Global Match Official Qualifications

This comparative study, entitled Rugby Match Officials Education and Development Global Mapping Project, is a groundbreaking piece of work as there has never been any previous attempt to map match official education in our member Unions. The Report analyses Match Official education and development pathways in countries where the World Rugby Match Officiating education programme is delivered, and in those countries where the Union has their own qualifications and pathway. It has been interesting to note the role of observation and review of performance on the pitch, alongside formal education and informal learning, in the progression pathways for referees in many countries.

The main outcome of the project is the Global Match Officiating Equivalency Table (see below) which shows the equivalent courses at each level from nations where the member Union have their own awards when mapped against the World Rugby Match Officiating courses. 

The mapping and equivalency project resulting in this Report was implemented by the European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE) as a trusted external organisation. EOSE is a European Network organisation, specialising in vocational education in the sport and physical activity sector. World Rugby would like to thank EOSE for their work in liaising with the Regional Training Managers and member Unions around the world to compile this Report.

This Report, including the Global Match Official Education Equivalency Table, will aid Unions when dealing with mobility of Match Officials and their respective qualifications and provide a reference point for their continued development – although it should be noted again that progression to the highest levels of officiating

Qualifications evolve over time and the findings of this study are accurate at the time of its release (March 2025).

Jock Peggie, Head of Education, Laws & Compliance 

Download the full World Rugby EOSE Global Comparative Study
 

Global Match Officiating Equivalency Table