BC Rugby is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with the Rugby Match Officials Society of BC.

The historic multi-year agreement will see BC Rugby and the BCRRS join forces to promote, educate and develop match officials throughout British Columbia.

The aim of the partnership is to actively support Rugby officials in BC and improve the quality and safety of Rugby throughout the province. The agreement formalises minimum standards for officials, as well as commits BC Rugby to tackle abuse towards officials and providing financial support for officials and rugby outside of the major rugby hubs. The agreement also ensures integrity in BC Rugby competitions by removing any financial relationship between competing clubs and officials.

“The BCRRS is delighted to join forces with BC Rugby in what is a positive move for all officials and clubs throughout British Columbia. I’m pleased with the doors this partnership promises to open for refereeing opportunities. I’ve certainly enjoyed my experiences refereeing our sport and I hope this partnership will provide even better experiences for current and future referees.” – David Smortchevsky

““Rugby simply doesn’t happen without referees, and this agreement formalises how we work together to actively support, train and develop officials which is integral to our aim to improve the quality and safety of our sport. My thanks to the BCRRS Board for making this happen and I look forward to bringing this partnership to fruition.” – BC Rugby CEO Annabel Kehoe

To kick start the new partnership, BC Rugby purchased ten communication sets to add to the current stock of four sets, which connect Match Officials to assistant referees, allowing them to communicate in real time. This will provide more development opportunities for Rugby match officials throughout BC.