The RFL are running a Match Official course in the North East next month for anyone that wants to take up the whistle.

• 19th February 2012 @ Gateshead College Building (Next to Gateshead Stadium) Neilson Road, Gateshead, NE10 0EF.

The full 13-a-side Match Officials course gives all participants a full understanding of the International Laws of the Game & on completion of the course participants are then able to officiate on games in their local area and are also provided with mentoring to help them progress.

Being a qualified Match Official can open a lot of doors and provides some great opportunities to remain involved in Rugby League and stay fit while earning money at the same time.

There are opportunities for Match Officials at all levels of the sport and everyone is catered for, so if you only want to referee on Sunday morning or Wednesday afternoon, that’s fine. Alternatively if you want to progress to officiating at the highest level of the sport there are also pathways in place to help you advance.

For more information on becoming a Match Official in the North East please contact North Match Official Development Officer Peter Wharton on 07764627103 or peter.wharton@rfl.uk.com 

For more information about becoming a Rugby League Match Official visit: www.therfl.uk.com/referee