Always!!!

• Stay fit
  • USA Rugby Sevens Program
  • Bronco Fitness
  • Yo-yo fitness test
  • Run, bike, elliptical… KEEP MOVING!
• Watch games. Internationals and professional games are not club rugby. Go out and watch games!
• Help your fellow refs. Be an assistant referee. Keep your equipment in the car and volunteer to help.
• REVIEW YOUR MATCH FILM. It makes you a better referee faster than anything else. It also helps us help you learn. 
• Read the Laws and the Game Management Guidelines (see sidebar).

After You Become A Referee

• First of all, welcome to the club.
• If you need an initial kit, look at our online store.
• Contact the Scheduler/Allocator (rsvschedules@gmail.com).
• Register as a referee with USA Rugby. Make sure to register with the Referees Society of Virginia (as a referee; a background check will be performed).
• Check the contact list and make sure you are listed: https://rugbyrefs.us/contacts/match-referees/
• Join the Facebook group!
• Get on the Email list!

Kit Bag

• Whistle
  • Acme Thunderer Plastic
  • Acme Thunderer Wide
  • Acme Thunderer Narrow
• Ref Jerseys
  • Keep two jerseys (at least)
  • Yellow and Pink are the least likely to clash with teams in our area
  • Please do not wear a team/club/international jersey
• Socks
  • Wear knee high athletic socks
  • Remember socks to change into after the game
• Shorts
  • With pockets!! Don’t put your card wallet in your sock
  • Card Wallet
• Water Bottle!
  • Many teams do not have water sources at the pitch
  • Be prepared!
• Sunscreen!

Before the Season

• Stay fit. [See above.]
• Update your availability.

During the Season

• If you do not hear from the home team of your assigned match by Wednesday at 5 PM, contact the Scheduler/Allocator (rsvschedules@gmail.com).
• When you talk to teams, make sure you find out what their jersey colors are and… get directions! Also get a contact phone number for someone who will be at the pitch in case of emergency (i.e. traffic, accident, etc). 
• Match day:
  • Plan to arrive at least one hour before KO
  • Check field conditions and lines
  • You are never obligated to do more rugby than you signed up for. If a team asks you to do extra matches, you may politely decline. 
  • If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable with the behavior of any person at the pitch, you may leave. If you choose to take any action, remember you are a professional and you represent Referee Society of Virginia. If you want to talk about something, call a referee friend, call your mentor, or call the Allocator. Referee mistreatment will not be tolerated. 
  • Matches must be suspended in the event of lightning. Any event that is delayed due to lightning or a thunderstorm may resume 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder is heard.
• After the match:
  • Do your match report. Please be thorough. 
  • Report yellow and red cards.
• Study the Lawbook and Game Management guidelines every week.
• REVIEW YOUR FILM and work with coaches to improve on target areas