Become a Referee
You can’t have a match without the ref, and there is more rugby in Alaska every year, Youth, Men, Women, and Old boys…local and travel sides in Anchorage, Wasilla, Kenai, Fairbanks and now Sitka. We need new referees to step up, take the whistle, and help us grow the game.
Why would anyone want to do this job?
Because it’s great. Everyone loves you, no one ever yells at you, and you are best friends with all thirty people on the pitch. In an ideal world…
Refereeing can be a job, or a service, or a calling. It’s really up to you and the Alaska Referee Society (ARS) will support whatever level of engagement you feel is right. You will be able to set your own schedule and travel parameters, and you’ll be paired with a mentor to help you learn and improve. Your certification never expires, so you can step in and out as life, careers, travel and family allow. Also, we’re fun people. Think of the refs as a slightly weirder, more diverse (in age, gender, and beverage proclivities), and more vision-challenged rugby club with a tendency to blow the game.
How To:
Step 1: Reach out to the ARS Recruiting Officer, Richard Piraino (rkjjpiraino@yahoo.com)
Step 2: CIPP as a Referee with USA Rugby
Steps 3-5: Take the online Rugby Laws exam (through World Rugby’s online education portal), Rugby Ready course (World Rugby), and Concussion Awareness (World Rugby) – http://laws.worldrugby.org
Step 6: Become certified by taking courses:
- Touch Judge: Online, $10, through USA Rugby
- Assistant Referee: Online, $35, through USA Rugby
- Referee L100: In-person course, 8 hours, $75, scheduled locally as needed
The Recruiting Officer will steer you through certification and provide guidance on the process. ARS is committed to support and mentorship of new referees, and will be there for you from your first game through the World Cup Final.