Refs Montage 2

Welcome to

Durham County Referees' Society

Founded in 1895

New League Structure.

Despite the 2021-2022 rugby season having only 2 months to go, there is still no clear information on what the new league structure will take in September. Durham County voted not to let 2nd teams into the league structure by 22 votes to 6. On top of the straight league restructure it is expected that Federations will be required to take over the appointments and administration for all officials for operating at level 5 with a total lack of clarity about how the next step to level 4 is to be managed.

It is expected that some information will be released soon but the delay will mean a very busy closed season for Society and Federation Administrators/officials

Head Injury – Important Reminder

All Match Officials should be aware that Head Injury Assessments (HIA) are NOT permitted at the Community Rugby level. This means all games that Durham Society Referees would be appointed to. All match officials should ensure that they understand that if a player displays one or more observable signs or symptoms of concussion they should be removed from the pitch immediately and should not be allowed to return, irrespective of any alternative opinions held by the player, their team mates, coaches or physios. RFU Head Injury information

REMEMBER…. IF IN DOUBT, SIT THEM OUT

Match Official Abuse and more.

All members will have experienced Match Official Abuse, and appealing, backchat or the challenging of their decisions.
It appears that this is a growing concern throughout the country and Durham County Referees’ Society have certainly experienced some disturbing examples of this unacceptable behaviour.

Mike Priestley, the Chair of the Rugby Football Union Referees’ CB has issued a request of everyone to refresh your stance in relation to behaviour that goes against the core game values. Please Read

Society Training Meeting.

Due to the recent storms the February training meeting was postponed. The next meeting is on
Date: Friday 25th February 2022
Time: 7.30 pm (19:30)
Venue: Durham City RFC, DH1 3JU.
Topic:

Management

Appointments.

Unfortunately it has been very difficult to appoint to games on anything other than a weekly basis this season.

This is mainly due to the many changes that have been occurring and the variability in clubs being able to turn out teams week in – week out

It is hoped to return to the normal monthly appointment process before the end of the season.

Society Membership

Members are reminded that if they need any kit to contact David Sawyer who is currently offering significant discounts!

Due to the Corona Virus disruption to the 2020-2021 season it has been agreed by the Board of Directors that the 2019-2020 membership will be extended by 1 year until the 31st August 2021

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

All referees are encouraged to ensure they have had A DBS Check. It is an essential requirement for anyone that is to be involved in officiating an Age Grade game

Global Law Trials 2021

The global law trials apply to competitions beginning on or after 1st August 2021 Prior to the August 20th monthly Training and Development meeting please find below beneficial links relating to the new Global Law Trials which are being implemented in competition games from the 1st August. From World Rugby. This link in addition provides numerous video clips. […]

updated July 31, 2021

Jim Fox Presentation

As reported some time ago Jim Fox our Saturday Reappointments Secretary decided that the Covid-19 disruption provided the perfect opportunity for him to eventually retire having given many years service not only to the referees society but to rugby in general. To show their appreciation of the incredible hard work Jim has done with a […]

updated July 31, 2021

Women’s Rugby Festival

Another sunny day of Women’s rugby took place on Sunday 18th July at West Hartlepool RFC . Durham County clubs were joined by Northumberland guests, Novocastrians Ladies. All those involved are keen to push the boundaries and take up the challenge of getting women’s rugby well and truly on the map in the North East. […]

updated July 21, 2021

John Pearson is elected as Director of RFRU

John Pearson was confirmed as an Elected Director of the RFRU at their AGM on Sunday 27th June 2021 John will provide not just a wealth of knowledge and experience but a do it attitude as his recent work in Durham with YMO’s will prove. One could forgive someone of John’s tender years from resting […]

updated June 29, 2021

RFU League fixtures for 2021-2022 season

The RFU league fixtures are available on the RFU North website see 2021-2022 RFU league fixtures

updated June 18, 2021

Tackle law changes in age grade rugby

The RFU have announced changes to the Tackle Law from August 1st 2021 for Age Grade Rugby For season 2021-2022 the tackle height for Age Grade Rugby up to under 18 level will be below the level of the armpit. This Law change is an additional safety measure to help reduce the risk of head […]

updated June 18, 2021