Referee Recruitment
If you are interested in learning about becoming a referee, please read below. If you are ready to get started then simply CONTACT us!
Referees are an indispensable part of every game of Rugby. This page provides background to the key role played by match officials, explains why their numbers need to be increased and describes just how easy it is to become a Rugby referee.
Background
"There is an over-riding obligation on the players to observe the Laws and to respect the principles of fair play.
The Laws must be applied in such a way as to ensure that the Game is played according to the Principles of Rugby. The referee and touch judges can achieve this through fairness, consistency, sensitivity and, at the highest levels, management.
In return, it is the responsibility of coaches, captains and players to respect the authority of the match officials."
The text above is drawn from the World Rugby Playing Charter. You’ll find a copy of the Playing Charter in our Resource Library as well as at the front of the World Rugby Law Book you can download via our Links page. The Playing Charter is an easy to read document that everyone involved with or interested in Rugby should regularly take time to digest and enjoy.
Why are referees and refereeing so important to Rugby?
Every game of Rugby involves enthusiastic, vigorous and ongoing contests for possession and control of the ball across a playing area that can be up to 144 metres long and 70 metres wide. To cater for the wide range of possible player actions and interactions — and to ensure that the contests for possession that are at the heart of the game are carried out safely and fairly — Rugby has, over its long and rich history, assembled a comprehensive and detailed set of Laws. With a view to enhancing the overall playing experience, the Laws of the Game are periodically reviewed and refined.
As a result of Rugby’s dynamic nature, individuals with a knowledge of the Laws of the Game are required on the playing area and in proximity to play to interpret, judge and decide in real-time whether actions taken by the players are in accordance with those Laws. The group who carry out this important role — the referee and the assistant referees — are the match officials. Without someone agreeing to act as the referee and apply the Laws, the playing of matches would not be possible and the wonderful game the world knows as Rugby could not exist.
Rugby refereeing as a pastime
You will often hear Rugby described as “a players’ game” and referees as “the 31st player”. Both statements are true. The tradition of players and referees openly enjoying the game and each other’s company, is one that sets Rugby apart.
The referee’s role involves working with the team captains and players to ensure that matches are carried out safely and fairly in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The broad aim being to minimise the risk of injury and maximise the enjoyment of Rugby for all participants (in particular, for the players and referees).
The payoff for all who undertake the essential match official role is a considerable sense of involvement, enjoyment, achievement and personal satisfaction.
Irrespective of whether you intend to participate at the elite or community levels of the game, Rugby refereeing is an exceptionally rewarding activity in which to be involved. For those who demonstrate commitment, above average ability and a strong desire to develop and advance, refereeing provides career opportunities and a pathway to officiating in international and representative level matches all over the world. Rugby is undeniably a truly global game.
Are you interested in becoming a referee?
Having read this far, it’s possible that you or someone you know is considering taking up the whistle. You may be male or female, a player, ex-player, assistant referee, player coach, team manager, spectator, student, parent, supporter or simply a lover of Rugby.
You may have refereed senior, junior or Pathway Rugby in the past and are now considering a return to active refereeing. Whoever you are and whatever your reasons, Rugby refereeing provides many positive benefits and attractions, including:-
Every game of Rugby involves enthusiastic, vigorous and ongoing contests for possession and control of the ball across a playing area that can be up to 144 metres long and 70 metres wide. To cater for the wide range of possible player actions and interactions — and to ensure that the contests for possession that are at the heart of the game are carried out safely and fairly — Rugby has, over its long and rich history, assembled a comprehensive and detailed set of Laws. With a view to enhancing the overall playing experience, the Laws of the Game are periodically reviewed and refined.
As a result of Rugby’s dynamic nature, individuals with a knowledge of the Laws of the Game are required on the playing area and in proximity to play to interpret, judge and decide in real-time whether actions taken by the players are in accordance with those Laws. The group who carry out this important role — the referee and the assistant referees — are the match officials. Without someone agreeing to act as the referee and apply the Laws, the playing of matches would not be possible and the wonderful game the world knows as Rugby could not exist.
Rugby refereeing as a pastime
You will often hear Rugby described as “a players’ game” and referees as “the 31st player”. Both statements are true. The tradition of players and referees openly enjoying the game and each other’s company, is one that sets Rugby apart.
