Sunday February 3 is a significant date in the further development of Rugby League in Gloucestershire as the newly formed match officials society will be holding its first course for beginners at the University of Gloucestershire’s Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester.
 
Gloucestershire Rugby League Match Officials Society (GRLMOS) has been fully constituted and approved by the Rugby Football League in readiness for a burgeoning number of matches at schools, academy and community levels.
 
According to inaugural Chairman, Cheltenham based Melvin Bettridge, who is himself a qualified official:
 
 "The key point to emphasise is that the course is very much for those new to the sport of Rugby League whether they already officiate in other sports or indeed not at all. The emphasis will be on clear instruction and enjoyment and ensuring all those who take part feel confident in taking the first steps along the road to refereeing or touch judging at the level they feel comfortable with."
 
The society is also considering introducing a very special annual award to honour the name of former referee William McCutcheon who was the man in charge of the famous game known as the Great Match of the Edwardian Period when the New Zealand All Golds defeated Great Britain by 8 - 5 on February 15 1908. McCutcheon was a Wales international rugby union player before joining Oldham Rugby League Club.
 
For further information or to register for the course please email Melvin – ref@madmel.co.uk