The Match Officials Department plays a central role in upholding the integrity, flow, and fairness of Major League Rugby. Our referees and assistant referees are selected, trained, and supported to deliver world-class standards across every MLR fixture.

MLR’s officiating program focuses on consistency, clarity, and continuous improvement. Match officials undergo regular performance reviews, law updates, fitness testing, and professional development to ensure they remain aligned with global best practice and the World Rugby Laws of the Game.

In partnership with clubs, players, coaches, and high-performance staff, our goal is to create an environment where officiating is transparent, accountable, and respected throughout the league.

Whether you’re a player, coach, supporter, or aspiring referee, this section provides insights into the people, pathways, and systems behind MLR’s match officiating team.

Interested in stepping onto the field in a new way? Becoming a rugby referee is one of the most rewarding ways to stay connected to the game while developing leadership, confidence, and a deep understanding of the sport.

Whether you’re a former player, a coach, or completely new to rugby, the pathway to refereeing is open to everyone who loves the game and wants to contribute to its growth.

• Stay Involved in the Game: Keep your passion for rugby alive from a new perspective.

• Build Leadership & Decision-Making Skills: Referees learn to manage pressure, communicate clearly, and maintain control in dynamic environments.

• Support Your Rugby Community: From youth matches to elite competitions, referees play an essential role in ensuring fair, safe, and enjoyable play.

• Opportunities to Advance: With dedication and training, referees can progress from local fixtures to high-performance pathways, including opportunities within Major League Rugby.

Becoming a referee begins at the community level. Each region across the U.S. has a Local Referee Organization (LRO) that provides training, education, and match assignments. 

Find Your Local Referee Organization: Connect with your regional group to learn about upcoming courses and events.

1. Complete Referee Training: Referee courses cover laws of the game, positioning, safety, and match management.

2. Get Certified: After completing the required coursework, you’ll receive certification to officiate at the appropriate level

3. Start Officiating Matches: Gain on-field experience in youth and amateur matches, supported by mentor referees.

4. Advance Through the Pathway: Demonstrated performance, continued training, and coaching can lead to selection for high-performance and professional opportunities.

The Path to MLR Officiating

MLR referees come through the Local Referee Organisations, into the Regional Referee Group, the National Referee Group and then the High Performance Group. This is overseen by USA Rugby. Officials are evaluated on fitness, law knowledge, game management, communication, and consistency. Those who excel may progress to professional appointments with Major League Rugby.

Law 11.2 – Removal of the scrum option when the ball is kicked directly into touch.
Lineout only.

Law 12 (d) – In-Goal Permutations (July 2022) – If the attacking team knocks on or throws forward into in-goal and the ball is grounded by either side, play restarts with a goal-line dropout.

Law 16.17 – Once the ball has been clearly won at a ruck and is available, the referee calls “use it”, after which the ball must be played within five seconds.
Sanction: free kick (not a scrum).

Law 16.17 – If a maul ends unsuccessfully, sanction: free kick (not a scrum). 

Law 20.3 – Where a reset scrum occurs (or a team opts for a scrum following a penalty at scrum), the team awarded the subsequent penalty may not elect for another scrum except inside their 22.

Replace TMO Protocol with a new Referee Review System. For more information visit: