Refereeing
Behind every rugby club is a team of dedicated volunteers working to a make things happen for the benefit of all members attached to your club.
Hampshire RFU and Hampshire Rugby Referees (HRR) collaborate closely to ensure that rugby in the county is delivered at the highest standards, with a focus on match officiating, referee development, and ensuring smooth operations for clubs.
Collaboration to Support Clubs
Hampshire RFU partners with HRR to ensure that rugby matches across the county are officiated by qualified, well-supported referees. This partnership helps clubs by providing:
- Match Officiating: HRR is responsible for providing qualified referees for adult and youth matches across the county. These officials ensure that games are played fairly, safely, and according to the laws.
- Referee Development: Together, Hampshire RFU and HRR work on ongoing training programs for referees at all levels. This includes development courses, mentoring, and fitness assessments, aimed at improving the quality of refereeing across Hampshire.
- Referee Recruitment: Hampshire RFU and HRR work to recruit new referees to support the growth of the sport. Whether a club needs referees for a match or wants to get involved in refereeing, the two organisations provide support and resources.
- Club Support: HRR collaborates with Hampshire RFU to ensure clubs have access to refereeing resources, such as information on booking referees, understanding referee fees, and addressing any issues related to officiating.
Membership
HRR offers two types of membership:
- Full Membership – Having completed either RFU Introduction to Refereeing or English Rugby Refereeing Award they will receive match appointments. Can attend training meetings. They will be watched and developed by dedicated observers and will have access to referee pathway development
- Club Membership – Having completed either RFU Introduction to Refereeing or English Rugby Refereeing Award they wish to support their club refereeing needs. They will receive info & updates via emails from HRR and can attend training meetings. They can move to Full Membership seamlessly.
Club Interaction with HRR
For club volunteers, understanding how HRR works with Hampshire RFU and its Clubs is crucial in ensuring smooth game operations. Clubs can rely on a structured support system for their refereeing needs, ensuring they meet all officiating requirements without disruption to their fixtures. The primary Club contact should be the Club Fixture Secretary who is able to directly interact with the Referee Appointing Platform. Fixtures are either added centrally for RFU & Hampshire Competitions via GMS. Clubs can add fixtures to request referees either via GMS or directly into the Referee Appointing Platform. Any particular question should be directed at the Appointments Team
HRR is open to discussions about refereeing performance so long it is respectful and constructive. These should be directed at any HRR Committee member.
Resources for Clubs
For clubs looking for detailed information about booking referees or engaging with HRR, the Hampshire Rugby Referees website is an essential resource. Here, club volunteers can find practical advice on how to work with HRR, as well as access referee training programs and other helpful links to support the smooth running of their matches.
By continuing to work hand-in-hand, Hampshire RFU and HRR aim to elevate the rugby experience, ensuring that matches are officiated by competent, trained referees and that clubs have the support they need to thrive.
For further information or to contact HRR, visit Hampshire Rugby Referees.
