RFL match officials

The RFL Match Officials are a select group of professional Rugby League match officials who officiate the top divisions of Rugby League in Britain.

Officials are required to take part in a Fitness Test to maintain and or gain their status.

Match Official Department Staff

Phil Bentham was re-appointed as the RFL's Head of Match Officials in February 2024. He previously held this post on an interim basis between Jan-March 2021 while Steve Ganson was on leave.

Dave Elliot served as the interim Head of Match Officials between Jan-Dec 2023 while an internal investigation took place into the department, ran by Steve Ganson from 2016. This concluded with Ganson leaving the RFL by mutual consent in December 2023.

Graded Match Officials

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To become an Elite match official, Grade 1 officials must have an interview with the Head of Match Officials.

Elite Referees (RFL Full Time Match Officials)

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Since the 2007 season, the Rugby Football League have employed a panel of full-time officials. That panel currently has nine members.

Current Full Time Match Officials Squad

Managed by Phil Bentham.

Previous Full Time Match Officials

Elite Touch Judges (Super League)

Managed by Dave Elliot. By default the RFL Full Time Match Officials are graded as Elite Touch Judges.

Grade 1 Match Officials

Select Referees

Managed by Julian King & Chris Kendall.

Select Touch Judges

Managed by Steve Williams.

Grade 2 Match Officials

Emerging Referees

Managed by Tom Grant.

Emerging Touch Judges

Managed by Ryan Cox.

Grade 3 Match Officials

Entry Referees