Upcoming New Referees Course

Fourth official Gerry Geraghty, assistant referee Peter Gaughan, referee Jason Craughwell and assistant referee Aaron O'Halloran at the Top Oil Connacht Senior Development final at the Sportsground in March.

The Association of Referees Connacht Branch (ARCB) will be holding their next New Referees Course on Sunday, September 10, at the Sportsground.

It is open to males and females, aged between 18-59, who are interested in beginning on the IRFU Referee Pathway or those who wish to support rugby at a local level through Community Refereeing. Although no prior refereeing experience is required, a playing or coaching background is beneficial to those wishing to register for the course.

Rugby referees enjoy the same benefits of the game as the players – without the injuries! If keeping fit (referees run six miles in an 80-minute match), travelling, taking part in a lively social scene or getting an adrenaline rush is your idea of a great pastime, rugby refereeing could be for you.

As well as the obvious benefits, a referee's constant study of the game enriches their enjoyment of this lifetime sport. With increasing levels of participation in rugby across the province, there is more need for referees now than ever.

Seán Gallagher is the IRFU Referee Development Officer in Connacht and he would be delighted to talk you through what is involved in becoming a referee. His mobile number is 086 1735096 or you can reach him by e-mail at sean.gallagher@irfu.ie. It is important that you make direct contact for further details, as places on the course are limited.

Benefits of becoming a referee

Stay involved in the game.

Keep fit.

Learn more about the game.

Referee locally, provincially or nationally.

Make new friends.

Membership of the ARCB.

Access to kit and match tickets.

Benefits to the game and the players

Safe and controlled.

Structured.

Neutral referees.