Both aspiring umpires have completed the level one NSW Touch referee course held at Port Panthers on September 20 with the aim of attending State Cup games at the end of the year.

NSW Junior State Cup and NSW State Cup competitions are held annually in Port Macquarie during December and February.

Read more: NSW Junior State Cup and NSW State Cup competitions could see format changes

Mr Wood, a teachers aide at Heritage Christian School, said he is also coaching an under 14 girls team at the cup and hopes to build a career in coaching.

"I've been keen to get more involved in my touch footy and I'm doing a coaching course as well," he said.

"While I'm coaching I figured I'd do refereeing to help out as well. I've volunteered at the cup before but this will be the first time refereeing or playing.

"Refereeing is handy at the school competitions as well because I can umpire those games during the school year. I'm working here at school and I'd like to see where coaching can take me as a career.

"I think refereeing is a great way to ensure everyone is having fun. I really want to look at sports coaching as career and this could be a good addition towards that."

Ryder, who plays in the under 14s local competition, said umpiring seemed to be a naturally option to take in keeping active during the State Cup.

"I guess I wanted to become an umpire to get a bit of pocket money and I thought I'd become a referee while I'm waiting for my siblings to play," he said.

"My dad and brother play at the cup and I guess I'm always there. Usually I have nothing to do and this is a good way to be active at the State Cup."

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