Jason Fernie was officiating a social game of OzTag in the suburb of Rocklea on Monday night when he was allegedly hit in the back of the head by a player.
“I don’t remember anything,” Fernie said.
“Obviously I got hit and I woke up in hospital.”
OzTag is a form of rugby league without tackling.
The 49-year-old, who has been a referee for 22 years, said he suffered a seizure and started foaming at the mouth.
“I was discussing something with one of the players and this guy has just come from behind and got me,” Fernie said.
“The doctor sort of said one punch kills, so I am lucky I am alive really.”
Fernie is back home, dealing with the effects of a bleed on the brain.
“The pain in the head is just throb, throb, throb. All the time,” he said.
Competition organisers are working with police.
Fernie said he was unsure if he would return to the game.
“Respect the refs; no refs, no game, as they say.”
Police are investigating and are yet to make any arrests.
