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 US Rugby Foundation awarded a grant to support referee development at the 2026 Girls High School Rugby National Championships, taking place May 15 to 16, 2026. This grant helps provide officiating resources that strengthen high school rugby competition and support the continued growth of the women's game at the youth level.
The US Rugby Foundation awarded a grant to support referee development at the 2026 Boys High School Rugby National Championships, taking place May 21 to 23, 2026, at the Moose Rugby Grounds. This grant helps provide officiating resources that strengthen high school rugby competition and support the continued growth of the game at the youth level.
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 Program. 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 Program ahead of the 2026 event.
Don’t take our word for it. See what referees are saying.
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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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