How to become a referee
ex-Wallaby Owen Finnegan
gives it a go!
Have you thought about becoming a referee but don't know what it involves or what to do? It is quite simple, and you don't need to have played the game before. You do need some passion for rugby and a desire to give something to the game. You will be provided with training and guidance to see you through. If you have played rugby before then you may be able to use your experience to advance quickly through the ranks.
Here are steps on how to become a Rugby Union Match Official (Referee, Touch Judge):
Here are steps on how to become a Rugby Union Match Official (Referee, Touch Judge):
Learning to referee
STEP 1 - ATTEND A COURSE
Either path you choose you should make contact with Mark Snow, Referee Development Officer on 6283 8541 or email m.snow@brumbies.com.au.
Please check for referee course details on the Brumbies website at the Referee Courses page.
STEP 2- RUGBY SAFETY
Prior to being permitted to referee a game, all Match Official and coaches are required to attend a SMART RUGBY (2 hour) Seminar once every 2 years.
Note - the foundation course includes Smart Rugby accreditation. To register for a smart rugby course click here.
STEP 3- GETTING REFEREE ACCREDITATION
Once you have completed a course or have been assessed of your Recognised Prior Learning do the following.
So how much do you get paid?
You do not receive match payments. Only school and university students are provided a match fee (around $20 per game). All referees however will be provided travel allowance for officiating matches outside of the ACT.Payment is made twice during the season by the Brumbies Rugby Services Administrator.
- If you are 15 years or older you should consider completing: A Foundation course (refereeing and coaching learning certification) which includes SmartRugby. It is a one day course providing the basic priciples of coaching and refereeing rugby. There is a cost (about $70) but it is reimbursed if you become Level 1 Referee accredited.
- If you are 13 years old this year or over and want to just referee modified rugby (U12s and below which includes (Midi, Mini and Walla) consider doing a Pathway course (3 hours at no cost) . This is a great way to start refereeing quickly. These are scheduled on an adhoc basis, predominately at schools
- If you would like to do a Touch Judge course (and no younger than 12 years old this year) send an email to m.snow@brumbies.com.au
Either path you choose you should make contact with Mark Snow, Referee Development Officer on 6283 8541 or email m.snow@brumbies.com.au.
Please check for referee course details on the Brumbies website at the Referee Courses page.
STEP 2- RUGBY SAFETY
Prior to being permitted to referee a game, all Match Official and coaches are required to attend a SMART RUGBY (2 hour) Seminar once every 2 years.
Note - the foundation course includes Smart Rugby accreditation. To register for a smart rugby course click here.
STEP 3- GETTING REFEREE ACCREDITATION
Once you have completed a course or have been assessed of your Recognised Prior Learning do the following.
- You need to complete and pass the Level 1 referee exam - click here for details
- You must be registered with the ACT Referee Association (ACTRRA) by completing the ACTRRA Registration form and ARU Membership form (please see forms section). You will need to be registered before you can be appointed to referee or touch judge.
- Once your registration has been processed, contact the Rugby Services Administrator, to notify unavailability. Otherwise we will assume you are available to be appointed.
- The Rugby Services Aministrator will provide: Students a 1st year referee polo shirt, shorts and socks. Adults will receive a referee jersey, shorts and socks once ACTRRA Membership subscription has been received.
- Typically you will then be appointed to junior games where a referee coach may come and provide you guidance and assess your progress. You are required to be field tested as competent by a Referee Coach - this normally takes 4 games with referee coaching feedback.
- Keep fit by attending ACTRRA Training Sessions and follow the new off-season training program (can be found by clicking here)
- Attend the ACTRRA pre-season seminar (more information to follow)
- Attend Monthly Education Meetings
- Check the Referee Development webpage for useful resources.
- Contact the Chair of the Level 1 Coaching Committee (Brumbies Rugby Services Administrator has contact details) if you have not recently received on field coaching and would like some more help.
So how much do you get paid?
You do not receive match payments. Only school and university students are provided a match fee (around $20 per game). All referees however will be provided travel allowance for officiating matches outside of the ACT.Payment is made twice during the season by the Brumbies Rugby Services Administrator.
ARU Referee ScholarshipsEvery year up and coming young referees from Year11 or 12 can apply for an ARU Referee Scholarship. Those selected are provided guidance and mentoring to develop and improve their refereeing in the hope they will go on to obtain level 2 refereeing and referee senior matches, or perhaps even bigger and better things with their refereeing career. These young referees are given opportunities to attend Brumbies matches where they may be appointed to assist the match day officials in some capacity. Those students interested in a scholarship should talk to Mark Snow (m.snow@brumbies.com.au), Referee Development Officer.
|
Angus Whittle - 2012
|
