Learning & Development
Want to become a referee ?
The RFU’s aim is to provide you with all the necessary information on refereeing in England.
Whether you are an active match official, a volunteer administrator or are considering taking up the whistle for the first time, you have a pivotal role to play in the development of officiating in this country.
For current and potential officials, refereeing is a great way to give something back to the game you love, while also helping to widen participation in the sport. Whether your aspirations are to referee your local Under 9s on a Sunday morning or progress to officiating at Twickenham, the RFU will support you every step of the way.
These pages have information on how to get involved in officiating in England and details on the range of courses the RFU offers. The extensive refereeing resources section also provides relevant refereeing documents, covering issues from discipline report forms to injury prevention advice.
Up and coming referee Luke Pearce offers a great case study (click here to read case study – Luke Pearce) of what can be achieved if you have the talent and desire to succeed and progress as a referee.
Enjoy your refereeing !
Entry Level Referee Award (ELRA)
For new or inexperienced referees, the Entry Level Referee Award (ELRA) offers an outstanding introduction to refereeing a game of rugby union and will equip you with the skills and confidence to do so effectively. The ELRA is recognised by the RFU as a formal refereeing qualification.
Click here to download Course Content pdf & click here to view Course Calendar
Click here to download ELRA application form
When booking please note the following:
• Choose the most convenient dates and location for days one and two. For the majority of courses, day two occurs one week after day one.
• If it is an individual booking, payment must be received with the application form and may be made either by cheque or by providing your credit card details.
• If paying by cheque, the application form must be submitted in hard copy to:
Referee Department
Rugby Football Union
Rugby House
200 Whitton Road
Twickenham
TW2 7BA
• If submitting credit card details, application forms may be submitted in hard copy as above. Please note - do not email credit card details.
• Bookings must be received at least five working days before the course date. Please ensure you provide an email address as confirmation of your course will be sent to you five days prior to day one.
View Extended Referee Development Award pdf.
Have a look at the New Zealand RugbyAware website which has some great referee coaching hints and tips.
REFEREE PREPARTION & PRE-MATCH PROCEDURE
An excellent guide and check list for any referee.
Thanks also go to Gerry Weatherhead and the Development Squad for these invaluable hints;tips and advice on better refereeing
POINTS THAT COULD HELP YOUR REFEREEING
Compiled by Coach & Members of Bristol Development Squad
coaching positions: on field & scrum engagement
SECONDARY SIGNALS
ADVISER REFEREE INTERACTION
REFEREE DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS
MANAGING COACHES & CAPTAINS
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
SOCIETY TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY. PRESENTATION SEPT 2011