Match Reporting

Importance of Referee Reporting

The growth of rugby in the United States hinges upon how successfully aspects of professionalism are integrated into the game's culture, and officials completing effective, detailed match reports will be a key facet.

Match Reports

Complete relevant paperwork on Match Facts for each fixture.

Provide scores as well as counts for each type of score by each team. Record a brief summary of the game. Document any patterns that emerged in throughout the match relevant to offences and dominance in play.

If relevant to your match, provide reporting for Disciplinary events and/or Referee Abuse.

Yellow and Red Card Reports

Referees have an obligation to provide punctual, factual, and complete reports, and the more information you can get on the field, the easier your report will be to complete later.

Essential information to gather at the field:

Player identification: Full name, team, position, and jersey number.
Time of incident: Note the time of the match when the infraction occurred.
Game context: Note the score at the time of the incident; If multiple cards were issued, this helps provide context.
Offense details: Briefly record the reason for the card (e.g., "Dangerous tackle").
Captain's name: You should already have this from writing it down when you met before the match.

How to write the report:

Structure your narrative by focusing on the "ABCs": Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity.

Note: Reports must be filed within 48 hours of the end of the game.

Part 1: Initial report details

Match information: Venue, date, home and away teams, and the final score.

Referee details: Your full name and contact information

Sanction: Specify whether it was a yellow card (temporary suspension) or red card (send-off).

Note: MatchFacts takes care of 1 and 2 when you add in your cards.

Part 2: Detailed incident description

This is the most critical section. Describe what happened chronologically and factually, without bias.

Preceding events: Briefly describe the moments leading up to the incident. For example, where on field, who had ball, other relevant details like if the teams or player had been warned or penalized previously

The Incident: Describe the illegal act in factual terms using the relevant World Rugby Law.

Your perspective: State your position relative to the incident and your view of the incident.

Player's reaction: Describe the disciplined player's response to the card.

Post-incident: Note if the opponent required medical attention or if the offending player offered an apology.

Example Discipline Report:

Player was in possession of the ball in open play, in the middle of the field, near the halfway line. The [Team] #4 executed a high tackle on the opponent, making direct contact with their shoulder into the neck and head area of the opponent. The opponent’s head snapped backwards, and they fell to the ground. I was approximately 10 meters away and had a clear, unobstructed view. I immediately blew my whistle to stop play, separated the players, and summoned the captain. I gave a red card to [Team] #4, who was initially shocked, but then apologized as they ran off the field. The opponent was replaced for a potential head injury after being seen by the trainer.

Additional considerations

Assistant referee input: If an assistant referee (AR) helped identify the foul, include their report or details in your write-up.
Timeliness: Submit your report as soon as possible after the match to ensure the disciplinary committee can act promptly. Early reporting is essential for the process to proceed correctly.
Follow the game assignor’s protocol: Always follow the specific procedures of your local referee society or game assignor. They will have a defined process for submitting online reports.

Occasionally the disciplinary committee will want to speak with the referee to clarify details. Please respond to them and present the facts to the best of your knowledge

If you are interested in this topic further, Amelia Luciano presented to ANCRR on report writing in October 2025.

Reporting Referee Abuse

Match Officials should report abuse in a manner that alerts the NERRS Executive Board, and referees should provide documentation of the abuse in a timely manner, preferably within no more than 30 days following the event, to relevant NERRS emails:

president@nerugbyrefs.org || secretary@nerugbyrefs.org || assignments@nerugbyrefs.org

NERRS is required to report to the Referee and Laws Committee all incidents of Referee Abuse and offenders must be cited using the formal process as outlined by the local Union, SRO, and USA Rugby Disciplinary Procedures.
Match Officials may choose to file a report of a crime to local authorities.
If a Referee believes that Abuse is not appropriately handled, they can invoke a process through the RLC JO.

Key Components of a Report

ABCs - Accuracy, Brevity, Clarity
- Be ACCURATE - Stick rigidly to the facts of the incident and don't include conjecture; Make sure the stated offense matches the incident described and double-check information.
- Be BRIEF - The fewest words needed to convey what happened is typically best; Do not give opinions or recommendations.
- Be CLEAR - Report the incident without confusing or conflicting statements
Pertinent Facts
- Date
- Teams involved and venue
- Known identifying information of abuser(s) including names, role for team, and player number
- Recollection of what was said/done and the surrounding context including time in the game and location.
- For sideline behavior, whether or not there were technical zones and if TZ rules were followed.

Report - Example

Date:

Day-Name DD/MM/YYYY

Teams involved and Venue:

XXX Rugby Club at YYY Stadium

Known Identifying Information of Abuser:

John Smith (Player #N)

Best Recollection of Facts and Context:

Smith repeatedly questioned calls during ongoing match play. To correct this in the first half, I had an informal conversation with XXX's captain to issue a warning and to request that they address their player, and then later in the first half I issued a penalty against Smith since they had failed to correct their behavior. In the second half and following a call that they disagreed with, Smith called me "cheat" and unleashed a stream of obscenities at me. I issued a red card for the behavior.