Green Shirt Week is an opportunity for the entire rugby community to come together and support new and developing Match Officials as they begin their officiating journey.
Throughout the week, RugbyWA and WARURA are delivering a series of Referee Ready courses designed for anyone interested in taking their first steps into refereeing. These entry-level courses provide the foundations of officiating, introduce the Match Official pathway, and help participants build the confidence needed to get involved in the game within a supportive environment.
Referees play a vital role in ensuring rugby remains safe, fair, and enjoyable at all levels of the game. Strong development pathways and well-supported officials are essential to the long-term health and sustainability of rugby. Green Shirt Week highlights this importance by encouraging new participants to learn about officiation and begin their journey as Match Officials.
The Referee Ready courses running during Green Shirt Week are open to anyone with an interest in refereeing. No prior officiating experience is required. Anyone looking to stay involved in rugby in a new and rewarding way is encouraged to attend.
Courses are delivered in a practical and welcoming environment, with a strong focus on confidence‑building and clear next steps. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of refereeing basics and learn how to progress from their first course into ongoing involvement within the game.
Green Shirt Week reinforces the message that referees are learners first, and that development takes time, support, and guidance. By investing in education through Referee Ready courses, the rugby community helps foster a positive culture built on respect, growth, and long‑term sustainability.
Every referee begins somewhere. Initiatives like Green Shirt Week and the Green Shirt Program ensure that new officials feel welcomed, supported, and prepared to play their part in the future of the game.
Green Shirt Week Referee Ready Courses
- Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - Perth Bayswater Rugby Union Football Club
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026 - Southern Lions Rugby Union Football Club
- Thursday, April 30, 2026 - Joondalup Brothers Rugby Club
Find out more about the Green Shirt Program and how to register for a course here.
Respect the green shirt. Support the journey. Strengthen the game.
