GLENDALE, CO – USA Rugby Training & Education announced a major step forward in returning to rugby as select coaching and referee courses will resume in-person activities starting November 2020. In-person education is required for certain certifications but have been on hiatus due to gathering restrictions of COVID-19. Following evaluation and consultation with World Rugby and health officials, specific safety measures will be required of any clubs, schools and organizations looking to host in-person courses.
“Recently a pilot Level 1 Referee course was held in New Orleans and a pilot Level 200 Coaching course was held in Houston,” said USA Rugby Training & Education Director, Jamie McGregor, “Both courses adopted COVID-19 recommendations from World Rugby and found the presenters working through best practices for instruction in the new environment we find ourselves in. We have taken the lessons learned and are informing our educator workforce, so each are properly prepared to deliver appropriately and allow in-person education to resume.”
IN-PERSON COURSES: L1 REF & L200 COACH
Level 1 Referee and Level 200 Coaching courses will initially be available as in-person options through the end of the year. USA Rugby held pilot courses in separate locations to trial modifications and record best practices for hosts and educators to implement safely. World Rugby also recently published suggested modifications for conducting courses in a COVID-aware manner. These recommendations, along with clearance from local health officials and rugby organizations are included in host requirements.
As in previous years – clubs, schools and organizations wishing to host a USA Rugby Training & Education course are encouraged to complete the Course Host Request form. Potential hosts must obtain approval of activities from their local health officials and local governing organization. Local governing organizations include SGBs, College Conferences or Universities and Senior Club Geographic Unions.
APPLY TO HOST A USA RUGBY TRAINING & EDUCATION IN-PERSON COURSE »
NEW ALL-ONLINE COURSES
Two brand new all-online courses have been developed for the 2020-21 season, Introduction to Coaching and Introduction to Referee. These courses are virtual sessions with content presented LIVE and staging interaction between participants and the educators. These courses are for parents and spectators looking to understand more about the game, individuals looking to get more involved in rugby, or individuals specifically interested in beginning their coaching and/or referee journeys. Similarly, introductory courses such as these provide great opportunities for new players to learn more about the fundamentals of the game.
Introduction to Coaching (2.5hrs – $20) – Get started on your coaching journey.
- Allows member to act as Assistant Coach under a L200 Coach for a period of 12 months (after this you need to graduate to L200).
- Fulfills leniency criteria for teams needing a L200 coach who cannot complete due to COVID-19 or lack of courses in a particular area.
Introduction to Refereeing (3hrs – $20) – Get started on your refereeing journey.
- Allows member to act as Touch Judge (not Assistant Referee)
- Allows member to act as referee for B-side matches under supervision of a Level 1 or higher Referee
USA Rugby Training & Education has scheduled the first slate of the above courses by time zone, as opposed to location, beginning November 16, 2020.
REGISTER FOR UPCOMING INTRODUCTION COURSES »
L300 COACH & L1 S&C MOVE MOSTLY ONLINE
In collaboration with Rugby Americas North and World Rugby, USA Rugby has restructured the Level 1 Strength & Conditioning and Level 300 Coaching courses to be delivered predominantly online. Following a pilot session, USA Rugby Training & Education will schedule these courses by time zone, as opposed to location, beginning November 2020.