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.
You might be a recently retired player, a parent wanting to be more involved in your child’s rugby, or simply want to give something back to the game you love. All are perfectly valid reasons for becoming a rugby union referee. Refereeing is rewarding, challenging, fun and fulfilling, and getting into it is easier than you think. There’s no age limit, as long as you are fit and healthy (and if you’re not so mobile, see below for details on becoming a Match Official Developer).
How can I get involved?
You may already have been refereeing informally at your local club, in a school setting, or during training sessions or injury lay-offs. The main formal training qualification for referees is the England Rugby Refereeing Award (ERRA), run by the RFU. Usually a 2-day course, this is a comprehensive introduction to refereeing the modern game and is a great kick-start to your refereeing career. Click here for more details
Once you have found a course you want to do, join the society by following the steps described.
If you aren’t able to referee ‘in the middle’ for whatever reason, then why not consider becoming a Match Official Developer? Developers fulfil a vital role in the continuing development and regrading of officials of all ages and grades, and the Society is always looking to appoint new developers. Get in touch to find out more.
How to get involved in officiating here
Enjoy your refereeing.
Online Course Booking
The RFU course finder allows you to search by course type, region, postcode or date before booking and paying for your course.