Ganson retires to take up new referees role

Steve Ganson has retired from refereeing to take up the role of Match Officials Coach and Technical Director at the RFL.

Ganson, 43, took charge of his first professional game back in 1995, and has officiated in every season of Super League since its inception in 1996.

He said: “I have been very fortunate to have enjoyed the career I have, the last 23 years have taken me on a fantastic journey and given me experiences I’ll never forget.

“This move has all come about very quickly but opportunities like this don’t come along very often and I’m really excited to make the move into coaching.

“I feel the time is right and whilst I know I’m going to miss refereeing, there are no regrets, just a genuine sense of anticipation at what lies ahead.”

As part of the re-structuring of the Match Officials Department at the RFL, former Huddersfield head coach Jon Sharp has been promoted from his current role as Match Officials Coaching and Technical Director to Head of the Match Officials Department.

RFL Director of Standards and Licensing Blake Solly said: “We have put in place a structure which is designed to bring about sustained improvements across the board, from individual performances through to recruitment and development.

“On behalf of everyone in the game I would like to thank Steve for the significant contribution he made during his 23-year career as a referee: Steve has officiated at the highest level and I can think of no-one better equipped to succeed in his new role than him.”

Ganson will start his new role on Monday (April 15th).