Sydney Catholic Schools’ Tasmyn Haynes has a remarkable tale of unexpected entry into the world of wheelchair rugby officiating and discovering her calling in the thrilling realm of adaptive sports – sports that are modified to allow people with physical and sometimes mental disabilities to participate.

A St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School Panania alumni and hailing from a basketball background, Ms Haynes set off on the 31 August 2023 to referee the New Zealand Nationals in Christchurch. 

There she was awarded her international badge, a step closer to her dream of refereeing at the Paralympics.

Presently serving as the Digital and Social Content Officer for Sydney Catholic Schools, Ms Haynes’ role encompasses the daily coverage and promotion of a multitude of sports across all skill levels. 

She takes pride in her involvement within a vast system of 147 schools, which offers individuals with disabilities the chance to cultivate a passion for sports – an opportunity that often eludes many of their peers until well after their school years.

Ms Haynes initially assisted in basketball officiating and bench duties, where she met a colleague who was involved in wheelchair rugby. 

It was 2018 and the Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Australia was fast approaching, and Ms Haynes was asked to assist with the bench at the upcoming championships. 

“As I watched my first game, I was completely captivated and quickly fell in love with the sport,” Ms Tasmyn Haynes said.

The chance to officiate at the 2018 World Championship marked the start of an extraordinary journey that has led Ms Haynes to become an advocate for fairness, inclusivity, and the sheer power of determination within the sports community. 

A source of immense pride, Ms Hayne’s journey is intertwined with …