Key Resources
This page brings together the key documents, forms and resources that referees use throughout the season. If you think something is missing, please contact webmaster@northmidsrefs.co.uk.
For help with common referee administration tasks, visit our Tutorial Videos section.
Match Officials Essentials
RFU Regulation 12 – Match Officials
A key reference for all match officials, covering the appointment of referees and assistant referees, match official responsibilities, and the procedures that apply when appointed officials are unavailable. Every referee should be familiar with the regulations governing their role and authority within the game.
Match Official Insurance
Insurance information and cover provided through England Rugby.
England Rugby Learning
England Rugby Learning is the RFU’s online learning platform, providing access to referee courses, safeguarding and first aid training, law updates, webinars and a wide range of development resources to support your officiating journey.
England Rugby Game Development
England Rugby’s YouTube channel, containing training, courses and learning resources.
Laws & Regulations
World Rugby Laws of the Game
The official and always up-to-date online Laws of Rugby.
World Rugby Laws Test
Complete the World Rugby Laws Test to check your understanding of the Laws of the Game and support your ongoing referee development.
RFU Regulation 15 (Age Grade Rugby)
Essential reading for anyone refereeing age-grade rugby.
Safeguarding & Player Welfare
RFU Regulation 21 (Safeguarding)
Guidance for working with children and young people in rugby.
Serious Injury Reporting
All serious injuries should be reported as soon as possible following the incident. Please also submit a copy of the form to the Society Secretary admin@northmidsrefs.co.uk
Additional Guidance
Discipline & Reporting
Red Card Reports
All reports should be submitted initially to: discipline@northmidsrefs.co.uk (Society Discipline Secretary – Dave Thomas).
Match Official Abuse
The RFU takes abuse of match officials extremely seriously.
Resources:
Reports should be copied to: discipline@northmidsrefs.co.uk (Society Discipline Secretary – Dave Thomas), chair@northmidsrefs.co.uk (NMSRFR Chair – Leonie Prior) and nmrfu.discsec@gmail.com (North Midlands RFU Discipline Secretary – Steve Biggs).
Abandoned Match Reports
Use this form if a fixture is abandoned before full time. Reports should be copied to: discipline@northmidsrefs.co.uk (Society Discipline Secretary – Dave Thomas), chair@northmidsrefs.co.uk (NMSRFR Chair – Leonie Prior) and nmrfu.discsec@gmail.com (North Midlands RFU Discipline Secretary – Steve Biggs).
Development & Coaching Resources
Pre-Match Preparation Guide
The first item of our advice page provides a brief outline for new and developing referees on preparing for fixtures.
Touchline Behaviour Management
Guidance for managing coaches, spectators and technical areas.
Feedback Cards
Feedback cards remain an important tool for referee development and progression. Preferably, these should be completed on Who’sTheRef, but a printable version is available here.
Match Day Resources
Score Cards
Downloadable examples of referee score cards and match records.
Pitch Inspection & Postponement Guidance
Procedures to follow when assessing weather-affected pitches and potential postponements.
Useful Websites