ACTRRA Referee Pathways
Do you have a passion for rugby either; as a player, a parent or a spectator, and would like to become more involved or give back to the game they play in heaven? You witness all the action and you have the best view of the game. Above all, you help ensure a game takes place. Why not become a referee?
ACTRRA, Rugby Australia and Brumbies community rugby will provide you with all the training, coaching, development and uniform you need to referee from U8s through to Premier Division in the ACT.
ACTRRA, Rugby Australia and Brumbies community rugby will provide you with all the training, coaching, development and uniform you need to referee from U8s through to Premier Division in the ACT.
ACTRRA Referee Accreditation Process
To find out more about the Referee Accreditation at each Level of Refereeing that Rugby Australia requires then Click Here!
For those aged 13-18, please contact Caitlin Brady at Brumbies or ACTRRA Secretary for information about becoming a referee.
For adults who wish to find out what to do to referee, please contact the ACTRRA Secretary via email.
For those aged 13-18, please contact Caitlin Brady at Brumbies or ACTRRA Secretary for information about becoming a referee.
For adults who wish to find out what to do to referee, please contact the ACTRRA Secretary via email.
Steps to become a referee
There are only four steps to become a referee:
1. Register for a RugbyID through Rugby Xplorer ( or use your existing ID if you already have one)
2. Complete two general/base knowledge courses. Register for a public course through Rugby Australia's Rugby Xplorer link, and find the Learning Centre link, or courses may be run at your local school or club. Once you successfully complete these courses, then
3. Register for the referee program for the type of games you intend to referee (ie junior age games only or any games). This will include doing an online law exam (to make sure you know the laws).
4. Register with ACTRRA (including obtaining your state's relevant Work with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card/ Working with Children Check)
1. Register for a RugbyID through Rugby Xplorer ( or use your existing ID if you already have one)
2. Complete two general/base knowledge courses. Register for a public course through Rugby Australia's Rugby Xplorer link, and find the Learning Centre link, or courses may be run at your local school or club. Once you successfully complete these courses, then
3. Register for the referee program for the type of games you intend to referee (ie junior age games only or any games). This will include doing an online law exam (to make sure you know the laws).
4. Register with ACTRRA (including obtaining your state's relevant Work with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card/ Working with Children Check)
Complete a course/program
Depending on your age and the level of games you want to officiate will determine what accreditation you will require.
To find available courses, register with Rugby Australia's Rugby Xplorer system and review the online Learning Centre.
Referee Accreditation:
Refereeing Kids Rugby Program: (To referee U8s-U12s matches. Persons must aged 13+ years old )
Depending on your age and the level of games you want to officiate will determine what accreditation you will require.
To find available courses, register with Rugby Australia's Rugby Xplorer system and review the online Learning Centre.
Referee Accreditation:
Refereeing Kids Rugby Program: (To referee U8s-U12s matches. Persons must aged 13+ years old )
- Smart Rugby (on-line course with RA's Rugby Learning Centre and required for all referees and coaches at any level)
- Refereeing Kids Rugby accreditation (check out Rugby Xplorer Learning Centre page for course details or contact at Brumbies Rugby
- Costs: Nil for these courses (all ACT Rugby Referees are paid per match)
- Smart Rugby (on-line course with RA's Rugby Xplorer online portal and required for all referees and coaches at any level)
- Level 1 Referee accreditation with online exam and field test (on-line program with RA's Rugby Xplorer Learning Centre)
- Costs: Nil
Join/Register with ACTRRA
Referee registrations are completed through Rugby Xplorer website or app. You can get more details on the Registration page to register for the season.
To be appointed as a match official to a game you MUST be a registered member with ACTRRA.
Why register?
Referee registrations are completed through Rugby Xplorer website or app. You can get more details on the Registration page to register for the season.
To be appointed as a match official to a game you MUST be a registered member with ACTRRA.
Why register?
- Registration provides you Rugby Australia Insurance coverage as a match official,
- Registration to be a match official is required in any jurisdiction (exchanges or visiting referees must be members of their respective area's Association to be appointed to any games in the ACT),
- Referee Kids accredited members will receive: ACTRRA socks, ACTRRA 'Gold' polo, whistle and cards. (You need to supply your own navy blue shorts, but after refereeing 5 games you will be entitled to ACTRRA sponsored shorts).
- Level 1 Referee fully accredited members will receive: ACTRRA Referee jersey, shorts, socks, and track suit.
- first year student referees (U18) - $0
- first year adult referees - $35 (Note: waived in 2024)
- All ACTRRA members 16 years or older are required to hold their residential state's Working With Vulnerable Persons (WWVP) Card (or your state's Working with Children Check). This is legal requirement under ACT law.
- ACT residents can contact Access Canberra for details on obtaining ACT Government Working With Vulnerable Persons Card (WWVP).
- Please contact ACTRRA for Association details so that you can complete the ACT form.
- There is no cost for volunteers to obtain a WWVP card.
Game Payments
All referees are paid a gratuity for games they referee for ACT Rugby unions. The level of payment varies from $20 to $80 depending on the level of match officiated and role, and there is some additional reimbursements to cover costs for travel conducted outside of your home/region. See 'Match Day' page for more details.
