Want to become a rugby referee or interested in understanding more about the game? Why not book yourself on a referee course?
RFU COURSE Ready2Ref – Refereeing the 15-a-side Game
Whether you’re a player, coach, parent or passionate fan, Ready2Ref is the perfect way to start your journey as a rugby union match official. This entry-level course is designed to be accessible, practical, and tailored to prepare you for real match environments.
The course blends online learning with a practical, in-person training day, helping you build confidence in areas like safety, communication, the set-piece, and the laws of the game. E-learning modules cover topics including the tackle and breakdown, scrum, space management, and effective communication – all at your own pace.
The course gives you the skills and knowledge to begin refereeing rugby in the youth and adult game and is a great way to start your refereeing journey, to upskill prior to taking the next step, by joining your local society and working towards being in a position to apply for and complete the England Rugby Advanced Match Official Award (AMOA). Match Officials must be a minimum of 14 years of age to complete the
course.
Once you have worked through the e-learning modules as part of the new England Rugby Learning Management System (LMS), you’ll be best placed to engage fully on your practical day. Gone are the days of sitting in a classroom all day… we want to see you on the grass! With a combination of classroom tasks and live refereeing, the practical day will put to the test all you’ve learned so far, to develop you into a safe
and confident match official.
Min age 14 years – £40 pp
HOW LONG IS READY2REF?
The Ready2Ref course consists of around 8 hours of self-directed learning. This is followed by an 8-hour practical session (including breaks and lunch). You will then be invited to be part of the Ready2Ref networking series across the season, with the opportunity to chat to Professional Referees and those working within the community game. In total, the course will take approximately 20 hours – but much of this at YOUR pace.
