British Dodgeball is actively recruiting new referees from both within and outside the dodgeball community. We are recruiting referees across all areas of the UK to support the ever growing demand for dodgeball events at all age groups.
University Free Referee Training
As part of our commitment to developing university dodgeball in addition to supporting the growth of our workforce, we provide the following offer to universities:
- Free access for 2 individuals from each institution annually to complete the Introduction to Officiating Dodgeball online course.
- Free training of those 2 individuals so they can become British Dodgeball Event Referees by accessing the Event Referee Training Pathway.
What does British Dodgeball want in return for free access to this course?
Firstly, we grow our national workforce of paid event referees, meaning we can better offer competitive opportunities for all players in the UK. Secondly, we ask that anyone undergoing this process cascades the rules and roles knowledge they receive to all of their fellow players at their university. The hope is that if this is done effectively, we will have university teams who are more aware of their duties as assistant referees, leading to a fairer and more enjoyable game for all.
How do I apply for this free training offer?
Simply complete the form on our Work With Us page
New Referee Training
Training consists of blended learning; first you need to complete the Introduction to Officiating Dodgeball online course and then complete a shadowing session working with a referee mentor. You can start training now by completing the Work With Us form.
The full process is outlined in this document:
Ongoing Referee CPD:
- Receive tailored support, advice and feedback from your regional Referee Mentor.
- Receive ongoing support, advice and feedback from the Referee Manager via regular referee development webinars. Attend Referee Development Webinars booked in as below:
| Date | Time | Subject | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBC | TBC | New Season Rules Changes | All referees |
- Regularly self-reflect and complete the Referee Self-Assessment:
Previous Referee Development Webinars:
Referees play a pivotal role in the enjoyment and wellbeing of players of all ages and abilities in our sport. The British Dodgeball Referee Standards have been created to support the development of match officials in the UK. These standards assist in providing high quality, constructive developmental feedback in a consistent manner across the following 5 areas: Rules Application, Game Management, Communication, Safety and Core Values.
Our Refereeing Core Values are as follows:
- Demonstrating a Professional Attitude
- Adopting a Learning Culture
- Understanding the Bigger Picture of how each dodgeball event and positive player experience promotes the sport in the UK
Reporting Abuse:
Abuse towards referees or any other staff member is not tolerated by British Dodgeball, and is directly in contravention of the British Dodgeball Code of Conduct. We encourage all referees to report any abusive behaviour they experience to hello@britishdodgeball.com in order to escalate the matter.
British Dodgeball recommend that all competitive dodgeball matches are officiated by 2 main referees and 4 assistant referees for all age groups aged U15 and upwards.
Being an assistant referee is an extremely important job in dodgeball, because you have a direct impact on the game you officiate. This Referee’s Manual has been created to help you understand the positioning and roles of centre referees and assistant referees, and cover some frequently asked questions.
Feedback
Each club has a Referee Lead who make the club accountable for high quality refereeing. If you would like to give feedback about an assistant referee, please complete the Referee Feedback form.
Referee mentors are key components of our comprehensive Referee Development Pathway. There is one referee mentor allocated to each region of the UK, and each acts as a focal point for that region. They conduct referee training and are on hand in an informal capacity to clarify rules, offer advice and act as a link between British Dodgeball and referees.
More information is available in the document below:
Do you have comments on British Dodgeball main referees or any clubs when they are acting as assistant referees?
Please submit both positive and constructive feedback about referees using the form below. Your feedback will be kept anonymous and we will use this information to:
- Provide specific feedback to referees and to club referee leads in order to help improve the standard of refereeing across the UK
- Structure referee training sessions to target specific issues
- Celebrate referees who are doing a great job at facilitating the sport we all love
Please note: This form is for development purposes only. If you wish to comment on how a referee officiated a certain rule, or give feedback about a team whilst they were acting as assistant referees, then you’re in the right place… If however, you feel that you were victim of harassment or abuse from a referee and feel they acted contrary to our Code of Conduct, then please submit an official complaint through the process outlined in our Complaints Policy.
As a condition of club membership for the 23/24 season, all clubs must have a nominated Referee Lead. This individual is responsible for their club members’ refereeing performances when they are allocated this role at events.
Each Club Referee Lead will be given the following support:
- Free access to the Introduction to Officiating Dodgeball online course*
- Access to regular updates from the British Dodgeball referee manager regarding officiating matters.
In return, they must:
- Cascade this training and knowledge down to their club’s membership in order to help improve the quality of refereeing at British Dodgeball events;
- Be the club representative regarding officiating matters; and
- Be accountable for any substandard refereeing due to lack of knowledge or lack of efforts, and responsible for improving standards as necessary.
This will lead to an even better experience for players at competition.
Club Referee Leads could improve officiating standards at their club by implementing the following methods: