Rugby Americas North (RAN) is excited to announce an invitation for candidates to apply to become a World Rugby Citing Commissioner (CCs). The training will be run in partnership with USA Rugby, Rugby Canada, and participating RAN Member Unions. The course will be delivered by World Rugby Citing Commissioner Educators David Pelton and Bruce Kuklinski, assisted by other Educators as needed.
There is currently a need to increase the Citing Commissioner pool within the RAN region to help cover international matches delivered by RAN, USA Rugby, Rugby Canada – as well as professional rugby and various local competitions.
The selection process includes completing a few assignments to help screen applicants. Those selected will begin Citing Commissioner training in December 2025. The time commitment for participants is approximately one weekday evening and/or one weekend morning for six to eight weeks. Support and resources will be available throughout their training.
RAN’s Regional Training Manager Scott Harland added, “RAN and World Rugby work closely with all Member Unions to keep the game as safe as possible for our members and participants. Citing Commissioners are an important part of the team that keeps rugby safe. Our region has been training and preparing high quality CCs for years, with appointments to international events and World Cups around the globe. We encourage volunteers from across the region to apply to the 2025 World Rugby Citing Commissioner Course and join this very talented and dedicated group.
Participants that perform strongly on the course might be invited to participate as apprentice Citing Commissioners during parts of the 2026 Major League Rugby (MLR) season, to gain hands-on experience and develop towards being lead Citing Commissioners.
The time commitment for new Citing Commissioners will be approximately one match to be reviewed every two to three weeks over a period of three to four months –– totaling between six to eight matches. The process is expected to be completed by May 2026.
Any individual in the rugby community is welcome to apply according to the application instructions below. Refereeing or officiating background is not necessary, but knowledge of Law 9 is required. RAN is particularly keen to see applications from people that represent our region’s great diversity.
RAN 2025 CITING COMMISSIONER COURSE APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the below tasks online prior to October 6, 2025:
1. World Rugby Citing Commissioner Module
2. Citing Commissioner Course Application and its Red Card Video Review exercises
Applications will be scored in a blind scoring process, based on both accuracy of outcome and the methodology used to reach the outcome. Candidates will be subsequently notified whether their application is successful or not. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact RAN’s Regional Training Manager, Scott Harland, via email sharland@rugbyamericasnorth.com.
