Referees
The Shanagher-Morrison Referee Development Fund provides grants to USA referees for domestic and international training courses and competition opportunities, focusing on those applicants with a passion for improving their skills and refereeing at the highest possible levels.
The Fund is named after two of the most celebrated referees in the history of USA Rugby, Denis Shanagher Sr. and Don Morrison, both members of the US Rugby Hall of Fame.

Awarded Grants

The North American Invitational NAI 7s tournament successfully took place in July 2025, gathering a massive field of 132 teams and 1,850 athletes spanning U14 through U23 divisions. The high-level competition saw 73% of its participants travel from outside the immediate region to compete. The event’s referee program was significantly enhanced, with the grant directly supporting all 72 referees through the involvement of 12 qualified Coaching and Mentoring Officers who provided coaching and feedback on every game.

The TROPICAL 7s and the US Rugby Foundation announced a significant new partnership. This collaboration established the USRF as the official partner of the TROPICAL 7s Referee Programme. The partnership underscored both organizations' commitment to fostering the growth and quality of match officiating at the tournament. This development provided essential support for the Referee Programme ahead of the 2025 event.

The North America Youth Rugby Referee Program was created to give opportunities for developing youth referees to travel to tournaments around North America and work with local and National referee coaches. The organization is a non-profit and 100% of the donations and sponsorships go directly to the expenses of sending a group of youth refs, a referee coach, and at least one chaperone to youth rugby events in North America
Don’t take our word for it. See what referees are saying.
We Need Your Support
With your support, the Foundation could fund additional grants for referees to improve their skills on the pitch.
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