Gloucester & District Referee Society Limited’s Young Match Official (YMO) program aims to support and develop aspiring referees aged between 14 and 18 years old to become confident Match Officials.
The YMO program supports the referee in many ways throughout their development period with training, mentor, appointments & coaching.

Whist the YMO program targets the age ranges 14-18 years old, most referees progress from the program to refereeing senior rugby from the ages of 17 – 18 years old dependent on whether the society feels that young person is ready.

There are many reasons & incentives to become a YMO, it increases confidence, people skills, employability. Gloucester & District Society run several incentive schemes alongside the RFU to support the YMO gain the level 2 refereeing 15 aside certificate and also to become a member of the society.
The society also has a robust Safeguarding system, in partnership with Gloucestershire RFU and RFU. The Safeguarding policy aims to ensure that our YMO’s are sufficiently protected. You can find out more from our Safeguarding Policy or e-mail our Safeguarding Officer, Iain Morris, at safeguarding@gladref.co.uk.

If you would like to find out more about out our YMO program or you are interested in becoming a YMO, please contact our YMO Coordinator, Kieran Lofthouse  YMO@gladref.co.uk