Training Meetings and Information

The Federation of the North Meeting will be held on August 16th August 2026

Fitness Tests 2026

David Hines will be carrying out Bronco fitness testing on the following dates
Monday 10th August at Billingham RFC
Tuesday 11th August at Blaydon RFC
Thursday 13 August at Blaydon RFC

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

Society Training Meetings

The importance of staying up to date and refreshing your existing knowledge of all officiating matters cannot be stressed enough. The T&D group are planning some interesting new approaches.

Don’t be complacent and get caught out – come along to the training meetings..

The latest grading list can be found at

Grading List 49 – May 2026

Law Changes

Most people are aware that law Changes or Law Trials are released by World Rugby and the RFU in January but don’t really affect the domestic game until the new competitions start from August. This year is no exception and T&D will be covering the changes at the first Training meeting which will be held before the new season starts

Match Official Abuse (MOA)

Despite great efforts by RFU, Clubs and officials and others, Match Official Abuse continues to be a problem across the whole game.

There is no room in the game for that type of behavior.

MOA A Guide for Referees

Completing a Red Card or Match Official Abuse Report

Society Annual Dinner 2026.

As Durham County RFU are celebrating their 150th Season the Society’s will not be holding its Annual Dinner in 2026 but will be supporting and encouraging members to attend the County’s Dinner celebration.

Appointments.

The Season 2026/2027 will be upon us soon with Pre-season games in August. So would all match officials please remember to enter their availability on to Who’s The Ref.

We always can do with more referees so come and join us.

Society Membership

The Society is always keen to have new members and there are many aspects in which you can be involved . Obviously we are keen to have new refs but we also need people to take Videos, watch referees as well as a host of other roles – interested ?

RFU Regulation 12

RRF Regulation 12 is the RFU Regulation that covers Match Officials. See RFU Regulation 12

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)

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