High school rugby matches are offiiciated by a head referee and two touch judges. Officials for the Smoky Mountain Conference are trained and coached in accordance with the guidelines of the IRB.

IRB Under 19 Law Variations Details>>
Middle School Law Variations Details>>

If you are interested in becoming a rugby referee or touch judge, simply contact the conference director and we'll get you in touch with the appropriate officials to receive training and assignments.

2012 High School Referee Policy (PDF)
Each game of the Smoky Mountain High School Rugby Conference will be covered by a head referee and two assistant referees.  All referees should be properly kitted.

Head Referee
The head referee HR) will be assigned by the conference based on availability and desire to service youth rugby in East Tennessee. The HR is entitled to compensation based on the 2012 Compensation rates set by SMAC and published prior to the beginning of the competition. To receive proper credit for working a game, the referee must submit the completed Referee Match Report within 72 hours of the contest.

Assistant Referees
It is the Head Referee’s responsibility to recruit Assistant Referees for each game.  To qualify for compensation, this recruitment should be done at least one hour prior to kickoff and the AR should not be a student, parent or coach of a team involved in the game.  ARs are entitled to compensation based on the 2012 Compensation Rates set by SMAC and published prior to the beginning of the competition. To receive proper credit for working a game, the Assistant Referee’s name must be appear as a Recruited AR on the Referee Match Report and that report must be submitted within 72 hours of the contest.

Travel stipend
In addition to the compensation received from SMAC for service, a referee traveling over 30 miles shall be entitled to a travel stipend which shall be received directly from the home team.

2012 Compensation Rates
Head Referee (without recruited ARs)                                  $25
Head Referee (with recruited ARs)                                      $40
Assistant Referee (properly recruited by the HR)                  $10
Travel Stipend (over 30 miles)                                             $25