Become a Rugby League Match Official this summer!
The RFL is pleased to confirm a new line-up of Southern Match Official courses taking place this summer, giving more people the opportunity to begin their journey in Rugby League officiating.
The announcement follows the success of the first Southern Match Official course of 2026, held at Medway on Saturday 27 June. The course attracted record attendance, reflecting the continued growth of Rugby League in the South and strong local and regional interest in officiating. Attendees included aspiring Match Officials, players and coaches looking to strengthen their understanding of the laws of the game, and students upskilling to support the delivery of Schools Rugby League competitions.
Match Officials play an instrumental role in the sport, helping Rugby League continue to grow and develop at every level.
The Southern Regions Development Forum (SRDF) formed a Match Officials working group in autumn 2025 to review and refresh the Match Officials strategy in the South of England. From this process, an action plan was created around four key pillars:
- Recruitment
- Development
- Retention
- Management
Several priority actions are already under way, while longer-term interventions will continue through to 2027. One priority action was to identify geographical areas with lower numbers of active Match Officials and deliver courses in those locations. Kent, Nottingham and Bristol were identified initially, with upcoming courses scheduled over the next few months.
Ben Thaler, RFL National Match Official Manager, said: “Match Officials are crucial to Rugby League at every level, and these courses are a great opportunity for people across the South to take up the whistle, learn new skills and play an important role in the growth of the game.”
Stephen Guan, RFL Southern Regions Development Manager, also said: “At the RFL, we are incredibly pleased to see interest and participation continuing to grow in the South. This is an exciting result of carefully planned strategies designed to develop Rugby League across the country and beyond its traditional heartlands.
“The Southern regions present outstanding potential and talent. We encourage anyone interested to get involved and experience the great game of Rugby League.”
Get involved now and start your journey as a Rugby League Match Official.
Upcoming Match Official Courses
Nottingham Match Official Course
Venue: Nottingham Outlaws, Lenton Lane, Nottingham NG7 2SA
Date and time: Saturday 11 July, 10am–2pm
Bristol Match Official Course
Venue: Bristol All Golds, Lockleaze Sports Centre, Bristol BS7 9XF
Date and time: Saturday 1 August, 10am–2pm
Register your interest: For more information and to register for available courses, please click here.
Start your journey as a Rugby League Match Official today....
