Becoming a Referee

There are six important steps to getting into the middle with the whistle in hand:

Step 1

Qualify

Attend a Level 1 Officiating course conducted by USA Rugby

Step 2

Connect

If you’re a referee coming from outside of the US, or you were certified in a country other than the US, please contact Rob Gilmore, our Referee Development Officer, and he can help you with the process of documenting your previous experience

Step 3

Register with USA Rugby

Add RRSNY to your Rugby Xplorer Account . Click on Register and then “Find a Club” For the Tri-State Area enter “RRSNY” and choose “New York Referees (RRSNY)”

Step 4

Access MatchFacts

Access MatchFacts and create an account. You must update contact details and availability here, and you should keep your availability up to date.

Step 5

Check your kit

You should have an RRSNY Referee Shirt (orange in color), Black Shorts, Long Black Socks (aka Stockings), Cleats (preferably black), whistle, two flags, stopwatch, note book with pen/pencil, and yellow and red cards. If you are missing RRSNY kit, get onto Steamroller. If you are missing a decent whistle get a Thunderer. If you’re missing other kit, get on to a rugby kit store.

Step 6

Ready to Roll

Ensure your availability is up to date in MatchFacts and connect with Rob Gilmore, our Referee Development Officer, so we can ease you onto the field.