So you would like to become a referee? Congratulations! Refereeing is a rewarding way to be involved and give back to the game whilst itself providing a unique perspective on the game. By taking up the whistle, you are joining a diverse and inclusive sub-section of the rugby family and when you are out there in the middle, you quite simply have the best view in the house! The RFU have some resources here and we have prepared a couple of pointers below on how get involved with the 15-a-side and adult game.
Stage 1: Let us know you are interested!
If you would like to officiate matches within the Cambridgeshire region, then please contact us and we can help you on your way! You are always more than welcome to join us at one of our monthly meetings and we have plenty of people who can help you on your way. If you are already a member of one of our clubs, then they will have a useful contact who can help you on your way.
Stage 2: Get booked onto a course!
The formal part of the process in England is to complete the England Rugby Ready2Ref – this is a course administered by the RFU in collaboration with clubs. Course booking for individuals all takes place through the RFU website – search for “Referee” in the “Name” field. If you are unsure at any point then feel free to contact us.
The course takes place on a single day, containing a practical element as well as some classroom learning. Before the course you will be required to familiarise yourself with the laws of the game, some pre-course learning as well as completing the RFU’s online concussion education. All the details will be provided when you book onto the course. Wherever you take the course the content will be the same!
Got a group of you looking to develop? Clubs and groups are able to request the course on demand (with a 6 week lead time). More details on hosting a course here: https://rfu.widen.net/s/zdb5ttrm7g/course-hosting-requirements-r2r-july-2025
Stage 3: Join Us and Start Refereeing!
Once you have completed your course, we shall be here to ensure that you start your refereeing career with confidence, safely, and in an enjoyable manner. We all start somewhere, so all of our members are here to make sure that you have an enjoyable experience and want to keep coming back for more! Once you get going, you don’t have to commit to every weekend and can push yourself as much or as little as you want. The society is here to support you on your refereeing adventure.
Cambridge University and District Rugby Referee Society 