Attention Rugby Coaches & Referees — New Guidelines Released!
USA Rugby has published the 2025–26 Game Management Guidelines, created in partnership with ADVANTAGE Rugby Referees. This resource provides clear explanations and practical guidance on applying the Laws across every aspect of the game.
Read the Guidelines here: Game Management Guidelines
Referee Development Webinars
For the fourth consecutive year, USA Rugby will host monthly Referee Development webinars, organized by the Referee and Laws Committee’s Development Working Group. These sessions are open to referees of all levels in all Local Referee Organizations.
The first webinar will be held on Tuesday, August 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET in partnership with ADVANTAGE Rugby Referees. This session will cover the Game Management Guidelines, including law changes and clarifications from the past year.
Webinars will continue on the first Tuesday of every month at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Register for the webinar here: Webinar Registration
All webinars are free to view, recorded, and later available in the USA Rugby Learning Center. Previous topics include:
Big Decisions: Communication Under Pressure
7s Basics: Pathways and Checklists
Escalation of Sanctions
Scrum Success: What Does It Look Like?
Referee Coaching: Best Practice Series
Lineout Management
Breakdown Triggers
Positioning and Movement
Game Review Approaches
Registration Reminder
Referee registration for the 2025–26 season opens this Friday. If you are also playing rugby or previously registered through your club as a referee, please ensure you also register with your Local Referee Organization (LRO) as a referee.
Photo by Davey Wilson