DORSET & WILTS
RUGBY REFEREES

Becoming a Referee & Joining the Society

Becoming a Referee

Refereeing community rugby union games can be an incredibly rewarding pastime, with the possibility of leading to a career for those who want to go all the way. It is an opportunity to be involved in the game you love, whether you’re hanging up your playing boots or just want to see the game from the best ‘seat’ in the house.

Whilst it is not a mandatory requirement for refereeing with the Dorset & Wilts society, it is recommended that those who wish to referee attain the England Rugby Refereeing Award (ERRA). Details of which can be found on the RFU Keep Your Boots On website.

If you have any questions about becoming a referee please contact the society training officer.

Joining the Society

The Dorset & Wilts referee society is made up of people with a variety of levels of experience in the game and from all walks of life. 

The society works to provide support and development to help referees meet the challenges of rugby union games and attain the level they aspire to. 

We provide Referee Coaches and Developers as well as regular training events to help our members realise their aspirations in refereeing.

Joining the Dorset & Wilts referee society means becoming part of a friendly group of rugby enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of facilitating the game at all levels; being part of a team of match officials who together officiate around 1000 games played at clubs, schools, colleges and universities across the two counties each season. We are pleased to hear from anyone interested in the challenge of refereeing. To take the next step please complete the form below, or if you have any questions contact us here.

Society Application Form

Please use this form to apply to join the society.

Young Match Officials (YMOs)

If you are aged 14 or over and interested in becoming a referee we would be very keen to hear from you.

The RFU England Rugby Referee Award (ERRA) course can be booked once you turn 14, and runs across a season, with day 1 usually held in Oct/Nov and day 2 in May/Jun with learning through practice in between. There are also webinars and networking sessions to support between the two sessions. Details of the qualification, how to find local courses and booking information can be found on the RFU Keep Your Boots On website.

If you would like to join us we ask that you and your parent /guardian complete the YMO application form below. The Society has specific arrangements in place for those aspiring referees under 18 years old to provide them with the necessary support and to ensure safeguarding matters are addressed. Details of these arrangements will be explained to you and your parent/guardian once you have joined as a Young Match Official member.

YMO Application Form

Please use this form to apply to join the society on behalf of a YMO.

YMO Policy