About this Event
Course cost £50
Monday 19th October 2026 - 6pm to 9pm
and
Wednesday 21st October 2026 - 6pm to 9pm
Aims of the course
As a formal introduction to the principles of officiating a rugby union match, the WRU Level 1 Course aims to get applicants started refereeing. At a basic level, the course outlines the Laws of the Game and how they should be applied to a rugby union match, answers and clarifies general questions about refereeing and discusses the position(s) that referees should take throughout the course of a game.
Outcomes:
At the end of successfully completing a WRU Level 1 Referee Course, applicants will have gained a Level 1 Referee Certificate and will be clear to referee matches at Junior Level, from U12s to U16 Level and Schools Rugby up to U18s. Without the Level 1 Referee, a person cannot referee a match.
Core Modules of the course
Communication
Positioning
Tackle & Ruck
Foul Play
Lineout & Maul
Scrum
Kick offs & Restarts
Infringements, offside & Advantage
Safety in the game
Managing the environment
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Anybody can take the WRU Level 1 Course, however they need to be at least 14 years old, a successful applicant will only be allowed to referee a game which is a year below their age until they are 16 years old.
COURSE ARRANGEMENTS:
Refreshments will be provided on all courses
The course will take place over 2 evenings.
18:00-21:00 (both evenings)
Please bring appropriate clothing for the practical elements of the course.
Please complete home study task, laws of the game, the link is below. Please ensure you bring this to the course as evidence of completion.
laws.worldrugby.org/?language=EN
You will receive a whistle and a set of cards and wallet as part of the course.
Look forward to see you at the course.
Event venue & nearby stays
Merthyr RFC & Community Club, Celyn Court, Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom
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