The referee’s role involves working with the team captains and players to ensure that matches are carried out safely and fairly in accordance with the Laws of the Game. The broad aim being to minimise the risk of injury and maximise the enjoyment of Rugby for all participants (in particular, for the players and referees).
The payoff for all who undertake the essential match official role is a considerable sense of involvement, enjoyment, achievement and personal satisfaction.
Irrespective of whether you intend to participate at the elite or community levels of the game, Rugby refereeing is an exceptionally rewarding activity in which to be involved. For those who demonstrate commitment, above average ability and a strong desire to develop and advance, refereeing provides career opportunities and a pathway to officiating in international and representative level matches all over the world. Rugby is undeniably a truly global game.
Are you interested in becoming a referee?
Having read this far, it’s possible that you or someone you know is considering taking up the whistle. You may be male or female, a player, ex-player, assistant referee, player coach, team manager, spectator, student, parent, supporter or simply a lover of Rugby.
You may have refereed senior, junior or Pathway Rugby in the past and are now considering a return to active refereeing. Whoever you are and whatever your reasons, Rugby refereeing provides many positive benefits and attractions, including:-
- Participation: Refereeing offers a unique opportunity to become involved — or to maintain your involvement — in one of the world’s great games.
- Fitness: Almost anyone can be a referee irrespective of their age, gender, body size or body shape. Refereeing is a great way to keep fit and active while enjoying yourself.
- Skills: Our continuing education programs help referees develop their abilities in areas such as decision making, communication, people management and game understanding. These are useful and valuable skills that can be utilised on the playing field, in the workplace, at school and university and in day to day life.
- Camaraderie: As a referee, you’re part of the large and supportive team of match officials worldwide. You are also a valued and respected member of the ever expanding local Rugby community.
- Development: Your development as a match official is not rushed. We take time to ensure that irrespective of their age or experience, every Sydney West member is nurtured, encouraged and supported in a structured and positive way.
- And Best of All: In addition to the benefits outlined above, referees also get to enjoy games from the best position at the ground (or anywhere else for that matter). Ask any referee and they’ll tell you that there is simply no better place on Earth to watch a game of Rugby unfold, than when you’re on the field with the players as their match referee. A truly rewarding and satisfying experience!
As the number of players and competitions continue to grow …
Rugby in Australia was materially impacted by Covid-19 in 2020 and the consequent restrictions on social activities. Rugby Australia’s Annual Report 2020 noted:
“Nationally, junior Club XVs participation increased by just under 6%, boosted by a dedicated social media campaign driving registrations. Sevens participation decreased substantially during 2020 with 65% fewer participants. This is because Sevens tournaments generally require intra- and interstate travel, so the number of tournaments was significantly reduced due to the uncertainty around future COVID restrictions. Participation levels are expected to return to similar levels of prior years once normal competition and tournament schedules can resume. The growth of Club Touch 7s was a highlight of the year.
In schools, over 20,000 Rugby experiences were delivered in government and nongovernment primary and secondary schools with a 53%/47% split between boys and girls.
Female Rugby surpassed expectations in 2020, recording 10% growth in club and competition Rugby. This is the fifth year in a row that female Rugby has recorded double-digit participation growth.”
“Nationally, junior Club XVs participation increased by just under 6%, boosted by a dedicated social media campaign driving registrations. Sevens participation decreased substantially during 2020 with 65% fewer participants. This is because Sevens tournaments generally require intra- and interstate travel, so the number of tournaments was significantly reduced due to the uncertainty around future COVID restrictions. Participation levels are expected to return to similar levels of prior years once normal competition and tournament schedules can resume. The growth of Club Touch 7s was a highlight of the year.
In schools, over 20,000 Rugby experiences were delivered in government and nongovernment primary and secondary schools with a 53%/47% split between boys and girls.
Female Rugby surpassed expectations in 2020, recording 10% growth in club and competition Rugby. This is the fifth year in a row that female Rugby has recorded double-digit participation growth.”
… so too must the number of referees!
A by-product of the growth in player numbers, teams and competitions, is the strain it places on limited refereeing resources. While the number of people participating is pleasing, it needs to be matched by an increase in the number of match officials.
The strain on refereeing resources is becoming more noticeable in the new and expanding suburban areas to the west, north west and south west of Sydney. These residential growth “hot spots” are key to the development of Rugby in metropolitan Sydney. They also form part of the large geographical area serviced by Sydney West RRA.
