At the tender age of eight, Michael Buttery picked up a whistle and began officiating Touch.

Fast forward to now, and he’s one of many talented young referees carving a path for himself with selection in the 2020 Premier Touch League and Youth Trans Tasman earlier this year. 

“I learnt a lot about coping with stress and pressure. With only one game a day you have to perform at the highest level and that can take its toll” said Buttery of his first International debut.

Buttery is fortunate enough to have a strong support system to help guide him through his referee career. He’s learning from the experience of dad and former National referee, Simon Buttery as well as Adrian Ruaiti, Touch NZ Director of Referee Training and Development.

“[Adrian] asks me the tough questions, and drives me to perform to my highest ability”.

But he can’t look past his biggest influence, fellow referee and Mum, Alex Buttery. Buttery credits her for mentoring him through the grassroots level and the sacrifices she has made over the years to help him on his journey.

As a year 11 student at John McGlashan College, Buttery is mindful of keeping up to date with schoolwork. “When touch isn’t on I try to set time aside to do homework so I don’t fall behind” he said. A move which is guaranteed to support his future plans of heading to University when he finishes.

Buttery has his sights set high with future plans already in the pipelines.

“My refereeing goal is to get to a Youth or World Cup so I can experience aspects of refereeing from all over the world and meet new people.”

He is part of a contingent of 28 referees who are officiating the 2020 Premier Touch League season including Logan Whitty, Tim Lucas and Courtney Hawke, also from Otago.

Article added: Wednesday 18 November 2020