needed a hand. We got together, and you can now buy the finished product which has been a pleasure to be involved with.”