In order to cope with Rugby’s current and anticipated future growth, we need to increase the number of referees and assistant referees across our region. To do that, your help and assistance is required now!
The strain on refereeing resources is becoming more noticeable in the new and expanding suburban areas to the west, north west and south west of Sydney. These residential growth “hot spots” are key to the development of Rugby in metropolitan Sydney. They also form part of the large geographical area serviced by Sydney West RRA.
In order to cope with Rugby’s current and anticipated future growth, we need to increase the number of referees and assistant referees across our region. To do that, your help and assistance is required now!
"I’m keen to start! How do I become a Rugby referee?"
Firstly you need to know that there are two types of referees
Pathway Referees...who can referee only the modified forms of the game played by the under 6 to under 12 age groups; and
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Accredited Referees...who can referee any type of match — up to test match level if they're good enough. Accredited referees can also handle Pathway matches if they’re interested in helping out with the younger age groups.
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Your first step is to register for Rugby Explorer. Rugby Explorer is an application used across Australia for a wide range of services. For anyone wanting to become a referee it is necessary to Register with Rugby Explorer (RX) first. Once you are registered on this national site, you will have access to online courses, exams, resources and information.
The Rugby RX Portal provides a single access point and sign-in facility to a range of Rugby Australia IT systems. This link will get you started:
myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/register
After registering with Rugby Explorer and logging back in with the password you’ll set up for yourself, the portal then allows you to access the Rugby Learning Centre. It's here that you locate the course you’re after.
Those wanting to become a referee (you must be at least 13 years old) you must proceed to the “Learning Centre” on RX and complete the Smart Rugby program (online) and then the “Referee Ready” course. This is offered both online as well as face-to-face. (For anyone under the age of 15 years, SWRRA strongly recommends the face-to-face training; it will take approximately 3 hours to complete.) This is followed by an online exam to test your understanding of the Laws of Rugby.
You can contact SWRRA via our contact page to get more information about Referee Ready courses.
Anyone over the age of 15 will then need to complete the Level 1 online exam after.
https://australia.rugby/participate/referee/get-involved
Smart Rugby certification remains current for two seasons. At the end of every successive two-year period, Smart Rugby certification must be renewed online via the Rugby Learning Centre. Your Referee accreditation, once gained, lasts for 4 years before you need to renew it – and re-sit the exam.
The Rugby RX Portal provides a single access point and sign-in facility to a range of Rugby Australia IT systems. This link will get you started:
myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/register
After registering with Rugby Explorer and logging back in with the password you’ll set up for yourself, the portal then allows you to access the Rugby Learning Centre. It's here that you locate the course you’re after.
Those wanting to become a referee (you must be at least 13 years old) you must proceed to the “Learning Centre” on RX and complete the Smart Rugby program (online) and then the “Referee Ready” course. This is offered both online as well as face-to-face. (For anyone under the age of 15 years, SWRRA strongly recommends the face-to-face training; it will take approximately 3 hours to complete.) This is followed by an online exam to test your understanding of the Laws of Rugby.
You can contact SWRRA via our contact page to get more information about Referee Ready courses.
Anyone over the age of 15 will then need to complete the Level 1 online exam after.
https://australia.rugby/participate/referee/get-involved
Smart Rugby certification remains current for two seasons. At the end of every successive two-year period, Smart Rugby certification must be renewed online via the Rugby Learning Centre. Your Referee accreditation, once gained, lasts for 4 years before you need to renew it – and re-sit the exam.
I’ve attended the course. What do I need to do now?
Having completed the Referee Ready course, to become an accredited referee you then need to pass the Accreditation Exam. This applies to both Pathway Referees and Level 1 referees (over the age of 15). The exam is a self-paced, openbook, multiple choice exam that is completed online via the RX Learning Centre. You will be provided with a copy of the current law book and the other reference materials you’ll need for the exam when you attend the Foundation Course.
After passing the online referee exam, Rugby Australia requires those who are intending to gain full accreditation to join a referee association in order to undergo an “on-field assessment of refereeing competency” (i.e. a field test). You’ll find contact details for the four referee associations that service metropolitan Sydney on the Other Associations page of our website.
A similar online, multiple choice, open-book exam (the Referee Ready Exam) is available for those who have attended a Refereeing Kids’ Rugby Course with the aim of becoming a Pathway referee. In order to be appointed to matches and provided with uniforms and the like, Pathway referees are also required to join a referee association.
