Joining a referee’s society is like joining a rugby club – you can meet new people, driving towards the same goal… to be the best match official they can be and help more rugby happen in their community.

Like clubs, Referee Societies* are all different, and operate in slightly different ways, but one thing they do have in common is that they appoint to games locally and regionally, all whilst helping you develop and grow in your role.

Joining a society really is the start of the match official’s pathway! The RFU’s National League Match Official Team (NLMOT) are those officials operating at the top of the community game, with the Professional Game Match Official Team (PGMOT) sitting above them. All our Full Time Referees are part of the PGMOT, and they operate in the Premiership, Women’s Premiership and the RFU Men’s Championship. Find out more information about our Premiership Referees.