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.
This toolkit gives access to a number of different webcasts on our WorkCast platform. To watch the recording, please complete the registration form and you will access it directly. You will need to do this for each webinar recording.
NEW! #ConnectedMatchOfficials Scrum Session (March 2024)
The scrum can be one of the most confusing parts of the game to referee, but it needn’t be! Match Official Developers, Owen Taylor & Kieron Henry are joined by National League Match Official Associate, Harry Groves, to talk about building a safe scrum, identifying and sanctioning unsafe scrummaging and adding value to the restart. Using clips from the community game, it’s a great session for anyone wanting to know more about refereeing the scrum in your space.
Effective Communication with Tom Foley
Gareth Thomas and Reece Riley catch up with Gallagher Premiership Referee, Tom Foley, about how effective communication can help your refereeing. Considering how we can communicate pre, during and post-match, this 30 minute webinar looks at how we communicate effectively with others. Note: Sign-in to Workcast required.
Whistle-Stop Dealing with Players & Captains
In this Whistle-Stop, Andrew Small takes us through some practical advice when it comes to managing players on the field, and how to use captains effectively to help manage the game.
Whistle-Stop Managing the Touchline
Poor behaviour by those watching the game goes against our core values and Match Officials have a responsibility to ensure positive behaviour, especially when young people are present. Through a series of scenarios, this Whistle-Stop gives you some tips on how to manage an awkward coach or spectator in a controlled way.
Whistle-Stop Refereeing the Tackle
One of our most popular Whistle-Stop videos, Refereeing the Tackle! In this episode, we go over the Tackle Process, and how to officiate the things that are happening fast in relation to the Tackler, the Ball Carrier and Arriving Players.
In April, the RFU Council voted to adopt law changes to lower the tackle height in community rugby to below the base of the sternum.
From 1 July 2023, any match played between a Community Level Club and a team from the Premiership Championship or a Premier 15s club must be played using the Domestic Law Variation (DLV) Tackle Height.
These resources are taken from our national coherence exercises, where the Match Official Development staff talk through a number of clips and scenarios, giving our agreed outcomes and processes.
Sign-up through workcast required.
Refereeing the Breakdown with Craig Maxwell-Keys & Karl Dickson
Two webinars which consider the 2020 World Rugby breakdown refocus and how to help create speed and value at this area of the game. Joining us for these webinars are Craig Maxwell-Keys and Karl Dickson, who alongside Gareth Thomas and Reece Riley, take us through how we can tidy up the breakdown and get the ball away.
Part 1 – The 2020 World Rugby “Breakdown Refocus”
Part 2 – Creating Quick Ball
Positioning with Sara Cox
One thing we always hear new referees say is, “Where is the best place to stand?”. In this short webinar, Gareth Thomas and Reece Riley are joined by trailblazer Sara Cox, who takes us through how we can use positioning and movement to help with both our refereeing accuracy and our ability to manage the game. Note: Sign-in to Workcast required.
Whistle-Stop Positioning
In this episode, we look at some key tips and rules of thumb when it comes to positioning in an number of areas of the game, including; the Tackle & Ruck, the Scrum and the Lineout to Maul.
Materiality & Advantage with Ian Tempest & Christophe Ridley
What is materiality? How can we help add to the flow of the game? How can we reduce our penalty count? All these questions are asked in one of our most popular training webinars. Gallagher Premiership Referees Ian Tempest and Christophe Ridley talk all things advantage, materiality and adding value. Note: Sign-in to Workcast required.
What is “Game-Coaching?
For some, their refereeing doesn’t look the same as other people’s. If you are coaching and refereeing, you may consider yourself more of a “game coach” than a referee… but what is game coaching and how can we use it effectively to add value to our sessions as match officials or coaches? Join Owen Taylor and Peter Taylor in this bite-sized webinar.
Whistle-Stop Refereeing Children
This Whistle-stop is presented by the RFU’s John Widdowson and looks at the important topics of SAFETY, ENJOYMENT and LEARNING and at the very end there are JW’s Top Tips for Referees.
Ready to Referee
Join Michael, Alex Reid (Pro Refs S&C Coach) and Professional Referee, Karl Dickson for this webinar, which looks at fitness, preparation and the physical makeup of match officials. And most importantly, how we can all help protect ourselves and improve our performance with a few simple considerations. Note: Sign-in to Workcast required.
Whistle-Stop Fit to Referee
In our Whistle Stop series, Alex Reid (Pro Refs S&C Coach) takes us through an effective Warm Up, being “Fit for Purpose” and Injury Prevention. Everything you need to keep you in top condition on the field.
2021 Global Law Trials
In 2021, World Rugby released a number of global law trials for the 2021/22 season. Members of the Match Official Development Team partner up with the Professional Game Match Official Team to discuss these law trials and answer those all-important FAQs.
The 2019 World Referee of the Year has his own YouTube Channel! Wayne Barnes (with help from the likes of Spiderman, Buzz Lightyear & the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) takes us through a number of on-trend and hot topics in these bite-size videos!
A monthly podcast series, hosted by the England Rugby Match Official Development Team, looking at a range of topics. With guests from across the game, these short podcasts look at key areas of Refereeing and the sport to help you #BEPARTOFTHETEAM.