Following a successful series of Disciplinary training courses in 2023, USA Rugby Training & Education is pleased to announce the first sessions of 2024 for this spring.
After identifying a need for growth and consistency in the disciplinary process across USA Rugby community competitions, regional discipline representatives from the Referee & Laws Committee Development Working Group (Megan Braun, Bryan Dewease, Scott Duval and Preston Gordon) designed and piloted this new training program for Disciplinary Committee Members within the community.
Developed under the guidance of World Rugby JO Matt Eason, and with the support of Rugby Americas North, the four courses hosted in 2023 were designed for disciplinary officers needing to align their processes with current World Rugby protocols. In addition, USA Rugby is establishing the certification of Community Judicial Officers to recognize those who successfully implement the process in their Unions.
USA Rugby Director of Training & Education, Jamie McGregor said, “Last year was a great success after the initial pilot program in 2022, from which we received excellent feedback in the four host cites. We have put significant resources into improving disciplinary processes across the game, and we know there are still plenty of USA Rugby Members who are involved in disciplinary and unable to attend in 2023. Given the demand and impact, we are excited to host more sessions this year.”
| DATE | LOCATION |
|---|---|
| March 9-10, 2024 | Los Angeles, CA |
| April 27-28, 2024 | Denver, CO |
| June 8-9, 2024 | Dallas, TX |
| August 24-25, 2024 | Chicago, IL |
Community Judicial Officer (CJO). Training in the World Rugby Disciplinary process for the purpose of running Disciplinary Panels in accordance with World Rugby guidelines. After attending this workshop, participants are not yet certified as Community Judicial Officers (CJO) but will be eligible to participate in gaining USA Rugby CJO certification through a transcript process.
Representatives of USA Rugby Unions, SYROs and Competitions who will serve as Disciplinary Chairs, Community Judicial Officers and/or Disciplinary Panel members for their Union/SYRO/Competition. Unlike World Rugby JOs, Community JOs need not be lawyers/legal professionals.
