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Interested in refereeing?
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Training & Education Programs
- SmartRugby Program
- Junior Player Pathway Course
- Referees
- Touch Judges
- Referee Coaches
- State Union Officiating Contacts
There are many opportunities to officiate in Rugby, such as becoming a Referee, Touch Judge or Referee Coach.
As a Referee you can be involved at a level that suits your skills, experience or desire.
Junior Player Pathway Referee
For players aged 7 to 12 years, the games of Walla (7-8 years), Mini (9-10 years) and Midi (11-12 years) introduce players gradually to the game through modified Laws. Referees of these games attend a Junior Player Pathway course that provides them with the necessary information to officiate at these games.
This is an ideal starting point for the young teenager or the parent of players participating in these games.
Junior (U19 Laws) Games
For players aged 13-19 years, there are modified Laws that incorporate safety elements for the developing player. Attendance at a one day Foundation Course will provide the necessary training to officiate at these games. Ideally you should be aged 15 years or above to referee at these levels.
Senior Games
There are a range of games played at different levels in local club competitions that can cater for the all levels of Referees. As your skills and experience grow you can move to higher level club matches with opportunities for talented Referees to advance to the highest levels of the game. Again, attendance at a one day Foundation course will provide the necessary training to begin officiating at these games. For those referees wishing to move to higher levels there is a two day Intermediate Referee Training Program.
As we know, Rugby has inherent risks, and as such each coach and referee must ensure a safe environment as practically possible for the players. Therefore underpinning the training programs for Referees and Referee Coaches is the ARU SmartRugby program which provides all coaches and referees with the best practice principles for all the contact elements of the game. It is compulsory for all Referees and Referee Coaches involved at Mini level games and above to complete this program every two years.
Touch Judge
Touch Judging offers and alternative way of getting involved in the game that can also be very rewarding. There are no age restrictions for touch judges. This is an ideal way for younger people to be involved or for mums, dads, brothers and sisters to help out with the junior games. A four hour training program will get you started on your Touch Judging career.
Referee Coach
Referee Coaching offers you a career path, either as an alternative to becoming a Referee or once your refereeing days are over. A well-structured pathway allows you to become a Referee Coach at the Elite level and in some instances an international performance reviewer of referees. Training for Referee Coaches commences with a one day program that provides basic information on the role of the Referee Coach.