IRFU Referee Conference

The annual IRFU National Referee Conference took place last weekend and there was more than just whistles and cards discussed.

Led by IRFU Director of Referee Development Owen Doyle, the conference included all referees who will officiate at AIB League, Magners League and European Cup level.

The two day conference covered a number of key areas including:

Game Management

Tactical Understanding

Scrum Law

There was a keynote address from the newly elected IRFU President John Callaghan on the vital role that referees play in the promotion of the game at every level in Ireland.

Munster scrum coach Paul McCarthy spoke to the gathered referees about the practical applications of Scrum Law from a coaching and player perspective.

There were also modules from former international referee and current Referee Development Officer David McHugh and current international referee George Clancy.

Another key aspect of the weekend is the Fitness Test (pictured) with all referees required to complete the test to meet the guidlines and requirements for fitness levels.

For more information on becoming a referee as well as up to date news on the Laws of the game check out www.irishrugby.ie/referees