Opportunities After Rugby

How to Become a MLR Referee

For many years referees and players were different. Referees got into the game because they wanted to contribute and so followed a traditional pathway of refereeing sub societies and climbing the ladder of success. Most players either continued playing until long after retirement or transitioned into coaching.

Until recently, it would have taken former players too long to climb the referee ladder as their time post playing days was limited. That has changed now with the view that the rugby knowledge that former players possess, having been exposed to the game at the highest level, puts them in prime position to become match officials. 

Admittedly, it is a different type of role; whereas players operate in a team environment, refereeing is more of a solo endeavor, aside from game days. However, there are numerous successful examples such as Glenn Jackson , Karl Dickson, John Lacey, Mike Adamson, Nic Berry and so on. 

We are appealing to players who are interested in this pathway to reach out to the League Office (hr@usmlr.com), your MLR team, or to Match Official Management directly (jkaplan@usmlr.com). We will be happy to help talk through this opportunity in detail and assist with your development and growth through USA Rugby and Rugby Canada. Additionally, MLR is always looking to augment our Assistant Referee (AR) pool. Prospective applicants would be screened and trained to the point where they reach a minimum competence level and the best would be considered for assignments. 

Player commitments during the development phase would include (at a minimum):

  • Registration with your local referee society
  • Consistent refereeing and evaluation at the local level
  • Maintaining MLR Official fitness standards
    • >5 min Bronco

 

Once selected for MLR, AR commitments would include (at a minimum):

  • All local MLR team home games. Potential travel for certain MLR cities.
  • Pre & post-match briefing and analysis with the referee
  •  Group zoom sessions once a week

 

Referee commitments include all of the above with the addition of individual coaching sessions.

See below for testimonials from current/former players who are on this pathway:

Ben Cima

Travis Larson

We believe this pathway is a promising one and are excited to work with you on your journey to elite refereeing. Your post playing career story begins here..