The Lebanese Rugby League Federation (LRLF) has successfully delivered a Match Officials Level 1 Accreditation Course to 16 candidates at the Lebanese American University (LAU) in Beirut, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing the technical workforce of the sport in Lebanon.

The course brought together a cohort of new and emerging referees and touch judges who undertook both theoretical and practical components aligned with international accreditation standards. The programme is designed to equip participants with foundation knowledge of the sport, laws of the game, and positioning, communication, and match management skills required to officiate fixtures domestically.

Attendees will now progress into the formal assessment phase through the international match officials accreditation framework, working towards full certification.

Recently appointed LRLF CEO, Robin Hachache, commented: “Developing qualified match officials is a critical pillar in our national game development strategy. As our domestic competitions continue to grow, so too must the quality, confidence, and professionalism of our referees. This course is an important step in building that depth and sustainability.”

The initiative forms part of LRLF’s broader strategic plan to strengthen governance, competitions, and high-performance structures, ensuring the necessary technical and operational foundations are in place to support the sport’s long-term growth.

The Federation will continue to roll out education and accreditation opportunities for match officials, coaches and volunteers throughout 2026.