Community Game Future (CGF) and Community Game Spend

The documents referenced below for download address two of the questions that were raised at the recent RFU roadshows and have been sent to all clubs by the RFU: Where is the £30m Community Rugby budget spent? What are the main themes and initiatives that underpin the Community Game of the Future? RFU Documen... More

England Rugby Referees Association Big 5 Live! – National Roadshow

Message from: England Rugby Match Official Development Team 2025 sees us bring the "Big 5" to life, with a national roadshow full of amazing guests, stash and learning! We are visiting 10 Rugby venues across the country over February and March. (There is an event at Sale FC on Tuesday 11th March.) All events ... More

An update from RFU Board Interim Chair, Sir Bill Beaumont

RFU Board Interim Chair, Sir Bill Beaumont, has issued an update at the halfway point on the RFU roadshow of English Clubs. Click here to read his report. More

RFU Competition Updates and Reminders

The RFU have published updates and reminders for its competitions. The information was circulated to clubs and referee societies. Of most relevance to referees is the section on the "man-off" regulation. More

Allan Townsend – A Tribute

Allan Townsend 1934 -2024 Allan’s service to his Club, Fylde RFC, together with some biographical details, are recorded in programme notes written to mark Allan’s 50 years of service to the Club. They can be found here on the Fylde website and are well worth the read. What follows is a tribute to Allan’s service ... More

Message from RFRU: Update Webinar / Discipline Conference/ Election of Officers

Message from: Dr Adam White, Hon. Secretary, Rugby Football Referees Union (RFRU) To: Society Officers and Members January Update Webinar The RFRU will be hosting an update webinar on Monday 13th January 2025 at 19.00. To register, please visit: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEpce6orzMtHdxPLcoOWGr2m5wJAChMG... More

Eccles RFC honoured with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

The RFU's online December Touchline newsletter reports that Eccles RFC has received the King's Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of its outstanding community work. Congratulations from MaDRefs to all those associated with Eccles RFC. More

2024/25 October Meeting – Material now available

The October meeting featured two training and development topics. These were penalty advantage and the July 2024 law changes, which were covered by Jonny Cartwright and Andy McMillan respectively. Penalty Advantage As the presentations were not filmed, Jonny has provided a voice over for the slides he used on ... More

Nigel Longley receives long service award

Nigel Longley's 50 years' service to the Society was recognised at the October meeting with the presentation of an award from the Chairman, Paul Houston. Nigel, who is an honorary member, joined in 1974. After many years as a referee he became a match observer. He subsequently organised the fitness tests for ... More

Is your DBS still valid or do you need one to referee?

Message from: Andrew Lord, Society Safeguarding Officer Safeguarding and DBS Applications / Renewals Some of you will find that your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) accreditation is expiring soon, or may already have expired. For those members who wish to officiate at matches involving players under the age of ... More