Thank you for your interest in joining LSRFUR

So, you want to become a referee? There are a number of ways of getting involved!

Never refereed before?

One of the best ways to get a taster is through our “Take Up the Whistle” course - it’s an introduction to all things refereeing, run by our own training team. See the latest course dates are here.

Alternatively, to get a feel for refereeing and the society, you could come along to a training event in one of the regions - contact details are on the respective regional pages.

If you aren’t qualified, and want to safely enjoy refereeing adult rugby, you will need to complete the England Rugby Refereeing Award - further details of courses and locations can be found on our Training Courses page.

View the Training Courses Page

Experienced Referee?

For those who are already qualified referees, transferring from another Society in the UK or overseas, you can download and complete the New Referees Application Form.

Once completed, please email to society Recruitment Manager, Tim Lynch:  tim.lynch@londonrugby.com or 07375 524725.

As a new referee,  you are entitled to one free set of kit (1 x shirt, 1 x shorts, 1 x socks). For more details and the order form, refer to the New Referees section in the shop and kit section HERE.

Download The New Joiners Form

Reimbursement of Course Fees and Scholarships

Recognising that courses are not cheap, the Society has invested in a scheme to reimburse those who join LSRFUR and officiate 10 games.

 Reimbursement of Course Fees

  • If a referee joins the Society following the Take Up The Whistle (TUTW) course and does 10 appointments during the subsequent season, we will reimburse their TUTW course fee in full. If they also do the RFU ERRA course, that fee will also be refunded.

  • Where a referee joins the Society following the RFU ERRA course completes 10 appointments by the end of the next season, their course fee will be refunded and they will be presented with the cards and whistle that is given to those who undertake the TUTW course.

Reimbursment of Course fees Overview paper
Reimbursment of course fees Claim Form

 Scholarships for 16-24 year old

Specifically noting the financial impact of the RFU course fees on younger people, LSRFUR has introduced a scholarship scheme, where by (subject to application approval) individuals who are 16-24 years old will have their course fees paid upfront by the society (in order to avoid the out of pocket expense). Should you wish to be considered under this scheme, please contact Tim Lynch, the Recruitment Manager.

Further Information:

LSRFUR: Women into refereeing

With the massive growth in Women and Girls Rugby, the number of rugby matches locally, nationally & worldwide is multiplying! Rugby Union needs to recruit more referees to facilitate ALL games. The aim of this taster session at Wimbledon RFC on 15/5/18 was to encourage females to get involved and to discover the fun and satisfaction of refereeing all types of games.

LSRFUR: Young Referees

LSRFUR is working hard to recruit and develop the next generation of Match Officials. In this video, find out how Young Match Officials at one School have developed their on-field skills, and how refereeing has given them broader skills with which to grow and develop as individuals.