On Thursday, Qatar Rugby Federation (QRF) and Aspire officials together with  Camels 1 and 2 players attended the World Rugby level 1 Officiating Course. The itinerary started at the Copthorne Hotel and concluded 7 hours later in the open space of the old Airport Grounds.  
Rugby Development consultant and course co-ordinator Gaith Jalajel said, “A few months back the QRF made a special request to Asia Rugby seeking a referee’s level 1 course for their local Arabic-speaking players. Asia Rugby agreed viewing the request as encouraging and a step in the right direction.
“Today 14 participants attended the course including officials and players. The course consisted of informational classroom learning with a short quiz and a hands-on practical session where they all took turns at officiating with the whistle. If these boys are serious and want to pursue the refereeing path then they must complete the level 2 refereeing course and be active in that role.”
QRF general secretary Ali al-Malki, who was one of the officials in attendance, said “It is important to foster our local boys and keep them in the game once they decide playing is no longer for them. We are focusing on educating Qatari players in different roles such as coaching, refereeing and management.  Hopefully, this way they will never leave the sport and help in the recruitment of younger Qatari players.”
He added: “The good thing about this officiating course is that it allows players to understand the fundamentals of rugby from the referee’s point of view. Often players will question the referee’s decision without taking into account the steps the referee took to make such a decision. This course certainly gives it from the referee’s point of view. I think the boys will view rugby differently after today.”
Aspire representative Subait al-Hasawi said, “As you know Aspire is a great partner of all federations in Qatar. As partners and co-hosts it is imperative that we too know what rugby is all about and how it is played.  It is one thing watching rugby and another thing officiating.
“The course was definitely informative as it provided us with game knowledge, management, and planning, technical aspects and were then given the chance to put this knowledge into practice at the local park.”