Rugby Oregon is committed to promoting Safety in all aspects of the game of rugby. In furtherance of that effort, Rugby Oregon is committed to providing certifed and properly trained referees for all of our matches. Rugby Oregon recognizes that referees are a necessary and integral part of the Game and fully supports training, coaching and evaluation of referees to promote the safe enjoyment of the game.
Rugby Oregon has two World Rugby certified referee educators who host annual referee courses every January to support the efforts of our organization. Additional clinics are hosted on an as needed basis. For more information, contact the LRO Committee at LRO@rugbyoregon.com.
Referee Requirements
All Rugby Oregon referees must have an active status with USA Rugby in order to guarantee team liability coverage. The requirements below must be completed and current in order to have active status with USA Rugby and prior to officiating any Rugby Oregon matches. Please send a copy of completion to info@rugbyoregon.com and retain a copy of all certifications for your reference.
- ANNUAL registration as a Referee with USA Rugby
Membership cycle is August 16 – August 15- Pass the BIENNIAL background screening with USA Rugby
- ANNUAL completion of the SafeSport Course through USA Rugby
- ANNUAL Concussion in Sports training via NFHS Learn
- USA Rugby Level 1 Officiating Clinic (in person)
This course is offered annually (January) to the Rugby Oregon community. Please contact info@rugbyoregon.com for specific dates, fees and registration information. This coaching clinic is also offered at other locations. Please visit the USA Rugby Training & Education Courses page for more information.
Match Protocol
Before Match Day
- Fitness Work
- Pre-match checks
- Check the schedule, team colors, etc.
- If the home team has not contacted you by Wednesday evening, contact the assigned match home team.
- Review previous game and identify points to work on during upcoming game.
- Rugby pitch address and Google Maps – see Rugby Oregon schedule
- Check Match Supplies
- Clean boots
- Ball pump
- Whistle plus spare
- Score card, pencil, red/yellow cards
Match Day
Arrive at the pitch one hour prior to scheduled kick-off. Set up camp in a neutral location. Take a chair. Speak with the head coach of the home team to review the day’s schedule and thank them for their efforts arranging the match.
Equipment Check and Pre-Game Meeting (Home team first)
- Get roster from Team Coach
- Bring up any field layout deficiencies. Roped off areas, flags, posts, etc.
- Have team line up and check individual identifications against Team Roster. This can also be handles with the kit check.
- Have all starters and subs line up. Go down the line and check boots, then have them stand and go back down the line to inspect padding, taping, fingernails, jewelry, etc. Quick talk to players emphasizing continuity of play, sportsmanship and fun. Take questions.
Upon completion of equipment check and team discussion, hold meeting with team’s half backs, tight five and any player (sup or other) who could play a front row position, followed by individual meeting with captains.
- Again, emphasize safety, continuity of play, sportsmanship and fun.
- Scrums – cadence, put-ins, binding, no early sets, no early strikes, wheeling, remind of new ELVs. Take questions.
- Line-outs – maintaining 1 meter tunnel, straight throw, no early jumping, no leaving once in the line. Take questions.
- Dismiss half back and front rows.
Captains’ Discussion
- Rugby Oregon encourages and promotes greater responsibility for captains with regard to match day game management.
- Captains are responsible for disciplining their teams; foul play, chatter and repeated infractions will not be tolerated and that options will be exercised to ensure a safe and competitive game.
- The captain can ask for clarification about a call but must not question the call.
- Once again, emphasize safety, continuity of play, sportsmanship and fun.
Before leaving the meeting with each team, have the coach provide:
- Game ball (home team). Check pressure in ball. If needed, take ball and inflate/deflate to required pressure with pump in your kit.
- Touch Judge
Match Report
Submit Match Reports at Match Facts
USAR Resources
Please visit the USA Rugby Referee Resources page for information on Game Management, Law Changes, Disciplinary Resources, Protective Equipment & Clothing Guidelines, and more.
Referee Allocations
For questions regarding Rugby Oregon referee allocations, please contact Ross Emerick.
Local Referee Org
The Rugby Oregon Local Referee Organization is charged with assisting in referee recruiting, training, coaching and continuing education. It parters with the Competitions Committee to provide clarity on any Rugby Oregon rules variation. The LRO also allocates all Rugby Oregon matches. The Terms of Reference articulate the purpose, authority, responsibility and membership of the committee. For more information, contact the LRO Committee at LRO@rugbyoregon.com.
Committee Members
| Committee Chair | Curt Betts |
| Referee Allocator | Ross Emerick |
| Referee Educator | Jim Kautz |
| Referee Educator | Bernie Brown |
| Referee Educator | Shane Kennedy |
| Women’s Referee Growth | Sophia Betts |
| PNRRS Liaison | Ryan Curtis |