Rugby Ontario is pleased to announce Karen Lozada as new Chair of the Rugby Ontario Referee Committee.
Karen has an extensive officiating resumé within Canada and internationally. Lozada has been a Panel Member for Rugby Canada and for Rugby Ontario for almost ten years and has recently stepped down to concentrate on this new role. Some of the highlights of her career include refereeing Senior Men’s and Women’s International Matches, NACRA 7s in Mexico City and Ottawa (2012, 2014) and various Championship games including National Festivals, NWL, McCormick Cup, CIS, CIS 7s, OUA and CRC U19s. She has also been an Assistant Referee in both the Men’s and Women’s Canada Sevens Series and America Rugby Championship Games, as well as many CRC fixtures.
Administratively, Karen is a Life Member of the Toronto District Rugby Referee Society (TDRRS), a World Rugby Citing Commissioner and has a CMO Level 1 Accreditation.
Before stepping onto the field with a whistle, Karen had a long and successful playing career at York University, Yeomen Women and the Ontario Senior Women’s team. Lozada also played an integral part in starting the Markham Irish Junior Women’s program in 2004 and was one of their first coaches. She was also an Assistant Coach for the Senior Markham Irish Women’s teams - winning the OWL league and Championship.
“I welcome the challenge of becoming the next Chair of the Rugby Ontario Referee Committee,” said Lozada.
She also explained the importance of communication with the referee community.
“Communication with our membership, between the clubs and referees, and between the Rugby Canada and Rugby Ontario referee communities are important,” she said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the different people in this province and country to help make sure that happens.”
The Outgoing Chair, Bob Illman, has confidence in the new Chair and looks forward to the next season.
“It is my pleasure to welcome Karen Lozada to the Chair position of the Rugby Ontario Referee Committee,” said Illman. “I know that the membership will continue to support the RORC, Karen and the many volunteers in a wide variety of roles that assist in the development of our game.”
About Rugby Ontario:
Rugby Ontario is the provincial sports governing body responsible for the organization of rugby in Ontario. Our mission is to promote, govern, and develop rugby at all levels in a safe, affordable and enjoyable environment within the province of Ontario.
For more information, visit https://www.rugbyontario.com/
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For more information, please contact:
Kevin Baxter
Communications Coordinator
Rugby Ontario
Office: 647-560-4790 x 106
kbaxter@rugbyontario.com
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