NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 4: Flying the Flag as a Deaf Referee

In 1990, John was stunned to be selected as the New Zealand XV referee for an international tour to England and France. He embraced the experience, swapped ties with other referees, and visited the Leeds Deaf Club. England won the match 25 to 11. Later, John passed a refereeing exam to move up a level and went on to officiate another international between New Zealand and France, where France won by just one point. No issues were raised about his performance. He was proud to show that a Deaf referee could do the job just as well as anyone else.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 2: Refereeing Across Regions – Hawke’s Bay to Wellington

After his time with the Auckland Rugby League Referees Association, John moved to Hawke’s Bay where he continued refereeing while settling into a new job. He quickly adapted to their systems and wasn’t shy about calling out fights or handing out penalties. His gestures were sharp and clear, especially when sending someone to the sin bin for ten minutes. Later, he moved to Wellington where his name was already known. Although there was some hesitation at first, John worked hard to ease concerns and became a popular and respected referee. Clubs often invited him to events, but he kept things modest and only accepted one pint.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 1: John’s First Whistle – A Deaf Ref Takes the Field

John shares how he got into rugby league refereeing after approaching a ref at his local Glenora Bears club, where he used to play. His first game was in Manurewa, and both teams were told in advance that the referee was deaf. The match was even filmed, with none other than the Mad Butcher, Peter Leitch, watching from the sidelines keeping a close eye on John. He rose to the challenge. John used clear, sharp signals and wasn’t afraid to use his voice to keep the game moving. He even added some of his own flair – a bold “I’ve had enough!” gesture. He got a big thumbs up from the Mad Butcher and was later picked to referee the final of the season. That same year, he was also given an award for his refereeing.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

Part 3: Making a Statement in Christchurch

In 1986, John moved to Christchurch for work as a supervisor and continued refereeing. He was warmly welcomed into the local rugby league scene and received several awards for his efforts. In one memorable game on the outskirts of Christchurch, a hearing coach was badmouthing John from the sideline. John caught it from the corner of his eye, blew the whistle, and firmly told the coach to be quiet using clear gestures. The coach was stunned that a Deaf referee had spotted it. The crowd erupted in support. After the match, John simply said, “Deaf can do it.”
Graeme Phinney
Graeme Phinney
Leith (Rawiri) Tangiwai
Leith (Rawiri) Tangiwai
Ricki (Richard) Pointon
Ricki (Richard) Pointon
Rodney Roberts
Rodney Roberts
Tony Kuklinski
Tony Kuklinski

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Wellington Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 061-O-WDS
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

If you liked this, you might also like...

1991
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Canterbury beats Wellington in a game of rugby league

A game of rugby league between the Canterbury and Wellington boys in 1991. The game was played at Hampshire Park, Christchurch on 11 May 1991. Canterbury beat Central, 42-26, followed by a post-match social and further celebrations at Christchurch Deaf Society.
Rodney Roberts
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1996
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Jersey: Central Districts Deaf Rugby League

Wellington Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1992
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Canterbury plays Wellington ‘Lions’ in a close match of rugby league

The Wellington ‘Lions’ Rugby League team assembled at the Randwick Club to welcome their Canterbury opponents. After the match, players and supporters enjoy the Randwick hospitality before moving on to a private venue.
Rodney Roberts
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1990
publication – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: March 1990

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
  • Tony Walton
  • Shona McGhie
  • Terry Kane
  • Jonathan Anton
  • Pam Croskery
  • Jeff Went
1991
article – Taonga source: The Evening Post

Backchat no problem for lip-reading ref

Deafness has failed to keep John Mansell from a successful career as a rugby league referee. "I know the rule book inside out. If you know the rules and the signals well there's no reason why a referee has to talk."
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1992
Images – Taonga source: Clive Morgan

Team Photo: Wellington Deaf Rugby League Club, 1992

Clive Morgan
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
Est. 1990
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Wellington Deaf Rugby League: Most Improved Player

Wellington Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1989
video – Taonga source: Rodney Roberts

Edited coverage of Auckland v Canterbury Deaf Rugby League match

Edited coverage of the Auckland v Canterbury Deaf Rugby League match held in Auckland in 1989.
Rodney Roberts
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
Est. 1988
Object – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

New Zealand Deaf Rugby League: Wellington Deaf vs Auckland Deaf

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
1988
Images – Taonga source: Auckland Deaf Society

Team Photo: New Zealand Deaf Rugby League Football Club, Historic Game 1988 between New Zealand and Australia

Auckland Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell
Early 1990s
Object – Taonga source: Wellington Deaf Society

Hat: Wellington Deaf Rugby League

Wellington Deaf Society
NZSL Stories
  • John Mansell