The Army Rugby Union Referee Society (ARURS) recently hosted an England Rugby Referee Award course (ERRA) on 5th to 6th December at the Army Rugby Union stadium in Aldershot.
There were 17 participants on the tri-service course – two from the Royal Navy, 12 from the Army and three from the Royal Air Force.
The ERRA is a two day course delivering the RFU referee qualification for officiating in military and civilian rugby.
This specially convened course for the services is delivered by RFU qualified educators with additional training support from the Army and Navy.
Participants receive lectures, take part in discussions and also get stuck into practical training scenarios. The practical sessions use touch rugby which is not only a great training medium but also good fun. There was only one bloody nose this time when the participants became a bit too competitive!
All participants now have the option to join their military and civilian referee societies with most often opting to do both. It is fantastic to welcome new members to ARURS and good luck to them all as they begin their refereeing journeys.
If you are interested in taking up the whistle or for more information on ARURS please go to www.armyrugbyunion.org.uk/aru-referees.
The next course is likely to be in March 2023 so keep an eye out on this page for the course announcement or get in touch with the ARURS training officer, Martin Bentley – Email
Article and Images provided by Lt Col P Middlemiss
