Allen Judge, a first-year Law with Politics student here at The University of Manchester, has just won the Rugby Football Union (RFU) University Student Referee of the Year Award at the RFU Student Awards held at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 25 May.
Allen moved to Manchester from Hong Kong at the beginning of the year with his Level 1 Course for referees administered by World Rugby. Upon starting at the University, he quickly completed his Level 2 England Rugby Referees course. Allen has been incredibly dedicated to refereeing this year, refereeing an average of 2-3 matches per week.
This dedication and determination resulted in Allen quickly becoming the youngest member of Manchester And District Referees Society (MADREFS). Since this, Allen has progressed within MADREFS. He will be at 8.1 on the Officials Performance Committee ranking system, the referee ranking system, which is a significant improvement from starting at 11 (the highest rating this committee can award is 6 before embarking on the professional ranking from 5 to 1).
Allen has been invited to join the North West Federation Development Squad as one of six referees across the North West. This squad is exclusive for those who have the potential to progress further as a referee. This success has resulted in Allen being sent on an exchange to the All China Women’s 10s Tournament in Xiamen in November this year.
Allen’s commitment to Wednesday British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) games, Manchester Campus League, Saturday Senior League and Cup Games, Sunday Colts Games and refereeing Sale Sharks Academy Games have been pivotal to rugby within the University and local area. He’s been extremely reliable, turning up to referee matches last minute when other referees have pulled out.
Vicky Ackerley, Head of Sport and Active Lifestyles for The University of Manchester, attended the awards ceremony and said, ‘It is fantastic that Allen has been rewarded for his contribution to refereeing this year. He is completely committed to his own and others’ development in rugby and is a real asset to the University and the local rugby community.’
Congratulations Allen!
Allen receiving his award from Bob Reeves, President of the Student RFU, at Twickenham Stadium 