Where to Start Your Development Journey

Knowing your strengths and development opportunities is the foundation of improvement; identify those through formal coaching or honest self-reflection. Once you have a handle, you can set the correct matches and season-long development goals. When starting, referee coaches you work with will help guide these conversations, and as you become more proficient, you will start leading these discussions. Would you like any help figuring out where to begin? Utilize the RLC Development Working Group Referee Levels Workbook

Grading and Promotion Policy

  • To be eligible for grading by SWRRS, a referee must:

    • Be an member of SWRRS.

    • Have been an active referee as defined as five (5) or more matches officiated within SWRRS’ area during the current or previous season

    • Have received at least two coaching reports within the past 12 months.ere

  • SWRRS will utilize USA Rugby guidelines when determining the appropriate grade of a referee. As these Guidelines frequently are updated, the Development Officer will hold the most up to date guidelines. These guidelines will be shared with any member upon request.

  • The Development Committee will consider the following criteria when evaluating a referee:

    • Coaching reports written by USA Rugby accredited, or equivalent, Coaches of Match Officials

    • Reports and notes made by Development Committee members

    • Video performance of the referee

    • Feedback or evaluation material submitted to NERRS

    • Fitness level or fitness test scores

  • SWRRS has full discretion to change or maintain a referee’s grade. This policy document does not guarantee that a referee will be awarded a grade promotion. This document provides clarity into the decision making process. By understanding the criteria that will be used to evaluate grades, referees can better position themselves to be successful.