Weekly Bulletin – England Rugby Match Official News

In this weeks bulletin we are looking at information we’ve had over the course of the past week from the RFU. I’ve detailed the 2 programs being run below, if you wish to find out more and/or register please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you accordingly.

Both programs will be run over the course of next season.

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Match Official Tackle Champions

We wanted to make you aware of the England Rugby nationwide network of Match Official Tackle Champions opportunity.

Following on from the post a couple of weeks ago regarding the law variation for tackle height the RFU are looking for Match Official Tackle Champions. These will play a key role in developing a community of referees, match official coaches and performance reviewers able to inspire a culture of the highest quality tackle technique and decision making in players across our game.

The RFU are looking for volunteers, 2 from each Referee Society, to be part of this new community of Match Official Tackle Champions.

The Match Office Tackle Champion will involve participating in a season-long programme of in person, virtual and digital support from England Rugby to develop your technical knowledge and your ability to transfer this knowledge to the match officials in your organisation and the wider community. You will be asked to work with North Mids Referee Society, clubs, schools, colleges, or universities and proactively support referees to develop their knowledge of the RFU Domestic Law Variation (DLV) and its application.

If you would like to be nominated or have any questions regarding this please fill in your details in the contact form below stating MOTC in the message:

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 24 May with submissions being made to RFU by Friday 26 May.

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Advanced Match Official Award 23/24

The applications are now open for the Advanced Match Official Award 2023/24 season.

What is the Advanced Match Official Award?

The England Rugby Advanced Match Official Development Programme has been developed to provide active match officials (whatever their role) with a nationally standardised training curriculum that will help them to achieve a higher standard within their own officiating.   

How does the award course work?

• Duration: 4 contact days plus full season programme.
• The England Rugby Advanced Match Official Award course builds strongly on the England Rugby Referee Award course.
• The course consists of 11 modules, five of which are delivered on four contact days, is a mixture of classroom-based activities, eLearning, and webinars which the candidate can then apply in their officiating.
• It is for current / active match officials who have completed the England Rugby Referee Award (or equivalent referee award) and wish to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in relation to officiating Rugby Union. The purpose is to develop the individual through these aspects over the period of the programme. 

Are there any Prerequisites?

Yes, candidates need to have the following criteria:

• Completed England Rugby Referee Award qualification (or equivalent). 
• Actively officiating within the 2023/24 season (you will be reviewed against games at your current level).
• You must be 18 years or older (as of September 1^st, 2023).
• A valid DBS certificate. (this DBS clearance must be approved by the RFU).
• Completed RFU Headcase online concussion awareness within the last 12 months.
• Attended one match official CPD course/event in the previous 12 months.

Who can apply?

The England Rugby Advanced Match Official Development Programme is aimed at those who are actively participating in match officiating who have completed the England Rugby Refereeing Award (or equivalent) and wish to further develop their skills, knowledge and understanding. 

How do I apply?

Please register your interest through using the contact form below stating AMOA in the comments box and we can share:

• Prerequisites & FAQs document
• Considerations & Criteria document
• Online Form for submission
• Information to be emailed such as a 20-minute video showing your officiating, rugby CV and your individual rugby development plan (IDP)

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 7^th June 2023 for AMOA submission with the RFU. (Late applications will not be considered). Please request information from the Society by Monday 5 June 2023 at the latest.

NB: Any referee who meets the criteria can apply, the society does not nominate with all applications managed by the RFU referee body.

RFU Referee FB put out a post following the bulletin with a link to more information which can found here – Find out more. (I just wish they’d done it an hour a go ;-))