Scottish Rugby’s new coach and match official courses go live

Two new courses for aspiring coaches and match officials have been launched today (Friday 25 June) by Scottish Rugby to support the return to rugby across clubs, schools and societies.

The two new coach and match official courses have been created as part of the new Training and Education Development Pathways programme for the club and school game, replacing the UK Coaching Certificate (UKCC) framework which ended in April 2020.

Whilst Scottish Rugby confirmed the launch of the new programme in October 2020, courses were unable to be delivered due to coronavirus restrictions in place at the time.

From July 2021, the entry level Coaching Essentials (replacement for UKCC Level 1) and Introduction to Match Officiating (replacement for Referee Level 1) courses will begin to be delivered via a blended approach of online and practical modules.

In addition to these new courses, Scottish Rugby has also relaunched the RugbyRight e-learning module which covers key player welfare information including, safeguarding, concussion awareness, equipment, and tackle safety.

All aspiring and currently qualified coaches and match officials are required to complete the RugbyRight course before end of October 2021.

All courses from the Training and Education Development Pathways programme will now be delivered via Scottish Rugby Management System (SCRUMS) website.

Neil Graham, Scottish Rugby’s Head of Training & Education, said: “We’re really excited to be able to offer these new courses and reintroduce RugbyRight over the coming months, with further courses to be announced soon for more experienced coaches and match officials.

“Whether it’s coaching age-grade rugby, running touch at your local club, or taking to the middle in a cup final at BT Murrayfield, coaches and match officials play an integral part in players’ experience. These individuals are a key element in supporting clubs, schools and societies to deliver rugby, and are especially important as our sport recovers from the impacts of covid-19.”

To find out more about these courses and delivery dates in your region, please click here.