Training and development is essential to being a Match Official. We have a large number of Webinars & Podcasts to refresh your knowledge around a number of key areas of the game. We also have a number of associated eLearning modules on the same topics which are in Toolkit 1.
For more information about all our training courses, please see the RFU Training Course Booklet 24/25 (coming soon).
Our NEW England Rugby Introduction to Refereeing course provides development and learning around refereeing Rugby Union safely and effectively. In this six-hour course, you will learn the basics of how to referee a number of elements of the game and how to communicate effectively with players, coaches and volunteers, to ensure that everyone involved is playing in a safe and enjoyable environment.
With three hours online learning and three hours face-to-face learning, this blended approach allows you to learn from the comfort of your own home whilst being able to put into practice your refereeing skills on the face-to-face session.
Courses are booked on request and run by RFU Educators. For more information about requesting a course see our Hosting Requirements document (details of which will be confirmed prior to the 2022/23 season). Booking request form and deliverer map can also be found below. To find courses in your local area use the GMS course finder link below.
The England Rugby Refereeing award is our Level 2 qualification and is our competency-based qualification providing the knowledge, skills, and attributes to referee young players and adults safely and effectively. Covering all aspects of the game, the course considers how we can simplify refereeing by using “processes”, how we can communicate our decisions effectively and how we can ultimately be safe in everything we do.
The format of the course involves two face-to face days, with a number of webinars and networking sessions between. The England Rugby Refereeing award looks to develop candidates in a practical based environment, providing blended learning to suit you and your time.
Course booking opens in the summer for the 2023 / 24 season. To find courses in your local area use the GMS course booking link below. And keep an eye on our social media channels for any new announcements.
The England Rugby Advanced Match Official Award is a competency based assessment course using practical observations and community of practice events.
The programme is aimed at active match officials who have completed the England Rugby Referee Award (or equivalent) and wish to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in relation to officiating Rugby Union. The aim being to develop the individual through four main components; Level 3 Match Officiating Qualification, Sport Science, Practical Officiating and Supporting others.
The AMOA runs from September to May (over the course of a season) and applications are open to any member of a refereeing society who has completed the ERRA or L2 equivalent. Applications can be made below (please do read the two attached documents prior to submitting your application).