Match Official Abuse Toolkit
Match Official Abuse should not be tolerated by any match official. Understanding what abuse is, how to manage players and non-participants as well as understanding how to report match official abuse is key to tackling the problem.
In 2024, the RFU Match Official Development Team released their Match Official Abuse Toolkit, with the aim of increasing not only understanding of what abuse is, but also providing techniques for managing players, coaches and spectators, and finally helping match officials to know how and why their should report match official abuse.
For further support and information, please email matchofficials@rfu.com.
https://linktr.ee/matchofficialabuse
Mental Welbeing Club and Community Game Guidance
This resource has been created to support the rugby community because we know that clubs are often places that people join to feel welcomed, engaged, safe and supported.
It gives evidenced based, practical and relevant guidance for everyone and has been prepared and researched by The Mental Health Foundation. Better mental health can lead to better performance levels because issues are tackled earlier. It can also lead to welcoming spaces for all and to be able to serve the needs of their communities.
Looseheadz
LooseHeadz are the leading rugby mental health charity with a mission to place a mental health lead (a ‘LooseHead’) at every rugby club in the world.
Their aim is to start the conversation that inspires a global movement towards better mental wellbeing. They believe that by building a community, united around a shared mission, we can begin to turn the tide against poor mental health.
Their goal is to prevent, promote, educate, and signpost around mental health by providing a toolkit of Mental Health resources, completely free of charge.
Join the movement, get your club signed up to the LooseHeadz Partnership Programme and together, we can #TackleTheStigma.
Further Mental Health Training
Referee Organisations may want to arrange mental health training for on and off field match officials, as well as other volunteers. There are many reputable organisations and charities offering mental health awareness training.
Online Training
UKCoaching and Mind offer an online Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity Course.
Face to Face Training
When organising face to face courses, always check that the trainer delivering the course is appropriately qualified and that the content is relevant for the attendees. There are numerous face to face training options available including:
- MIND runs a face to face Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity course
- StreetGames is a charity that runs a Youth Mental Health First Aid course aimed at coaches, staff and other volunteers working with young people
