James Child has become a legend of rugby league as one of the few individuals to have officiated at four consecutive Rugby League World Cups. As one of rugby league’s most experienced officials, few would have guessed that James managed his time between the rugby pitch and working as a Chartered Surveyor at Leeds City Council. In 2021 he became the UK’s first openly gay rugby league referee and speaks candidly about his own journey with his sexuality at a wide range of keynote events.
Having graduated from the University College of Estate Management with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, James began working as a Surveyor with Lees City Council, that same year, in 2010, James became a referee for The Rugby Football League. Having been refereeing since he was 11 years old, this was a hobby James did not want to give up and found a way to balance both his refereeing and surveying career. In 2011 James also became a Match Officials Manager until 2017 where he greatly developed his public speaking skills – having to design and deliver coaching skills sessions for match officials and deliver monthly and annual reports.
For 13 years James has been one of the top-rated rugby league referees. Since 2009 James has refereed over 330 games in the Super League including the 2022 Challenge Cup Final, the 2017 and 2022 Rugby League World Cup, and the 2017 Super League Grand Final. He has also been the video referee and the touch judge for several prestigious performances including World Cups, Challenge Cup Finals, Four Nations Finals and Super League Grand Finals. Coming out as openly gay on BBC’s LGBT Sports podcast changed James’ life and he now speaks of coming out as gay in a ‘macho’ sport. Most recently, James has appeared in a Pride edition of the BBC panel show Question of Sport.
Over the course of his career, James had to cope with performing under pressure at the highest levels and has developed the mental resilience ad strength to continue doing just this over a period of 13 years. He now shares his tips and tricks so that others can also build their mental resilience, and how this can be applied to other areas of their life. His open and honest talks have become a firm hit with his audience. Do not miss your chance to hear from the inspirational James Child at your next event.
How to hire James Child
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring James Child for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
James' official speaking topics are listed below
- Sport and Rugby League
- LGBTQ+
- Adversity
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Mental Resilience
Official Feedback from In-person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
"The National Crime Agency marked the start of LGBT History Month on 1 February with a talk to officers from James. The NCA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture in which individuals can be themselves and give of their best and it was a pleasure to listen to James' insight on decision-making, resilience, leadership and the power of role models and allyship which all resonated with officers." - Gareth Jones, National Crime Agency
"James co-ordinated and spoke at a team event which was overwhelmingly well received and generated a lot of reflection from the attendees. James speaks clearly and powerfully about his lived experience, not shying away from the challenging experiences in his professional career but also celebrating the positives in an accessible and engaging way. Genuinely fascinating, thoughtful and wonderful." - Kat, LGBT+ Staff Network Chair, Leeds City Council
"In an engaging and interactive presentation to our members, James touched upon all aspects about being an elite level match official and talked through a wide variety of thought-provoking situations both on and off the field of play. It was fascinating to hear James review and explain his rationale for some crucial season-defining decisions from games he had been involved in as well as how he dealt with abuse from fans on social media platforms in the aftermath of matches. James’s experience of working alongside video assistant referees was of particular interest to our members and very revealing to see how the role of this additional official in rugby differs to how it is performed in football. Such was the impact made by James, he was voted Speaker of the Year in 2022." - Richard, Chairman, Rochdale Referees Association
"James was a very insightful and knowledgeable speaker. He was able to put people at ease and clearly address the key aims of the session in a thoughtful and warm way." - Simon, Director, eCoach
“James gave a valuable insight into the mindset and challenges faced by referees in professional sport. He offered powerful personal experience of standing up to critics at the same time as learning from mistakes. His account of his experience as an openly gay man working in professional sport was inspirational.” - Leo, Headmaster, Shrewsbury School
"James connected naturally with his audience to deliver a wide-ranging talk covering what it takes to become a professional referee. He spoke about the challenges and sacrifices required, the highs and lows of performance and how to develop from setbacks, the personal and professional goal-setting along the way to reaching and maintaining an elite level of performance for over a decade. He concluded with an inspirationally honest and thought-provoking focus on his story of coming out professionally within Rugby League. James answered questions with balance and care, and gave generously of his time to speak with pupils after the formal end of the event." - Stuart, Head of Partnership & Community Engagement, Shrewsbury School
- 2023 - Associate Director, CBRE UK
- 2020 - Principal Land and Property Surveyor, Leeds City Council
- 2016 - Senior Land and Property Surveyor, Leeds City Council
- 2011 - Match Officials Manager, The Rugby Football League
- 2010 - Surveyor, Leeds City Council
- 2010 - Referee, The Rugby Football League
- 2003 - Trainee Surveyor, Holroyds
