The society is thrilled to share the news that Andy Ashwell has been promoted to the Professional Game Match Official Team (PGMOT) as an Assistant Referee (AR). Having been officiating in the National League Match Official Team (NLMOT) for some time, Andy has been assessed several times in Championship rugby over the last year. His performances have earned him a promotion to the PGMOT, meaning many more appointments to the professional game in the New Year. Seven of Andy’s teammates from the NLMOT have also been promoted, either as referees or ARs.

Away from the dizzy heights of the professional game, Andy is on the society’s Management Committee as Chair of Appointments- an important but time consuming role. He sacrifices so much time and effort for the good of the game at all levels and the society would like to congratulate him on his well-deserved promotion.

NLDRFU are awarding a Team of the Month and Volunteer of the Month this season. The award is sponsored by O’Neills and NLD Refs would encourage all members to get involved and vote each month. Given that we generally visit a large number of clubs each month, we’re in an excellent position to contribute towards the nominations.

Has a team displayed a great example of rugby’s core values? Has a volunteer made a particularly positive impact on the community? Click on the links above to find out more about each award.

NLD Refs member Annette Zhao will be taking to the airwaves of BBC Radio Nottingham on Wednesday 26 Oct to talk all things women’s rugby with presenter Hayley Compton, who’s taken up playing the game recently. Annette will be on live at about 07:30am, with BBC Sounds catchup also available. Great stuff, Annette!

NLD Refs member Sam Yates ticked off another milestone in his refereeing progress at the weekend when he refereed DMP Sharks vs Gloucester-Hartpury in the Allianz Cup. Everyone at NLD Refs would like to congratulate Sam on an excellent match, we look forward to watching his continued progression!

Below are details of the Society’s next few training meetings, details of which members should have received by email:

• Tuesday 27th Sept @ Lincoln RFC, 1930-2100.
• Thursday 27th Oct @ Belper RFC, 1930-2100.
• Tuesday 22nd Nov @ Newark RFC, 1930-2100.

A statement on this weekend’s fixtures from the RFU can be found here.

NLD Refs would request that all clubs inform their official/s of any changes as soon as practical. NLD Refs members should get in touch with the appointments team or a member of the committee should they have any concerns regarding their fixture.

Everyone at NLD Refs is saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below is a statement from the RFU which reflects our thoughts at this time.

“On behalf of the rugby union community in England, all at the Rugby Football Union are very saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and offer our condolences to the whole Royal Family at this time.”

Members of NLD Refs gathered at Nottingham RFC for a pre-season training and development day on Saturday.

The day started with the Bronco fitness test and some excellent efforts from our referees with many achieving the target time for a level or two above their current grading and one even smashing the target for the RFU’s Professional Game Match Official Team.

Three teams of four match officials were selected to officiate in the NLD Cup Finals Day fixtures which provided the remaining members with the opportunity to watch some live rugby and consider the varying challenges faced when refereeing at three different levels of the game.

Our members also used the live rugby to discuss the RFU’s principles of SELL (Safety, Enjoyment and Equity, Learning and Laws) and core values, TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) which form significant parts of any referee training.

The three finals were all hard-fought and entertaining matches, well done to all participants!

NLD Refs is always open to new members. Join us here.

It is with great sadness that the society wishes to inform you of the death of Jamie Egan. He was a member of the society until he gave up refereeing due to an illness but had spoken about returning this season.

He had played for Gainsbough rugby club then became a minis coach before taking up the whistle.

His funeral will take place at Rotherham crematorium at 12.30pm Thursday September 1^st. The family have requested no black suits but colourful clothes.

Longstanding NLDRURS match official, developer and volunteer has won an RFU Value the Volunteer Award for his many years of service to Rugby Union. Congratulations Steve!