USRF Sponsors Tropical 7s Referee Programme: 2026
Tampa, FL | April 2026: Close to 700 matches. One weekend. More than 80 referees. That was this year's Tropical 7s, and the US Rugby Foundation was there for all of it.
For the second consecutive year, the USRF served as the official partner of the Tropical 7s Referee Programme, the largest referee development opportunity in North American rugby. Held in Tampa, Florida over Easter weekend, the Tropical 7s is the biggest rugby festival on the continent. The referee programme it runs has become one of the most important on-field development experiences available to American officials.
700 Matches, One Weekend
The numbers speak for themselves. Under the stewardship of Referee Manager Roy Monk, the programme's referees and referee coaches oversaw close to 700 matches across the four-day event: a volume and variety of live competition that no clinic or classroom can replicate.
Approximately 30 US referees participated in this year's programme alongside their international counterparts, gaining reps across age groups, skill levels, and competitive intensities that define the best-in-class officiating the Tropical 7s demands. The programme is officially recognized by USA Rugby as a referee development camp, adding a formal credential to what is already one of the most sought-after experiences in American rugby officiating.
Why USRF Shows Up for Referees
Referees are among the most underfunded and underappreciated figures in rugby development. They make the game possible, and yet investments in officiating pipelines rarely match the scale of investment in player development. The USRF's partnership with the Tropical 7s is a direct response to that gap.
"This partnership supports participating referees at the Tropical 7s and showcases the amazing work of the USRF and their contribution to grow the sport of rugby in the USA," said the Tropical 7s in recognizing the collaboration. "We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the development of a strong and sustainable pipeline of rugby referees in the US."
That pipeline is exactly what the USRF is building. For six decades, the Foundation has invested in the full ecosystem of American rugby: youth programs, college scholarships, coach education, and health and safety. Referee development belongs in that same conversation, and the Tropical 7s partnership puts it there.
Interested in the 2027 Programme?
Referees not already on the Tropical 7s mailing list can register their interest for the 2027 Tropical 7s Referee Programme at tropical7s.com/referee-programme.
Support the Foundation
Programs like this exist because of the generosity of USRF donors and Clubhouse members. If you believe in building the next generation of rugby officials, players, and leaders, consider supporting the Foundation today.
