Over the last few seasons, many youth members have undertaken their relevant ELRA course through the club and the RFU. A qualification now helping them gain points towards their studies but also a necessity in improving their rugby knowledge and attributes. In return they have given up their time on a sunday morning to help officiate junior games.

Youth Chairman Ben Blain comments; "Last year we had quite a few games were we had 17-18 year olds refereeing some of the younger age groups. It was great to see them getting involved and each doing really well. Over the season they each continued to improve and become more confident. Towards the end of the season I was interested to put out a team of three in a youth tour game. We did this and it worked well. The feedback fom the guys becoming involved was really positive and they said it has helped them learn the laws and improve their game. Currently we also have a good number of referees in the club who enjoy helping out on a Sunday morning. With some of these referees on the County Society, North Federation and North Group."

It was discussed between Club Chairman Martin Plummer and Ben Blain that as a way of saying thank you to all the refereeing volunteers, they would get a club referee kit. This is available for all club referees who have officiated at least 3 games last season. Martin Plummer says; " The club kit is not just a way of thanking those for their efforts, but also a way of identifying our success on the refereeing front. It is hoped that in the next few seasons these guys will continue to develop and join the county society."

Carlisle RFC would like to thank Benfield for their generosity in sponsoring the new kit.

Any club referees who have not yet recieved their kit should contact Ben Blain or Martin Plummer. Anybody wishing to become involved refereeing can speak to Ben or Martin. Or Norman Laycock through the county society.