Step 1: Complete Online Pre-Requisites
Register for a World Rugby Passport and complete the following online modules:
Step 2: Get Qualified
Rugby Ontario provides Match Official and Coach of Match Officials courses from Levels 1 through 3 year-round. To see a full list of upcoming courses being offered across the province click here.
To register for available referee courses, go to http://training.rugbycanada.ca, where you will be required to register for an account (if you have not already done so). The cost of the one-time Rugby Canada membership fee is $28.25. See the Step-by-step Match Official Course Registration Guide and Course Registration Video for assistance.
Membership will give you access to register for all development sessions, referee and coaching courses. Once registered, you can sign up for the course/session of your choice. Interested officials should register and complete the workbook far in advance of the course date to ensure that the course shows accurate participant numbers.
Courses may be cancelled four days prior to the event date if there are not enough people registered. Should the course be cancelled, the completed workbook will get transferred to an alternate course. We believe in supporting our education workforce and would like to provide sufficient time for them to make other arrangements if a course is cancelled.
Match Official Level 1
Full-day, non-assessed, attendance-based course which helps the novice referee to referee the basic components of the game in a practical-based environment.
Read MoreMatch Official Level 2
2-day, competency-based accreditation course which builds on the Level 1 course to help further develop the referee in a practical-based environment.
Read MoreMatch Official Level 3
4-day, competency-based accreditation course.
Read MoreStep 3: Register as a Match Official
Register through SportLomo as an official (provided is the SportLomo Membership Registration Guide to aid you with the process).
| League | Game Fees (2025) |
|---|---|
| Marshall 1 | OWL 1 | EORU, FRQ Men’s Super League | EORU, FRQ Women’s Super League | OUA | $85.00 $40.00 (AR) |
| All Other Senior Matches | EORU/FRQ Men’s Reserve | EORU/FRQ Women’s Reserve | EORU Men | EORU Women | $75.00 $40.00 (AR) |
| U16 | U18 | $60.00 $25.00 (AR) |
| U14 | $1.00/minute up to $50.00 |
| U12 | $1.00/minute up to $15.00 |
| Sevens | $20.00 $10.00 (AR) |
| Ontario Senior Rep Team | $85.00 $40.00 (AR) |
| Ontario Junior Rep Team | $75.00 or $1.00/minute (whichever is less) |
Match Official Code of Conduct
This code shall apply to all Match Officials who are registrants with Rugby Ontario.
Click HereIncident Report
To be used for incidents before, during or after a match other than a send-off
Click Here
The Ontario rugby community is saddened to learn of the recent and sudden passing of David Goodrow.
Dave was a respected senior panel referee for many years and will be remembered for his calm approach and keen understanding of the game – respected as a ‘players’ ref’. Dave was a stalwart member of the Niagara Rugby Referees Society. A highlight for Dave was refereeing a top club match while accompanying the senior Ontario team in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Away from rugby, he was a leading equine veterinarian, owning and operating the Irish Creek Equine Clinic, near Cambridge, ON. His practice focused principally on the care of racehorses. He visited numerous breeders and stables throughout southern Ontario and regularly travelled to the USA and Italy.
His initial introduction to rugby was a student at the University of Guelph, playing in the backline as center. After a break from the game, he was a regular playing for the Niagara Old Boys and Brantford Harlequins Over 35s. Dave’s passion became the Harlequins, serving as a long-time board member, president, coach and ‘alickadoo’, he was a regular pitch side fixture for all training and matches.
His generosity was legendary both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, he was a valued match official mentor and coach. Often abrupt and direct, but almost always spot on and always generous with his time, he helped a generation of match officials to a higher standard. The regular development meetings and socials he hosted were renowned.
Off the pitch he helped young players with jobs, a quiet financial commitment to the Harlequins. Rugby Canada benefited from steady donations including airmiles. His unique sense of humor was well known. Always ready to discuss any aspects of rugby over a pint, Dave will be missed.
Dave was a loving husband to Dr. Gwen Goodrow, who shared a love of travel, friends and family. Everyone associatedwith Rugby Ontario, especially from within the match official community, pass on our deep condolences to Gwen, the extended family and to his wide circle of friends, colleagues and acquaintances, who miss him greatly.
