IRL's Match Official qualifications provide candidates will all the information and skills they need to start and succeed in their journey as a match official.

After each of the Level 1 and Level 2 courses match officials will be able to put their learning into practice and receive support as they progress to accredit their qualifications with the CATO and CATO+ schemes (IRL's continued professional development system). 

Several graduates of the IRL Match Officials qualifications suite have gone on to officiate in professional leagues and earn international honours as a Match Official.

The IRL Level 1 Match Official qualification is aimed at those who are new to Rugby League and wish to become a match official and/or those wishing to develop their knowledge and understanding of the sport of Rugby League.

The two-day course will provide match officials with all the skills and knowledge they need to begin their officiating journey and to take charge of domestic games in their own country. The course covers the laws of the game, officiating in practice, decision making and a practical assessment. 

Candidates who attend and successfully complete the course will be certified for 12 months, enabling them to officiate. In order to be accredited (qualified), they must complete post-course work (CATO - the  IRL's continued professional development system) within that 12 month period.

Level 1 CATO (IRL's continued professional development system) is for those who have completed the IRL  Level 1 Match Official course and are starting their journey as an official, providing valuable support as they take charge of their first games. 

Accreditation is achieved by:

1) Completing the Laws Of The Game quiz
2) Reviewing your performance in three games
3) Officiating a full game whilst being observed by an Educator and developing an action plan together
4) A further live observation to demonstrate that you have achieved the aims of your action plan

Level 1 CATO should be completed within 12 months of being certified and is actioned via the IRL Technical Education Portal, supported by an appointed Educator. 

The IRL Level 2 Match Official qualification is a two-day course which further enhances the core skills that a match official needs to prepare for officiating in a performance environment. There are eight modules to the course, which is delivered both in the classroom and practically on the pitch, which are:

1) Preparation
2) Fit For Purpose
3) Foul Play
4) Decision Making
5) Managing The Game
6) Touch Judging
7) Communication
8) Self Review

Match officials who attend and successfully complete the course will be certified for 12 months. In order to be accredited (qualified), they must complete post-course work - CATO+ IRL's continued professional development system - within that 12 month period.

Level 2 CATO+ (IRL's continued professional development system) is for match officials who have undertaken the IRL  Level 2 Match Official course and wish to gain accreditation for their qualification. 

Accreditation is achieved by completing eight modules, each relating to the eight modules delivered on the course, where candidates put their learning into practice to demonstrate their understanding. The modules are completed using the IRL Technical Education Portal and are supported by an appointed Educator.

Level 2 CATO+ should be completed within 12 months of being certified. 

Once accredited, a candidate can begin training to become a Level 1 Match Official Educator.