Referee Development

All active HRR members will hold a grading level that corresponds to the league and cup competition structures defined by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England. The referee’s level is used to guide the competitions that an individual is capable of officiating at. However, the society has the right to, and will, appoint referees to matches above (in certain circumstances) and below their graded levels, dependent on factors including:

1. The progression path of the referee
   It is common for a developing referee to be tested at a level higher than their current grading for assessment purposes
2. The nature and circumstances of any individual match
   It is common for a referee from a level above to officiate games with significant importance at a level below. For example, promotion play-offs, cup finals or local derbies
3. Referee availability
   A referee’s level is, ordinarily, the highest level at which they will referee. Dependent on the volume of fixtures and the future potential of a referee, they may frequently referee at a level lower than their grading. If you wish to develop your refereeing please be sure to attend HRR Training evenings on the 3rd Monday of the month in season (Sep-Apr) usually hosted at Winchester RFC at 7pm. Further and more individual development can be achieved by becoming part of HRR’s Development Squad. Membership is by application and you must be willing to demonstrate increased commitment to developing as a Match Official.

Your first step is to complete the Personal Development Plan template on the “Resources page” and submit to HRR’s training officer.