Young Match Official
Young Match Officials (YMOs) are essential to the Match Officiating community, SRRS is a keen promoter of the development of YMOs.
We provide a supportive and safe environment in which young people can develop confidence and the skills to referee across the community game.
SRRS also aligns with the wider RFU viewpoint that to ensure there are referees for tomorrow’s game, we need to recruit and retain young referees today.
Our Mission
The SRRS YMO Development Group will strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to develop and flourish as individuals via rugby union match officiating.
Our Aim
To develop a model of good practice for the development of Young Match Officials within Somerset. SRRS Young Match Official Programme will achieve this through a positive, YMO-centred development and learning culture.
Our Objectives
• To establish good links with Somerset Rugby Referees Society, local clubs and educational establishments within the county to promote the opportunities that exist to develop young people within the county.
• The SRRS Young Match Official Programme will be overseen by our Academy Manager, Simon Reeves.link
• The Programme will establish a YMO and individual-centred development programme (including appropriate fixtures) in conjunction with the Appointments Team, Society Training Officer and Academy Officer.
• Each YMO will be appointed a Mentor – SRRS will endeavour to provide a personalised programme for each YMO.
• Each YMO will be accompanied by a chaperone/parent or guardian when appointed to any fixture on behalf of SRRS.
• We will work with the England Rugby Local Delivery Team (LDT), clubs and educational establishments to promote the programme and increase awareness of a supportive and safe environment for young people within rugby union.
• A YMO Programme will give young people their own identity within the society, while at the same time ensuring that they are an integral part of SRRS and help to forge positive links into the referee development pathway.
• All RFU Safeguarding Policies MUST be adhered to: any questions should be directed to Paul Connolly (SRRS Safeguarding Officer).