Updates to Match Observers’ Preferred Option Papers and Forms

The documents below have been updated, please discard your old versions and use the new documents and forms. PO#07 What does good advising look like. PO#09 Characteristics of a Manchester Society Adviser MADREF Form1 assessment for Match Levels 6 7 & 8 MADREF Form1 assessment for Match Levels 9 and below More

RFU requests views on the Global Law Trials

The RFU is requesting opinions from the community game on the Global Law Trials (GLTs), and in particular from referees, by means of a short survey. The responses will help shape feedback to the RFU Laws Sub-Committee and the Match Official Development Team and then onto World Rugby. Message from Michael Patz (RFU ... More

Applications For Six Nations Tickets

Paid up members may now apply for tickets for the England 6 Nation home games. Applicants should state which game, how many tickets & what price bracket. All ticket holders will be required to follow the Covid-19 guidelines. England senior men's matches are: England v Wales - Saturday 26 February 2022 – KO ... More

Pre-season Meetings – Presentations now Available

The presentations given by Andy McMillan (Chairman, Training & Development) at the pre-season meetings in August 2021 are now available for download: PO#21 (Managing Refereeing Trends at Professional Level with particular reference to the Community Game) - Presentation Global Law Trials More

Immediate Effect – Change to ADM League Man off Rule

From Howard Hughes Competition Secretary ADM Leagues We have had early sight of possible issues with some Clubs not having enough available Front Row cover in League games. Principally for example only 4 Props and 2 Teams in the club. Therefore with immediate effect we have decided to suspend the man-off rule ... More

Player’s Clothing – query answered

A query has arisen about clothing. A club has an Under18 player who wears a tag, which they cover with padding. Whilst this is not covered in the Regulations, please could you advise on what we can do to allow this lad to play. Reply from Michael Patz RFU Match Official Development Manager Checking with regulat... More

Please be Aware of the PO on Head Contact Process in the Community Game

The Preferred Options paper (#20) addresses the challenges of refereeing the Head Contact Process (HCP) in the community game. The HCP is a world-wide requirement in rugby refereeing and must be applied. Society referees are asked to consider the issues and recommendations in the paper to help ensure a consistent and ... More

Society President Presents Alan Farmer with Award for Outstanding Service.

Clive Ennis, the Society President, presents Alan Farmer with his award for Outstanding Service. Alan Farmer joined Manchester & District Rugby Union Referees Society in 1991 on transfer from North Midlands Society. He was a Referee on the RFU ‘A’ List when he sustained a career-ending ankle injury. Nevertheless, ... More

2021-2022 Society Calendar – Updated 2nd edition

The Society Meeting programme for the season 2021-2022 is available  Click on the above link to download. More

Changes to Age Grade Disciplinary Reporting: For Schools, Colleges, Academies and Clubs

New changes to Regulations ask referees to inform the Constituent Body Age Grade Disciplinary Secretary (CBAGDS) of any red card within 48 hours. This to bring it line with Adult procedures and to make the CBAGDS central to disciplinary procedures. The changes to Regulations which require referees to inform the ... More