Introduction to Match Officiating

The Introduction to Match Officiating course is aimed at those interested in refereeing rugby in the youth and adult game (S1/U13 and above). Match Officials must be minimum 15 years of age to complete the course. Once complete, you will be permitted to referee in Scotland.

Aims

The Introduction to Match Officiating course aims to equip match officials with fundamental refereeing skills and tools.

By the end of the course learners will:

• Understand the fundamental refereeing skills
• Be able to apply the essential laws of the game
• Promote player welfare and manage player behaviours during a game
• Appreciate the principles of refereeing

The course also includes a tackle/contact safety session to ensure safe practice at all levels of the game, and to raise awareness of concussion protocols.

Watch introduction to match officiating course overview video.

Download Introduction to Match Officiating Course Descriptor.

Course Outline

During the 2021-22 season, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Introduction to Match Officiating course will be delivered via a mixture of taught online and face-to-face modules:

• Module 1 – Taught online (2hr)
• Module 2 – Taught online (2hr)
• Module 3 – Taught online (2hr)
• Module 4 – Face-to-face practical (4hr)

Match Officials must attend all 3 modules and undertake the 2021-22 RugbyRight e-learning course to complete the course. Certificates will be issued automatically on SCRUMS once all modules are complete.

Pre-course learning

All match officials must have completed the following before attending the course:

• RugbyRight 2021-22 (available via SCRUMS)
• World Rugby online Introduction to Match Officiating course
• World Rugby online Laws exam

Please also download the pre-course information pack (available here) which provides details on how the practical modules will delivered in line with Scottish Government restriction.

Costs

The course is free of charge

Booking and Certification

From July 2021 all course bookings will be administered via the SCRUMS system. To book onto one of the courses below you will need to register and create a profile on SCRUMS (if you don’t have an account already). Once you have completed your course, your certificate will be available to download via your SCRUMS profile, as well as information on next steps.