Once you have passed either the Level 1 Referee Accreditation Exam or the Referee Ready (Pathway) U8-U12 Exam, simply follow the 2 steps in the How to Register page (under the Registration menu of this website.) Make sure you complete both steps.
Upon receipt of your registration, we’ll add you as a Sydney West RRA member and make arrangements to start appointing you to matches. Refereeing appointments can almost certainly be organised around your availability and any other commitments you might have.
At this point we’ll start the ball rolling to provide you with a referee jersey, shorts and socks to wear once you’re a registered Sydney West RRA member and ready to actively referee. If you’re seeking full level 1 referee accreditation we’ll also organise your on-field competency assessment.
It is a Rugby Australia requirement that competency assessments be carried out on 15-a-side under 13 or older matches having contested scrums. Your competency assessment will be conducted by one of our experienced and accredited referee coaches. In addition to their mentoring and support roles, your referee coach will also provide some positive and constructive suggestions aimed at helping you to develop and improve as a referee.
It should be noted that this final stage in the gaining of level 1 referee accreditation is a process rather than a single event. To enable new referee members to develop confidence and to gain experience in the positioning, communication and management aspects of refereeing, our practice is to have them get a few games under their belt with a referee coach present prior to undertaking a competency assessment.
After passing the online referee exam, Rugby Australia requires those who are intending to gain full accreditation to join a referee association in order to undergo an “on-field assessment of refereeing competency” (i.e. a field test). You’ll find contact details for the four referee associations that service metropolitan Sydney on the Other Associations page of our website.
A similar online, multiple choice, open-book exam (the Referee Ready Exam) is available for those who have attended a Refereeing Kids’ Rugby Course with the aim of becoming a Pathway referee. In order to be appointed to matches and provided with uniforms and the like, Pathway referees are also required to join a referee association.
Once you have passed either the Level 1 Referee Accreditation Exam or the Referee Ready (Pathway) U8-U12 Exam, simply follow the 2 steps in the How to Register page (under the Registration menu of this website.) Make sure you complete both steps.
Upon receipt of your registration, we’ll add you as a Sydney West RRA member and make arrangements to start appointing you to matches. Refereeing appointments can almost certainly be organised around your availability and any other commitments you might have.
At this point we’ll start the ball rolling to provide you with a referee jersey, shorts and socks to wear once you’re a registered Sydney West RRA member and ready to actively referee. If you’re seeking full level 1 referee accreditation we’ll also organise your on-field competency assessment.
It is a Rugby Australia requirement that competency assessments be carried out on 15-a-side under 13 or older matches having contested scrums. Your competency assessment will be conducted by one of our experienced and accredited referee coaches. In addition to their mentoring and support roles, your referee coach will also provide some positive and constructive suggestions aimed at helping you to develop and improve as a referee.
It should be noted that this final stage in the gaining of level 1 referee accreditation is a process rather than a single event. To enable new referee members to develop confidence and to gain experience in the positioning, communication and management aspects of refereeing, our practice is to have them get a few games under their belt with a referee coach present prior to undertaking a competency assessment.
Gender Equality and Rugby
For a number of years, Rugby has encouraged, embraced and welcomed female participation in all areas of the game. Rugby takes considerable pride in being an open and inclusive sport available to men and women and boys and girls.
As an association, we know from firsthand experience that each gender produces competent, capable and committed referees. A check of the names on our Honour Board page stands testimony to that.
Irrespective of whether you’re male or female, provided you are at least 13 years of age and keen to actively referee, Sydney West RRA will do whatever we can to help you to achieve your goals.
As an association, we know from firsthand experience that each gender produces competent, capable and committed referees. A check of the names on our Honour Board page stands testimony to that.
Irrespective of whether you’re male or female, provided you are at least 13 years of age and keen to actively referee, Sydney West RRA will do whatever we can to help you to achieve your goals.
Do you need further information?
If you have any queries about the matters outlined above or the process for becoming a Rugby referee or Sydney West RRA member, please do not hesitate to contact our VP Recruitment & Retention or VP Registration & Accreditation or Secretary. You’ll find their names and telephone numbers in the Management Committee page under the Contact tab.
By reading this page to the end, you’ve already taken that important first step. We strongly encourage you to take your next steps as soon as you possibly can.
By reading this page to the end, you’ve already taken that important first step. We strongly encourage you to take your next steps as soon as you possibly can.
Rugby — the game we all love — needs you as a referee now!