Match Officials are an integral part of our sport at every single level, and we’re keen to reinforce our growing network of people looking to get involved in this side of the game – particularly in the Southern regions of England. To help bolster our pool of Match Officials, the RFL will be hosting a Match Official Online Course – absolutely anyone is welcome, and it’s absolutely free!
The course is suitable no matter what your motivations are – whether it’s to support the game at a Community level in a School or University setting, or you want to begin your journey to making it as a professional. It’s a great, practical way to become qualified and potentially earn money, whilst giving back to Rugby League.
As previously stated, the course is totally free – and to further your development and to allow us to maximise your potential as a Rugby League Match Official, the online course will be followed by practical development sessions in December. To register, feel free to contact Michael.smaill@rfl.co.uk who will also provide any other info you need along with the link to the course!
Anyone who signs up for the online course will be invited to the practical development sessions – we’ll also welcome any qualified match officials who just wish to make the most out of the support available to enhance their own development. Information regarding the dates/locations of the sessions can be found below:
- Saturday 4th December – London Skolars RLC @ 1pm – 4pm
- Sunday 5th December – Bristol SGS College @ 10am – 1pm
We understand not everyone will be able to attend the practical development courses, and this is something we’ll look to address for those wanting to expand on what is offered in the online course.
For those with an interest in joining the Professional Pathway alongside refereeing in the Midlands and Southern regions, a fitness test to qualify will be run at the start of the aforementioned development sessions, and immediate opportunities for progression will be available for the following:
- Reserve Official in the Betfred Championship & League 1 at London Skolars, London Broncos, Cornwall, Midlands Hurricanes & West Wales
- Referee & Touch Judge in Betfred Women’s Super League South
- Touch Judge at Scholarship & Academy level at London Broncos
- Touch Judge at Betfred League 1 & Championship level, and Referee at Scholarship & Academy level (upon satisfactory progression)
All professional matches are paid through Match Fees & Mileage expenses – if the Professional Pathway interests you, please contact Michael Smaill at michael.smaill@rfl.co.uk upon registering for the course.
We urge anyone with even a slight interest in officiating to get involved and become a key factor in the delivery of our sport on a community level – we’re committed to making Match Official qualifications as accessible as possible, and we feel this could go a long way for those with aspirations within this side of the sport.
