James Child

James Child is a former professional rugby league referee who officiated at t...

Speaker fees:

In-person: £3k-£5k
Virtual: £1k-£3k

Topics:

Adversity & Resilience
2
Inclusion & Diversity
2
LGBTQ+
2
Leadership & Peak Performance
2
Growth Mindset
2
Sport

James Child became the sport’s first openly gay rugby league match official in the UK when he came out in 2021.

James Child is a history-maker. One of rugby league’s most experienced officials, he took control of more than 300 Super League games – and refereed both the 2022 Challenge Cup Final and the 2017 Super League Grand Final.

James accomplished the rare feat of officiating at four consecutive World Cups – including as touch judge for both the 2008 and 2013 finals – and in 2021, he became the UK’s first openly gay rugby league referee when he opened up about his sexuality on the BBC’s LGBT Sport Podcast. In 2022, James also appeared in a Pride edition of the long running BBC panel show, Question of Sport.

For seventeen years, James combined his refereeing career with his work as a chartered surveyor at Leeds City Council; and after hanging up the whistle in 2022, he joined the world’s largest commercial real estate company CBRE.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, James offers a rare and fascinating insight into the highs and lows of life as a professional referee – including how the skills he learned about performing under pressure at the highest levels can be applied to other situations.

He speaks with openness and honesty about his own journey with his sexuality, and how his willingness to open up about being gay squared with the ‘macho’ environment of professional sport.

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What people say

James’s story was inspirational. It’s awesome that he bravely went public to help clear a path (nobody should have to), but I’m most inspired by his self-awareness, accountability for mistakes and desire to improve. Too rare today.”

Noelle Gumm, Vice President, Global HR Operations

James was a fantastic speaker and is a very special person. His openness, self-reflection and resilience were evident as he very willingly shared his story. James’ sexual orientation was almost an aside as he explained his journey, sharing challenges and successes along the way, and how he has used both platforms on which to grow and build strength.”

Representative of Incora

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