One of the RFU’s Regional Referee Trainers was sent to prison a couple of days before Christmas – but fortunately not because he had committed a crime!

Warwickshire referee, Peter Tolan, who is one of the RFU’s Midlands team delivering the Entry Level Referee Award (ELRA), went to HM Prison Onley, near Rugby, in Warwickshire, to train five prisoners and the gaol’s Physical Education Officer, in the art of refereeing.

The course fees were paid for by the Warwickshire Society of Referees, as part of its work in the local community – and their money was well spent as each of the delegates passed the course with flying colours and a 100 percent record in the examination.

Peter, who has been a Rugby referee for 26 years, was renewing his acquaintances with Onley – only as a visitor though – having played there very many years ago for Coventrians RFC and more recently, having officiated in prison games and tournaments.

Peter Tolan said, “It was a very enjoyable two days. All the guys played a very full part in both the theory and the practical sessions and but for the surroundings it was no different from any other course.

“Unfortunately, These five lads are all on long term sentences, so will only be able to develop their refereeing skills on the prison pitches in the immediate future.They all play in the prison Rugby team and were keen to learn how to referee so that they can officiate fully when they are released.”

Said Peter, “The only problems we had was when I was demonstrating how to blow the whistle for various offences. Richard Kirby, the Physical Education Officer, had to send out a warning to colleagues on his radio, as apparently three long, loud blasts on the whistle – the type that we would blow for penalties – are calls for help in emergency situations!”

Officer Kirby said, “We are very grateful for the support of the Warwickshire Referees. We have managed to introduce many inmates to the game for the first time whilst they have been serving their sentences and they always look forward to matches against some of our local clubs.  We may be able to get special permission in appropriate cases to get some of the guys suitable games outside the prison complex so that they can further develop the skills they learned on the course.

“In any event they have all resolved to apply to join their local referees’ society and this will undoubtedly help in their rehabilitation when they are released.”