Manly Warringah Football Referees Associations Rebecca Mackie took charge of her first W-League fixture during Adelaide Uniteds 2-1 victory over Newcastle Jets at Marden Sports Complex in the final round of the W-League season last Thursday night.
The 20-year-olds debut was a pleasant surprise considering she had only been nominated by Football Federation Australia as a fourth official this season.
Despite her age Mackie is already in her sixth year as a whistle-blower. She commenced her involvement with the MWFRA in 2014 before graduating to Football NSWs Academy, Development Panel and Womens Elite Panel.
She was also previously selected to officiate at the Girls National Youth Championships where she earned the referee of the tournament accolade for two consecutive years.
Mackies performances caught the eye of FFA who nominated her as a member of the W-League fourth official panel after her latest national tournament in Canberra.
The Northern Beaches local relished her first taste of national womens top-flight action last week.
I was originally on the fourth official panel so I wasnt expecting to get a centre appointment in my first season, she said.
Being flown down to Adelaide was an amazing experience and it was a great game as well.
The W-League is a lot more professional and full-on compared to what I was used to at state and local level.
During her experience as a member of the W-League panel Mackie has particularly treasured the personal advice granted by Kate Jacewicz.
Jacewicz is a FIFA accredited official who in January made history as the first female referee to take charge of an A-League fixture.
I was with Kate in my first match as a fourth official and working with her has been such an amazing experience, Mackie recalled.
Just the way she manages the game and her ability to referee a game is incredible.
She taught me a lot going forward and helped me with the role of fourth official as well, which was great.
As the W-League season comes to a close Mackie will continue to assist coaching and mentoring the next generation of aspiring referees with MWFRA and Football NSW.
When available she hopes to continue officiating MWFA fixtures and has her sights set on a spot in the FFAs centre referees panel come next W-League season.
