NMSRFR
North Midlands Society of Rugby Football Referees: Est. 1920
Board Members
Mike Knight, Society President president@northmidsrefs.co.uk
Secondary education provided me with just a few qualifications but many years of involvement with the sport of Rugby Union. All my playing experience was at community level and was prior to any league structure but took me to club bases in Warwickshire, Somerset and Oxfordshire (the good old days!). Officiating, administrative roles and assessment took me to Oxfordshire and the South West Group area. In 2008 a move to Oswestry, allowing me to join North Midlands Society (mostly) and Liverpool Society (once a month) and to continue to view referees in action (now being called a Match Official Developer). I have now been involved with the sport in one way or another for well over 60 years. It has been a rewarding experience
Chair – Kelvin Roberts chair@northmidsrefs.co.uk
I started refereeing, like many because I became fed up with getting hurt as a player! From a very gentle start with the Society I started getting more opportunities and was fortunate enough to reach what we now call the National Panel. I then spent twelve years refereeing and AR’ing on the Panel before I hung my boots up and started coaching which I do to this day (and still really enjoy it). I’m on my third term on the Board, including a couple of years as Secretary, some time as Grading Director and now my new role as Chair.
Finance Director – Ian Moreton finance@northmidsrefs.co.uk
I have been involved in rugby in one form or another since the age of 15 at various clubs including Telford, Shrewsbury, and in the south of the region, Cheltenham before finishing my 21 year playing career at Evesham. Wishing to remain involved in the game I turned to refereeing and had 15 enjoyable years before serious injury led to retirement. I took on the role of Society Treasurer some twenty five years ago and have been involved in the evolution of the Society to the flourishing organisation it is now. I’m part of the coaching team at RGS Worcester, and have also recently taken up a role on the Rugby Football Union of Referees Finance Committee
Administration Director – Alex Nock – sundays@northmidsrefs.co.uk
TBC
Training Director – Neil Chivers training@northmidsrefs.co.uk
I qualified when I was 16 but didn’t really do anything more until, like everyone else, I got injured! I couldn’t just do nothing on a Saturday afternoon so I took the plunge and became poacher turned game keeper. I managed to work my way to operating as part of the RFU’s P.G.M.O.T in recent years, and was able to act as Assistant Referee for a World 7’s final at Twickenham, U20’s European internationals and to Referee at the home of English rugby. In ‘real life’ I’m a L&D Training Lead, and I’m looking forward to using these skills to bring aspiring new referees through as well as improving the skills of our existing members.
Development Director – Leonie Pryor leonie@northmidsrefs.co.uk
I took the plunge into refereeing in 2015 and my only regret is that I didn’t stumble upon it a decade or so earlier. I’ve been involved in the very successful Young Match Official program from its infancy in 2018 and took on the new role of Youth Director on the board in 2019. I work closely with my fabulous team of YMO mentors to develop our young referees, it’s so rewarding to see these incredibly mature and driven young individuals progress through their refereeing journey.
Communication Director – Neil Stone
Being a Northerner my first taste of rugby was naturally on the wing for Churwell u-7s Rugby League side, I very quickly moved into the more comfortable role of prop. Having lived overseas I found rugby union and played up to early 20’s before families came along. I got back into rugby in my late 30’s coaching my sons junior team and decided at the age of 39 I should start playing again. 2 seasons of constant injuries and pain made me take the plunge into refereeing as I wanted to stay involved in the game. I’m now in season 4 of refereeing and love it. For the society I’ve taken over Communications with the plan to ensure all of our channels are up to date and the information being provided is clear & concise…time will tell 😉
Patricia Bartlam-Clarke – Youth Match Official (YMO) Director
More information coming soon!