Pathway Levels
LDP Bronze (U14)
The LDP Bronze Coaching Course is the perfect starting point for young and aspiring rugby coaches and referees looking to begin their development journey within the game. Designed as the first step in the LDP pathway, the programme combines classroom learning with practical on-field experience, helping participants develop the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to support coaching teams and officiate matches effectively.
Delivered through key modules covering Attack, Tackle, Breakdown, Defence, and Refereeing, the course provides a well-rounded understanding of rugby. Participants learn essential coaching principles, player safety, communication, session planning, skill development, and the laws of the game. Refereeing modules introduce match management, positioning, communication with players, decision-making, and practical law application, giving participants valuable insight into the game from an official’s perspective.
Coaches and referees also benefit from hands-on learning through practical masterclasses and match-day opportunities. Working alongside experienced coaches and match officials, participants gain real-world experience assisting with training sessions, delivering warm-ups, supporting player development, and officiating age-grade fixtures in a supportive environment.
A strong focus on player welfare is embedded throughout the programme, with mandatory RFU Headcase and Tackle Safe qualifications ensuring participants understand concussion awareness, player welfare, and safe coaching practices. The course also supports Duke of Edinburgh Award participants, with volunteering and skills hours available to be signed off.
More than just a rugby coaching and refereeing course, the LDP Bronze pathway helps develop leadership, teamwork, organisation, communication, confidence, and decision-making skills that are valuable both on and off the field. With a clear progression route and supportive learning environment, it provides an excellent foundation for individuals looking to advance as coaches, referees, or future leaders within the game.
LDP Silver (U15)
The LDP Silver Course is designed for participants who are ready to take the next step in their coaching and refereeing journey. Building on the foundations developed at Bronze level, the Silver pathway focuses on developing confident leaders who can take responsibility for delivering sessions, managing activities, and officiating games.
The programme is delivered through modules covering Attack, Defence, Tackle, Breakdown, and Refereeing. Participants develop a deeper understanding of rugby’s technical and tactical aspects while improving their communication, leadership, decision-making, and game management skills. Refereeing elements focus on applying the laws of the game, positioning, match control, player management, and effective communication under pressure.
A key feature of the Silver pathway is the emphasis on practical delivery. Participants take a leading role in coaching masterclasses and practical sessions, gaining valuable experience delivering activities, coaching players, and managing groups. Referees are also given opportunities to take part in match simulations and practical officiating scenarios, helping them build confidence and experience in realistic game situations.
Working alongside Gold pathway coaches and experienced referees, participants receive guidance, mentoring, and feedback to support their development. This balance of responsibility and support allows individuals to grow their skills while gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Player welfare remains a core part of the programme, with mandatory RFU learning such as Headcase and Tackle Safe helping participants understand concussion awareness and safe rugby practices. The course also supports Duke of Edinburgh Award participants, with volunteering and skills hours available to be signed off.
More than just a rugby development course, the LDP Silver pathway helps participants develop leadership, confidence, organisation, communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills. It provides the ideal platform for those looking to take greater responsibility as coaches, referees, and future leaders within the game.
LDP Gold (U16)
The LDP Gold Course is designed for participants who are ready to take on leadership roles within coaching and refereeing. As the third stage of the LDP pathway, the programme focuses on planning, leadership, decision-making, and helping others develop their skills.
The course is delivered through modules covering Attack, Defence, Tackle, Breakdown, and Refereeing. Participants gain a deeper understanding of rugby’s technical and tactical elements while learning how to plan sessions, analyse performance, manage players, and support the development of less experienced coaches and referees.
A key part of the Gold pathway is taking responsibility for planning and leading activities. Gold coaches support Bronze and Silver participants during masterclasses, helping to organise sessions, explain coaching objectives, and ensure players get the most from each activity. Participants also learn how to observe sessions, identify areas for improvement, and adapt activities to meet players’ needs.
For refereeing, the Gold pathway is where participants begin to officiate live matches. Building on the foundations learned at Bronze and Silver level, referees develop their confidence in managing games, communicating with players and coaches, applying the laws of the game, and making decisions under pressure. Match officiating opportunities provide valuable real-world experience in a supportive environment.
Player welfare remains at the heart of the programme, with mandatory RFU learning including Headcase, Introduction to Safeguarding, and Tackle Safe. Participants can also gain volunteering and skills recognition towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The LDP Gold pathway develops not only rugby knowledge but also valuable life skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, organisation, confidence, and decision-making. It is the ideal programme for aspiring coaches and referees looking to take the next step and become leaders within the game.
LDP Platinum (U18)
The LDP Platinum Course is the highest level of the LDP pathway and is designed for participants who want to gain real experience in coaching and refereeing throughout an entire rugby season.
Rather than focusing on individual sessions, Platinum participants become part of an age-grade team, attending regular training sessions and match days. This allows them to understand long-term player development, build relationships with players, and experience the realities of working within a coaching team.
The programme develops skills in planning, leadership, player development, communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Participants learn how to contribute to a season-long development plan, evaluate progress, and adapt their approach to help players and teams improve over time.
For referees, the Platinum pathway provides opportunities to officiate more senior age-grade matches, helping them build the experience and confidence needed to referee U16 fixtures and beyond. Participants continue to develop their game management, law application, communication, and match control skills through real match-day experience and mentoring from experienced officials.
Player welfare remains a key focus, with mandatory RFU qualifications including Headcase, Introduction to Safeguarding, Tackle Safe, and age-grade coaching qualifications as appropriate.
The LDP Platinum pathway is ideal for ambitious coaches and referees who want to take their development to the highest level, gain meaningful season-long experience, and prepare themselves for future opportunities within the game.
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