Seventeen match officials from 28 nations completed a course taking place in St Helens recently, as part of an ongoing EU initiative. The number of nations attending had doubled from last year, and with funding and support in place the rugby league map of Europe continues to grow.
Sessions were held at Cowley International College. Phil Smith, RLEF match officials tutor during the courses commented: “Cowley International’s excellent facilities proved a great base, and all the delegates received a great educational insight into match officiating.”
The game’s St Helens and Merseyside Development Manager, Steve Leonard added: “It was wonderful to see so many different countries represented and the enthusiasm delegates showed for the our sport. No doubt these delegates will share with others their new found skills and knowledge.”
Wales delegate Steve Allen commented: “It’s always great to meet the guys from other nations and share contacts and experiences. From what we were shown of the new CATO / CATO+ system [Consolidate-Application-Team-Organisation] which comes online in October, it will revolutionise how we develop current and future match officials.”
