Young referee receives Ramadan pack from RFL Head of Match Officials

Up-and-coming young match official, Nazir Khan, joined the RFL’s Match Officials Department for a day last week as part of his learning and development experience.  

A member of the Warrington Referees Society, Nazir is Muslim, which means that in common with some players he faces the additional challenge of daytime fasting during Islam’s holy month of Ramadan.  

And, like some of Rugby League’s Muslim athletes, Nazir has received a special Ramadan pack from Nujum Sports to support him through the through a period in which practising Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The pack was presented by RFL Head of Match Officials Phil Bentham.  

Nazir said: “I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to spend the day with the full-time match officials and delighted that the RFL is once again teaming up with Nujum Sports.  

“The month of Ramadan is very a special time for me and other Muslims around the world. It can be challenging when performing my duties as a match official and requires concentration along with gratitude. I overcome the challenges commonly faced by Muslim athletes by planning ahead and having a supportive network around me.  

“Rugby League is becoming more and more diverse and I encourage anyone interested in becoming a match official from any background to give it a go. The minute that I picked up a whistle, there were people to support me and it didn't make the slightest of difference knowing that I’m a member of the Islamic community.” 

During his visit to the RFL’s Manchester HQ, Nazir also received his 2024 match officials’ kit.  

Anybody interested in taking up the whistle should visit the RFL website for more information.