Being involved as a Match Official in Rugby is a rewarding experience.

Whilst it is acknowledged that the Laws of the Game are complex Rugby Australia has developed education courses which makes getting you started on the pathway an easy process. Those whom commence the journey find it satisfying and rewarding to be part of the game as a Match Official and it is possible to keep up the role for many years. There are options available to officiate in all forms of the game and GCDRRA will support you along the way.

To access courses available you will need to be registered in RugbyXplorer using this link and then once register login and follow the prompts to the Rugby Learning Centre and chose your course

https://myaccount.rugby.com.au/dashboard

The courses available are

Assistant Referee

This course is offered as an on line module and  used to be called Touch Judging but in recent years the role has expanded through requirements to assist the Referee hence the change in name. This is one of two base courses for those whom do not want to progress to actually refereeing.

There are two parts to the  course and on completing the theory course you will be asked to complete an on-line, open book exam. Once you have passed that you have your accreditation which is renewed after four years by completing the exam again.

Refereeing Kids Rugby

This course is designed to assist those whom are involved with players in the Under 6 to Under 12 age grade. It is largely about educating the players whilst they are in a game environment. On completing the theory course you will be asked to complete an on-line, open book exam. Once you have passed that you have your accreditation and are also Smartrugby compliant as Smartrugby is included as part of the course.

Referee Level 1

For those whom wish to referee the 15 a side version of the game there are three steps. The first is to attend a Foundation course (Smartrugby is part of the course). The second is to complete the work book at the course which will then assist with completing the on-line open book Law Theory exam. Once you have passed that a competency Test is arranged.

This test involves refereeing a 15 a side match at Under 13 to Under 17 or Senior level. This accreditation lasts for four years and the renewal process is simply Smartrugby compliance (renewed every two years), the completion of the on-line Law Theory exam and Competency Test.

Referee Level 2

For those whom wish to advance their refereeing skills this course is recommended. It is completed by those whom wish to referee at the more competitive senior matches. Course pre-requisites are current Referee Level 1 accreditation, Smartrugby compliance, Assistant Referee Level 2 accreditation.

This course is usually conducted annually at a central location. Once you complete the theory course and course workbook you will be advised of tasks to be completed in a Referee Competency Manual. This is quite comprehensive in improving your referee skills.