White (33) is retiring from officiating - for now - to continue his medical studies. He is an interventional cardiologist in Auckland and is heading to New York for two years to study at Columbia University.
White said it was time to hang up his whistle as his career moved in a different direction.
The heart surgeon said it had always been difficult to switch between refereeing and a demanding job, and also a young family.
''Rugby has always been my sport and my passion. It has certainly been a challenge to balance everything. But I've been able to bring a professional attitude to it, although I've not had the same resources as other referees.
''This will be my 116th game on Sunday but my contemporaries I started with are up to 160 to 200 games.
''The main thing is to get the balance right. Travelling to games and the leaving the next day on the first flight back to get to work.
"But then you can't compromise your preparation. In some ways, it is similar to a player who is focused on provincial rugby while still holding down a job and has family commitments.''
White had the opportunity to become a professional referee a couple of times but never seriously considered it.
He acknowledged the higher levels of rugby meant a higher degree of scrutiny from everybody.
''There is no question that it is a difficult job, reffing. Everyone knows that. The tackle ball area is a real grey area and always has been.
''What I have seen over the years is the best refs simplify their approach in the tackle area, and get the really obvious ones and reward teams that are positive. Outside that, then you tend to agree to disagree.''
White said there had been plenty of memorable games.
''Ranfurly Shield games are still a significant occasion in provincial rugby.
''A few weeks ago, I did the game between Hawkes Bay and Counties. That was a fantastic occasion and the one thing I remember the most out there was just the feeling out on the ground, the way the teams were throwing everything at each other. You do not always get that feeling.''
Referees went in and out of form, like players, he said.
''At times it can come pretty easily to you. But other times, like a player, you just can't get a break.
''But that is part of surviving and just hanging in there during those times, and you know you will come out the other side. Refereeing is all about being organised and taking a simple approach to the game.''
He agreed the best referees were the ones not noticed.
Starting in Dunedin club rugby was a huge help, he said, with supportive referees and the good style of rugby played in the Dunedin competition.
He made his first-class debut in 2000, when he officiated a match in Oamaru between North Otago and Wairarapa-Bush.
''I remember getting a phone call at 6 in the morning in my flat in Howe St, being told to get up to Oamaru as soon as possible.
''It had bucketed down for the last few days and they were worried the bridges would be washed out and Oamaru would be closed.
''They talked about taking the game up the valley but we ended up playing it.''
Jonathon White
The facts
Age: 33.
Family: Married to Anna, with children James (2), Andrew (6 months).
Career:
- Member of the Otago Rugby Referees Association 1999-2004.
- Refereed more than 50 premier club games.
- Dunedin club finals 2003-04.- NZRU national referee squad member 2000-13.
- 115 first-class matches (one of only 10 New Zealand referees to achieve the century).
- Two tests (debut this year, Japan v Canada in Nagoya).
- 20 Super rugby games, 51 first division games, eight Ranfurly Shield challenges.
- Attended the IRB under-19 world championships in Durban (2004) and junior world championships in Treviso (2011).
