Refereeing

6 Aug 2024 | 7 min |

Recruiting Match Officials

The Young Match Official Programme

A Young Match Official programme provides the opportunity for young people to experience a wide range of skills in a fun environment! Below you’ll find a quick guide to running a YMO Programme, the BRAND NEW YMO Guidebook plus other resources including funding and bringing more young volunteers into the game.

Host a Ready2Ref course

Whether you're a player, coach, parent or passionate fan, Ready2Ref is the perfect way to start your journey as a rugby union match official. This entry-level course is designed to be accessible, practical, and tailored to prepare you for real match environments.

The course blends online learning with a practical, in-person training day, helping you build confidence in areas like safety, communication, the set-piece, and the laws of the game. E-learning modules cover topics including the tackle and breakdown, scrum, space management, and effective communication - all at your own pace.

Courses are booked on request and run by RFU Educators. For more information about requesting a course see our Hosting Requirements document. Booking request form and deliverer map can also be found below. Please ensure that you complete all sections of the Request a Course Form.

Workshops & Podcasts

As a referee organisation, whether that’s at a club, referee’s society or school or college, recruiting new match officials is crucial. Here are a few resources for ideas on how to go about recruiting, retaining, and rewarding your volunteers.

Here’s a couple of resources to get you thinking how best to recruit new volunteers into your organisation!

Availability Workshop

Recruiting Club Referees

Game Coaching