Referee Pathway

Referees provide a vital function in servicing all levels of the game. Refereeing is also a fantastic hobby and is increasingly becoming a genuine alternative to playing the game. Whether you have aspirations to referee at the highest level or to referee locally, there is a place for you. There are excellent support structures in place to develop referees and a thriving social aspect too.

If you are interested in becoming a referee you should make contact with the referee development manager / officer in your province. They will talk you though the process in detail and let you know when the next New Referee Course is set to take place.

The New Referee Course is a day long course which takes place on a Saturday or Sunday. Once you complete course you will become a Trial Member of your association/society.

Referees will receive mentoring and support on an on going basis once they begin the trial member process. This will include three follow up workshops which usually run for 90 minutes once a month.

Progression to full membership is based on a combination of ability, commitment and fitness.

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Referee Development Staff & Associations

Andrew Fogarty – Connacht
Referee Development Manager
Andrew.Fogarty@irfu.ie
086 3490818

Sean Gallagher – Leinster
Referee Development Manager
Sean.Gallagher@irfu.ie
086 1003985

Olly Hodges– Munster
Referee Development Manager
Olly.Hodges@irfu.ie
087 8596289

Richard Kerr – Ulster
Referee Development Manager
Richard.kerr@irfu.ie
00 44 (0) 7493868388

Connacht Association Leinster Association Munster Association Ulster Society

Affiliate Referees

It is IRFU Policy that all matches from U13 upwards are refereed by:

• Branch Referees or
• IRFU Affiliate Referees

IRFU affiliate referees are defined as adult persons (Aged 16 to 59) who are qualified to referee matches involving a club or school to which they are affiliated, where no Branch referee has been appointed.

They usually referee age grade matches and provide an important function in servicing the game at this level in their club or school.

Steps to becoming an Affiliate Referee

Step 1 – Register on the World Rugby Passport site here, and complete the following modules:

Laws of the Game – The module can be accessed here
Concussion Awareness for General Public – The module can be accessed here

Step 2 – Complete the online Affiliate Course – Click HERE to start the course.

When completed and verified you will receive your accreditation from the IRFU.

How long will my accreditation last?

Accreditation will last for 2 years from the date you achieve the qualification. For example, if you qualify on 1 October 2024 your accreditation will expire on September 30 2026.

Please note that from time to time you may need to undertake further training on important law changes or safety management to keep your accreditation active. You will be notified of this by email.

Club Touch Judge Course

This course is intended for volunteers aiming to learn about the role of a club/school appointed Touch Judge. It is designed to be used not just on a once-off basis, but rather as a resource to be used regularly to learn and revise the role of the club/school Touch Judge.

The module should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and successful completion will award you the IRFU Club Touch Judge Badge.

Click here to start the course

Resources & Forms