THE Darling Downs is playing its part in ensuring this week's Queensland Junior Rugby Union State Championships run smoothly with a large contingent of match officials from the region taking part in the tournament.

Brisbane's Nudgee College is hosting the titles which began on Thursday and run until tomorrow. Players and match officials from throughout Queensland, as well as the Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea, are participating in the four days of competition featuring more than 150 games in under 13, 14, 15, 16 and 18 grades.

The Darling Downs Rugby Referees Association is represented by 11 officials at the championships.

For Melinda Volker the tournament is a genuine family affair. Volker is a current ARU School Student Scholarship Program recipient and this is her second year of involvement at the championships.

Joining Volker is her father Dan Simmonds, who also referees, and her mother Cathie Briner who is attending as a referee coach.

“I am really excited to be involved again this year with the state championships,” Volker said.

The tournament is great for development and coaching from top level match officials.”

Peter Buchanan Jnr is attending his fourth junior championships will Rupert Dingle is officiating for a fifth time.

Peter Buchanan Snr, the DDRRA coaching and development manager, is also on hand to assist the team of young officials.

Other DDRRA Development Squad members attending the titles include Hugh Pegler, Alysha Lockery, Sam (Ted) Doggett, Nick Leggett and Conrad Lockery (ARU Scholarship).