Referee Candidate Application Process

IWRF Referee Candidates are required to confirm the following, prior to attending an event;

  • Complete the application form in its entirety. Use attached link for the application: https://forms.gle/ZqeVdNTYDhg6H3L4A
  • Demonstrate that they can effectively conduct a chair check.
  • Applicant must obtain approval of the application from two of the following three
    representatives: Country Head Official, a Certified IWRF Evaluator, an IWRF
    Technical Committee Zone Representative.
  • Pass the IWRF fitness test and provide video evidence or confirmation through
    your Head Official. Use attached link to access video editing options and fitness
    test information: https://iwrfofficials.com/education-2/
  • Pass an online theory exam. The exam will be provided once the application is submitted.

Candidates selected to move forward for evaluation will be required to:
Pre-tournament:

  • Pay their own travel expenses to attend. Note: If the tournament is an IWRF
    sanctioned event, accommodations, meals and per-diem will be paid to the
    candidate.
  • Provide the $150 evaluation fee to the tournament Head Official. The Head
    Official will provide the $50 administration fee to the tournament TD (if no TD, then to an IWRF representative).

During the tournament:

  • Run the IWRF fitness test with the crew
  • Complete a closed book exam in English
    Candidates applying for certification at events not sanctioned by the IWRF (see updated list on the IWRF Referee web page), must;
  • Identify, in their application, that an IWRF certified evaluator will be required
  • Cover the transport, accommodation and meal costs for the evaluator(s).
  • Pay a per-diem of $25 USD per day, including travel days, to the evaluator(s)
    before the conclusion of the tournament.


Note: The IWRF Technical Commission will make every effort to provide the most cost effective certified evaluator possible, while still respecting the principles of neutrality.

Approved non-sanctioned events for candidate certification

Referees may be evaluated and certified at non sanctioned events, however the event must be of a suitable standard and play under the current IWRF Rules. This is to assure that the appropriate level of skill is assessed for certification.

Example of events appropriate for candidate based on competition level and use of IWRF rules:

  • Australian National Championship
  • Canada Cup
  • Canadian Nationals – Div 1
  • *European B Championships
  • *European C Championships
  • Four Nation Tournament
  • Ken Sowden Cup
  • Japan National Championships
  • Japan Para Championships
  • Metro Cup
  • *Paralympic Test Event
  • Quad Nations – UK
  • Rugbymania – Div 1
  • Vancouver Invitational – Div 1
  • (This list will be updated annually by the Technical Committee)


*Note candidates are responsible for their own travel expenses to the tournament. Once at the tournament, they will be part of the official’s team and therefore meals, accommodation and local transport will be covered.


Tournaments which are not sanctioned by the IWRF will not be required to cover costs as listed above, however it is strongly recommended that the same conditions for all officials be applied equally regardless if they are a candidate or not.