The following information is provided by Andy EVANS, the joint tournament referee manager for this year.
On behalf of Rob Park & myself, the joint referee managers for the 2023 tournament, we very much hope that we will see as many of you as possible.
After the success of 2022, the tournament will be bigger than ever, almost 2,100 games scheduled against 1,760 in 2022. 2 additional pitches at Merton, streaming (live & deferred) from some pitches at the other 3 grounds in addition to RE1 & RE2, more competitions.
One particular challenge is that the schedule has changed. Monday 20th March starts with the U18 Boys Vase and the U16 girls. The Monday has always been a challenge for referee availability but especially now so in 2023. Once you are able to ink in as many of the days into your diary, then please complete the attached availability form & return to andynjevans@hotmail.co.uk. The sooner the better (& if you know that you’re not available at all a no response will be appreciated).
Even if you can only do one session on one day that will be equally appreciated but, hopefully, knowing the dates now you’ll be able to officiate on several days.
The provisional ground schedule is summarised below. Kick-offs each day are at 10:00, last games usually finish by 17:40.
As indicated on the availability form, DBS clearance is mandated by the RFU in order to be able to officiate age-grade.
Thanks in advance for your response. More details from us in Jan/Feb. In the meantime, also below is a reminder of the 2022 layout.
Regards
Andy Evans