Cornwall

Adult Male Future Competitions Structure – Match Officiating Consultation – FEEDBACK

In September, you were invited to contribute to the work of an RFU Task Group looking at how Level
5 match official appointments should be managed in the new league structure taking effect for
2022/23 season (6 leagues at Level 5). A survey of the possible options was distributed to all Society
and Federation Secretaries and opinions sought.

I am pleased to report an excellent level of response to and engagement in the survey, reflecting the
relevance and implications to the Game at that level . There was a very clear preference (80%) that
Federations should assume responsibility for appointment to the six new Level 5 leagues .

I can now advise you that the RFRU Board on 10 November has endorsed what it takes as a clear
mandate to proceed along a federated direction of travel and our work will now focus on addressing
the key questions, many raised in the survey responses, of how we best implement the mandate
consistently across the Country. We recognise that a minority of Societies/Federations did not vote
this way and we will be actively engaging with those to resolve any issues and offer support in finding a way forward.

The key outcome is that all aspiring match officials will retain a clear pathway to progress, and close
liaison will be essential between federated bodies and the new level 4 league co-ordinators.
Under the governance and management of the RFRU, we are confident that Officiating can adapt to
the league structural changes to everyone’s benefit.

Thank you to all those who engaged in our Survey. It proved to be a very worthwhile exercise.

Allan MacGregor