2026 REF PROGRAMME - APPLICATIONS OPEN
- Tropical 7s
- Oct 28
- 2 min read
Applications are now open for referees wishing to take part in the 2026 TROPICAL 7s International Referee Programme, one of the world’s premier development opportunities for rugby sevens match officials.
KEY DETAILS:
When: 3–4 April 2026 (Friday & Saturday of Easter weekend)
Where: Tampa SportsPlex, Tampa, Florida, USA
Age Groups: Boys’ and Girls’ U18, U16, U14, U12, University/U23 (men and women), and Senior Men’s and Women’s divisions
All matches at the 2026 TROPICAL 7s will be officiated by fully qualified referees, with selected fixtures featuring a full three-referee team (Match Referee + 2 Assistant Referees). Referee assignments will be made by the tournament’s Referee Manager, with a dedicated referee coaching programme providing live feedback and guidance throughout the weekend.
Applications are open now and will be reviewed in Autumn 2025, with appointments confirmed by early 2026.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A TROPICAL 7s REFEREE
Referees selected for the programme can look forward to:
Participation in a group of approximately 70–80 referees from around the world
Shared accommodation at the host referee hotel
Complimentary shuttle service between Tampa International Airport and the referee hotel
Bus transport to and from match fields
Match fees and/or travel subsidy (as determined by the Referee Manager)
On-site referee coaching during the tournament
Dedicated, air-conditioned referee area at the venue
Nutrition and hydration provided throughout the day
Official 2026 Tropical 7s referee jersey
A well-organized and rewarding experience at one of the world’s leading rugby sevens tournaments
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR REFEREES
To be part of the programme, referees should:
Be a qualified referee with previous experience officiating rugby sevens
Be comfortable refereeing in fast-paced, hot, and humid conditions
Be of good standing with their home union
Be available for both days of competition (approximately 8am–8pm each day)
Bring all necessary refereeing equipment
Work collaboratively with the Referee Manager, tournament office, and Designated Disciplinary Officer (DDO)
Approach the tournament with professionalism, teamwork, and enthusiasm
SUPPORTED BY THE US RUGBY FOUNDATION
The US Rugby Foundation (USRF) is the Official Partner of the TROPICAL 7s Referee Programme. Through this partnership, the USRF continues its commitment to developing the next generation of referees and strengthening the officiating pathway within the United States. The USRF has long been at the forefront of supporting rugby development nationwide—both for players and match officials. This collaboration with TROPICAL 7s highlights the crucial role referees play in the sport and reinforces shared efforts to enhance the quality and consistency of rugby officiating across the country.
ABOUT THE TROPICAL 7s REFEREE PROGRAMME
Since 2017, the TROPICAL 7s International Referee Programme has attracted qualified and experienced match officials from around the world to officiate at North America’s largest rugby festival and one of the globe’s leading international sevens events.
The programme provides referees with:
A professional refereeing environment
Referee coaching and mentoring during the event
Competitive international fixtures across multiple divisions
Recognized since 2023 as an official USA Rugby Referee Development Camp, the TROPICAL 7s offers referees an exceptional opportunity to develop their skills, connect with peers, and experience top-tier rugby competition in a world-class setting.
For questions about the 2026 Referee Programme, please contact:
Comments