Referee Matthew Carley [pic left modelling the RFUs RefCam] has been appointed by the RFU as a Trainee Full Time Referee and joins from August 1.The appointment is of significance as Matthew, 28, becomes the first referee to gain promotion from the Referee Academy, managed by Chris White, into a full time role since its introduction three years ago.
Last season Matthew refereed 24 games, was Assistant Referee for seven and spent 13 as reserve referee – he was also the first referee in the world to officiate a professional game wearing ‘RefCam’ when he took charge of the RFU Championship game between Newcastle Falcons and London Scottish.
White said: “I am delighted that Matthew is one of the first two inductees who has progressed rapidly, and it’s great that he has now been offered a full time contract.
“Matthew has displayed an excellent attitude to his development on and off the field and fully grasped the opportunities he has received. His work ethic and desire to improve has been a credit.”
Integral part of my progress – Carley
Carley, who hails from Dover, Kent, said: “The Referee Academy put in place a lot of foundations of good practice which have been really useful since joining the Professional Rugby Unit. The professional standards which Chris has put in place and insists on have helped speed up my development both on and of the pitch and working as part of The Academy has been an integral part of my progress.
“Refereeing full time is something that has been an ambition of mine since I went to The University of Gloucestershire on the first referee scholarship, so I am extremely excited and honoured to have been invited to join the full time referees. To have the opportunity to work within such a talented group can only be a good thing and I hope I can continue to progress and take any opportunities which come my way.”
Matthew Carley appointed Trainee Full Time Referee at RFU
News from the RFU. Many congratulations to Matthew – been a long time coming. Well established referees JP Doyle and Greg Garner all came through this role as a ‘Trainee FTR” in England and have progressed up the ladder subsequently.