University of Gloucestershire and RFU launch groundbreaking referee programme
The University of Gloucestershire and RFU officiating hub, based at the University’s Oxstalls Campus, have launched a ground-breaking programme to discover and develop talented referees and assistant referees - the first project of its kind in the UK.
Christophe Ridley, a current international and Premiership rugby referee, and Tim Wood, a current professional Premier League football assistant referee, are the first referees in residence of the officiating hub for 16 to 25-year-olds who are match officials across all sports.
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They will guide the officiating hub’s vision, strategy and programme, and support and advise young match officials at seminars across the academic year.
The programme is the brainchild of former Rugby World Cup referee and RFU Professional Match Officials coach Chris White.
"The University is a leader in developing talent through our groundbreaking sports scholarship programme for match officials.
"The Officiating Hub will further increase opportunities for talented young match officials to grow together, progress in the game and help create the next level of referees and assistant referees.
“We’re extremely proud to have partnered with the RFU to deliver our innovative new programme to identify, support and develop talented referees and assistant referees.
"Match officials are very much needed, and we want young people to be advocates and share why they’re passionate about it."
Ridley graduated from the university with a degree in sports coaching and was part of the referees and officials’ aspect of the university’s sports scholarships programme headed up by White before joining England Rugby’s team of professional match officials.
Wood is a former police chief inspector who is on the Premier League’s list of assistant referees, having run the line for showcase finals, including at Wembley.
