RFU Innovation Fund – Support to NLD clubs for the Recruitment & Retention of Club Referees
RFU Innovation Fund 2024/25 – Exciting news for all NLD Clubs
Dear Chair,
We are writing to you on behalf of the NLD Constituent Body and the NLDRU Referee Society in order to share with you an exciting opportunity that has arisen from a joint successful bid to the RFU Innovation Fund 2024/25.
The funding is to be invested into the recruitment, retention and deployment of both new and existing club referees across NLD. The key objective will be to increase the number of qualified and experienced referees to meet the growing demand across NLD Senior, Women, Age Grade and University rugby levels.
We are currently in the planning stages of organising suitable training venues across the three NLD counties and attendees will receive further invites throughout the season to additional social and tutorial based events.
This training will be held in addition to any England Rugby Refereeing Award (ERRA) or Introduction to Rugby (ITR) courses being held across NLD. Persons that have already attended or are attending imminent ERRA /ITR courses are also welcome to attend this training which will further supplement their knowledge and experience.
It is apparent from many of the 2024/25 NLD Club action plans that the development and retention of club referees is seen as a key enabler to the sustained growth in fixtures across all playing categories and levels. Could we please encourage you to share this unique opportunity with your Committee colleagues, Club Staff, Players and Members.
This is also a great opportunity for your younger members (boys and girls age 14 years and over) as well as Mums and Dads to step forward if they have an ambition to pick up the whistle.
At this point, we would ask that you confirm an expression of interest by e-mail to the address below by the 21st October 2024 together with the contact details of the person who will co-ordinate your club response. Please include name, club role, mobile number and e-mail address.
All responses to: [email protected]
We look forward to hearing from you and we wish you every success for the 2024/25 season.
Kind regards
Steve Whiteside Jeff Mapp
Chair Chair
NLDRURS NLDRFU