Training



Training for referees of all levels never stops and mentors and seasoned referees continue to share their insights every month. It’s not just the laws that are covered: the nuances of player management; how to effectively communicate on the field; resilience; nutrition and fitness – all aspects of the wonderful game of rugby. Progression as a referee was never my main motivation. Starting aged 50 and it was a way of staying fit and involved in a game that I love. However, driven by enjoyment and the support of the society, I’ve progressed to officiate more challenging matches. Level 7 games have become a regular part of my schedule, as have exchange fixtures to Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Gloucester. Each match is a new opportunity to develop my abilities through exposure to different teams and their strategies.
The Society has a great mentor scheme allowing me to use someone with experience as a sounding board “this is the situation, this was my decision, what do you think?”. In addition to this from time to time I have one of the referee advisors come out to watch me referee providing valuable feedback to help with my development, this often involves being mic’d up so they can hear what I’m saying and how I’m controlling the game which is just as important as the actual decisions.
The society development squad has helped me develop and grow myself as both a referee & a mentor for fellow referees. The group, led by former international referee Tony Spreadbury & Scottish National referee Dan Evans, is great to bounce ideas around & the assistance the Spreaders & Dan give is so valuable to the progress of my refereeing.