A unique new initiative to discover, support and develop talented referees and assistant referees has been launched. Professional rugby and football match officials, Christophe Ridley and Tim Wood, are joining the groundbreaking programme launched in partnership by University of Gloucestershire and the Rugby Football Union (RFU)
Ridley, international and Premiership rugby referee, and Wood, Premier League football assistant referee, are the first Referees in Residence of the Officiating Hub. The hub is aimed at 16-25-year-olds who are match officials across all sports. Ridley and Wood will guide and advise on the Officiating Hub’s vision, strategy and programme, and support and advise young match officials at seminars across the academic year.
The Officiating Hub, based at the University’s Oxstalls Campus, is the brainchild of former Rugby World Cup referee and RFU Professional Match Officials coach, Chris White.
The first project of its kind in the UK, the Officiating Hub will identify talented candidates keen on developing their skills and understanding, in consultation with community partners and recognised officiating organisations. The curriculum will develop, mentor and provide ongoing learning opportunities to support the ambitions of the programme’s match officials.
Christophe graduated from the University with a degree in Sports Coaching and was part of the match officials aspect of the University’s sports scholarships programme headed up by Chris before joining England Rugby’s team of professional match officials.
Tim is a former police Chief Inspector who is on the Premier League’s list of assistant referees, having run the line for showcase Wembley finals.
A team of sports psychologists will be led by Dr Mikel Mellick, a former elite referee himself, whose 25 years of experience in providing psychological and mental health support within elite high-performance environments includes a strong focus on match officials.
Increasing opportunities for young match officials
Chris White said, “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.”
Matt Tansley, Head of Sport and Active Life at the University, said, “We are delighted to welcome Christophe Ridley and Tim Wood to become our first Referees in Residence for the new University of Gloucestershire and RFU Officiating Hub. Their huge experience and knowledge of the modern professional sporting landscape will add greatly to our unique new programme with the RFU.”
Michael Patz, England Rugby Match Official Development Manager, said, ‘”It’s fantastic to align our Young Match Official programme with the University to create an environment where we can engage young people from local rugby clubs, schools, colleges, other universities and referee societies and support them on their officiating journeys.
“We are looking forward to seeing the young people grow and to developing pools of match officials, both university and locally based, to support mid-week rugby in education settings, as well as applying their officiating skills and knowledge to games at the weekend.”
If you want any more information about the Officiating Hub, please email officiatinghub@glos.ac.uk