This programme has been developed in partnership with the RFU Referee Training Officer, Yorkshire Federation of Rugby Union Referees and the Rugby Referee Development Officer for the North. With an experienced and fully trained team of course deliverers, top quality, enjoyable courses are guaranteed.

The course itself is ideal for anyone starting out on the refereeing journey. This includes teachers or coaches of junior rugby who may be called upon to referee their matches, the ex-player who would like to continue to be involved in the game through refereeing and any coach who would simply like to learn more about the role of the referee.

The course content includes both theory and practical sessions relating to all areas of the art of refereeing. This includes the Spirit of Refereeing, Laws of the Game, Communication, Positioning and Safety. This is an information course but assessment is available for referees who wish to take Part 2 Foundation.

The price of the course is only £25 which includes all tutor fees and course materials (£30 for the Teesside course), and courses take place from 7pm to 9.30pm.

The courses take place at Billingham RFC (Teesside, September 10), West Park Bramhope (Central Yorkshire, 23&30 September 23&30); University of York (North Yorkshire October 20&27), Barnsley RFC (South Yorkshire, November 10&17), University of Hull (East Yorkshire) December 3&10 and Huddersfield YMCA RFC (West Yorkshire January 21&28).

Appication forms are available from the RFU Development Team (Yorkshire), c/o Leeds Sports Development, South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, Leeds LS11 5DJ, or by ringing 0113 3950160.Further information can be obtained from the RFU Regional Development Manager for Yorkshire, Mark Saltmarsh, at marksaltmarsh@rfu.com.