Introduction

The Match Observer and Referee Coach reporting resources were updated in 2018, following a national review led by the RFU. The outcome is the introduction of three different observer forms, developed around a single core structure, for use at different levels of the game.

The new observer forms are designed to uniform content across all levels of refereeing, in line with national and regional standards.

These forms are intended for use by both Match Observers and Referee Coaches.

Guidance Notes

The RFU review findings in 2018 were that most assessments of referee performance below Level 5 are a combination of assessment, development advice and coaching in varying degrees. Therefore, the Match Officials Development Reports (Forms 1 & 2), that will be used in the vast majority of society observer activities are structured with this in mind.

Full RFU guidance notes for the revised observer forms can be downloaded here.

Targeted guidance and performance criteria notes for the individual form variations are also provided below. 

A unified data collection form has been created and can also be downloaded here, as well a completed example.

Match Official Developers: WHAT’s NEW

The RFU carried out a review of the new Match Official Development Reports during the 2018/2019 season. The attached document gives an overview of the report and the summarizes the minor alterations and amendments made to the Guidance Notes.

Match Official Development Report - Form 1

Key features

  • 3 good performance aspects

  • 3 work-ons, including development strategies

  • Provides an overall performance summary

  • Little statistical detail required

  • Performance matrix based on refereeing principles: Safety, Enjoyment & Equity, Learning & Laws (see Guidance Notes)

  • Recommended mainly for use at Levels 15 to 8+0 and for some MOTs at Levels 6 and 7

Match Official Development Report - Form 2

key features

  • Greater level of detail, with an emphasis on specific management and technical aspects of officiating

  • Increased requirements for statistical evidence

  • Flexibility in form design to allow observer to use part or whole of the form

  • This form should be used at Levels 8+1 to 6+1

  • Mandatory for all exchanges and recommended for re-grading evidence

Match Official Performance Review Report - Form 3

key features 

  • Significant increase in technical data to be reported

  • Provides greater opportunity for the referee to comment on the Performance Reviewer’s remarks

  • This form should be used at National League levels (5+) only

Referee Coaches Form

key features

  • Medium level of detail, with an emphasis on specific management and technical aspects of officiating

  • Increased requirements for statistical evidence

  • Flexibility in form design to allow observer to use part or whole of the form

Referee Peer Assessment Form

This form has been designed for referees who are observing another referee in a development context.

As well as the observation form, an explanation of how the form should be utilised and an example submission are provided below.

How to write & submit reports using WhosTheRef (WTR)

As of the 2019/2020 season, all match reports should be submitted to the WhosTheRef (WTR) portal for central collation and tracking.

The attached document provides guidance on the accessing, completion and submission of reports on the system.

Radio Receiver Operating Instructions

The documents below provide operating instructions and guidance for the common radio sets used by observers across the society.