Become a Referee
Find out how to become qualified
Why become a Society referee?
There are a whole host of reasons why people decide to pick up the whistle and begin refereeing: to keep active in the sport; to gain a sense of achievement from providing an invaluable service to players and clubs (many games could not go ahead without the support of Society refs); and to make new and lifelong friends in the game. Refereeing is challenging, rewarding, and above all can be great fun.
Joining Kent Society means that you will receive expert support and training as you pursue a career in refereeing. We are here to help you get the best out of the game.
Benefits of Joining the Society
On joining the Society all referees receive:
- To encourage more Women to become a referee all women joining are reimbursed of their Course fee £85 (must be within 3 months of qualification) on completion of 6 games.
- Your first year’s membership for a £1 (for insurance purposes) subsequent years are £25 / £1.00 for students)
- A free referee’s shirt annually
- After you complete your first 6 games for the Society, you receive our free standard kit package of shorts, socks, shower proof jacket and trousers.
- Feedback cards and score card books
- A set of flags
- Reimbursement of mileage costs to games
- Training & further development
- Allocated to games of appropriate level
To become a Society referee you will need to complete the England Rugby Referee Award. If you have already done a course and want to become an active referee within the Kent Society, download an application form here:
Refereeing Rugby matches is a challenging occupation that will keep you mentally as well as physically fit. It is a unique way to be just about as involved in the sport of Rugby as it is possible to become.
England Rugby have two awards available – Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Refereeing Children, and England Rugby Referee Award – Refereeing the 15 a side game, designed to provide new referees with the core skills to be able to referee rugby union.
If you wish to remain only within your own school, club or university, then you need only complete the relevant award from which you wish to referee.