Former Royal Marine Jack Smith has stepped down from his full-time role in the Rugby Football League's match officials department to revert to refereeing part-time.
Smith, who was forced to leave the armed forces after being shot by a sniper while on duty in Afghanistan in 2010, has taken the decision in order to spend more quality time with his young family and continue a property management business.
Smith said: "I want to thank everyone in the match officials team for supporting me with this - it was never a quick or easy decision for me.
"My family need me at home at the moment more than I have been but I will still continue to officiate with the same ambition and professionalism in my part-time role."
Smith refereed his first Betfred Super League game last June and has been in charge of 18 since going full-time in October.
RFL head of match officials Steve Ganson said: "Whilst Jack has been with us he has been a model professional and made great progress within the group.
"Myself and staff understand his reasons and will continue to support him in his part-time role. We have also left open the possibility of him returning to full-time when his family are a little older."
