Terms and Conditions

(Last updated Aug 13, 2026)

Individual Membership (as defined by the USA Rugby Bylaws) is required for participation in the game of rugby and activities sanctioned by or sponsored by USA Rugby.

Membership in USA Rugby is a privilege granted by USA Rugby.

Individual Membership is open to any individual who is an athlete, coach, official, medical professional, manager, or administrator who is active in or seeking to participate in rugby in the United States. Membership is open to any individual regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or physical disability.

The USA Rugby Membership is granted annually for one membership season, ending on August 31 regardless of the date of application.

An individual shall apply for membership on an annual basis by registering in Rugby Xplorer.

A Membership application is considered accepted unless it is automatically denied by USA Rugby. A Membership is automatically denied if:

1. The applicant has been declared ineligible or is serving a suspension for a SafeSport Code violation, as determined by the U.S. Center for SafeSport or by USA Rugby;
2. The applicant has been disqualified from membership pursuant to the USA Rugby Background Check Policy.
3. The applicant is serving a period of suspension or ineligibility for an Anti-Doping Rule Violation, per the World Anti-Doping Code;
4. The applicant is serving a period of suspension or ineligibility with any USA Rugby Club or Council, with World Rugby, or with any World Rugby Associate Member Union (as defined by World Rugby Bye-Law Article 1); or
5. The applicant is serving a period of suspension or ineligibility for a violation of the USA Rugby Code of Conduct.

Membership shall be immediately suspended or revoked if, after admission to membership, a Member becomes ineligible or begins serving a period of suspension for any of the reasons listed above, or as otherwise required by applicable law.

USA Rugby may deny, suspend, or terminate membership upon the determination that the Member has violated the USA Rugby governing documents, no longer meets membership eligibility requirements, or has engaged in conduct inconsistent with USA Rugby’s mission, purpose, or best interest.

I acknowledge that I am applying for membership voluntarily. As a condition to Membership in USA Rugby, I agree to abide by and be bound by the provisions of the USA Rugby Bylaws, USA Rugby Code of Conduct, USA Rugby Membership Policy, and other USA Rugby Policies, all of which may be found on the USA Rugby website.

I affirm that I am not suspended from participation or serving a period of ineligibility with the U.S. Center for SafeSport, with any USA Rugby Club or Council, or any World Rugby Associate Member Union.

I understand and agree that any misrepresentation, false statement, or omission of material information in my membership application or registration may result in the denial, suspension, or revocation of membership.

I understand that USA Rugby is certified by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (“USOPC”) as the National Governing Body for the sport of rugby, and I understand that I am subject to certain obligations and rights incorporated into the USA Rugby policies as a condition of that certification. I understand that USA Rugby is a Member Union of World Rugby, and I understand that I am subject to certain obligations and rights incorporated into the USA Rugby policies as a condition of that membership.

I agree to be bound by the USA Rugby Safe Sport Handbook, the USA Rugby Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy, the SafeSport Code, and the policies and procedures promulgated by the U.S. Center for Safe Sport, which may be found on the USA Rugby Safe Sport webpage. I submit to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Center for SafeSport and agree that any sanctions imposed by the Center extend to my participation in all USA Rugby events or activities, or events and activities of other NGBs, and may be posted publicly and include information regarding the misconduct involved.

I understand and agree that the World Rugby Anti-Doping Rules and U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (“USADA”) rules and protocols, and all applicable rules adopted by USA Rugby, World Rugby, USADA, and the USOPC apply to me, and I am responsible for complying with them.

I agree to submit to drug testing at any time and understand that the use of methods or substances prohibited by the applicable anti-doping rules would make me subject to penalties including, but not limited to, disqualification and suspension. If it is determined that I may have committed a doping violation, I agree to submit to the results management authority and processes of USADA, including arbitration under the USADA Protocol, or to the results management authority of World Rugby and/or my national federation, if applicable or referred by USADA.

As a condition to membership, I expressly agree to comply with the USA Rugby Grievance and Dispute Resolution Policy, as it may be amended from time to time.

I understand that Membership is a prerequisite to and not a guarantee of participation. Members are subject to certain criteria contained in the USA Rugby Background Check Policy and the USA Rugby SafeSport Handbook, and Participants may be required to complete additional Training and Education certificates for eligibility compliance in certain roles. USA Rugby Membership does not automatically confer membership in any separate USA Rugby member club or organization. Membership does not guarantee playing time, available coaching positions, match appointments, or other participation.

I authorize USA Rugby to verify my citizenship status with the appropriate governmental agencies should that be required for an eligibility determination.

I acknowledge and agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and waive any claims against USA Rugby, its directors, officers, employees, contractors, member unions, member clubs, sanctioned event organizers, volunteers, and agents (“Released Parties”) for damages or losses arising from membership decisions, disciplinary actions, eligibility determinations, or other actions taken in accordance with USA Rugby’s Bylaws and policies, including claims for alleged harm to reputation, lost wages, loss of income, lost opportunities, or similar consequential damages.

I understand and agree that any claim, dispute, or controversy arising out of or related to my membership in USA Rugby, my opportunity to participate in the game of rugby, USA Rugby’s governance, or any act or omission by USA Rugby or its directors, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, or agents shall be resolved by binding arbitration as set forth in the Bylaws and USA Rugby Policies. I knowingly waive my right to be heard in a court of law, with or without a jury.

I have read this Membership Agreement and fully understand its terms, and understand that I have given up substantial rights by agreeing to it. In consideration for the privilege of participation in USA Rugby activities, I further represent that I am at least 18 years of age or, if I am under the age of 18, that my parent/guardian has accepted this Membership Agreement by clicking “I agree.”

I voluntarily consent to participation in Rugby Activities and expressly, knowingly, and freely accept and assume all such risks, known and unknown; foreseeable and unforeseeable, and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages incurred as a result of such participation.

I acknowledge that the game of rugby is a contact sport. Participation in the game of rugby and activities sanctioned by or sponsored by USA Rugby, including but not limited to warm-up, training, practice, games, clinics, travel, and social events (referred to herein as the "Rugby Activity” or “Rugby Activities"), includes participation in a full-contact sport, requires good health and fitness, and can be hazardous and present a danger to me. I certify that I am qualified to participate in the Activities, and if at any time I believe the conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Rugby Activity.

Participation in Rugby Activities involves inherent and unavoidable risks of serious bodily injury, including but not limited to permanent disability, neurodegenerative injury (including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)), paralysis, and death. These risks may arise from a wide range of circumstances, including but not limited to physical contact with or proximity to other participants or individuals; interaction with spectators, equipment, field, facility and/or fixed objects; falls; collisions; rough play; and other mishaps (anticipated or unanticipated); exposure to extreme or adverse weather conditions and/or high altitude; flaws, defects, and malfunctions in equipment and facilities; irregular field conditions; and negligent field and facility maintenance, design, and layout; negligent officiating, coaching, training, security, supervision, and participation; negligent medical response and transportation; and negligent acts or omissions of third parties, including spectators and volunteers. Risks may be caused by my own actions or inaction; the actions or inaction of others; the condition of equipment; and the condition of the facilities in which the Rugby Activities take place. Additionally, the risks may result from, or be aggravated by, the negligence, gross negligence, or recklessness of the Released Parties. I also understand that there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.

I acknowledge that I have carefully reviewed this waiver and release and understand that I knowingly and voluntarily agree to the release and waiver provisions contained herein, which may affect my legal rights, and I have been advised to read this agreement and the referenced policies carefully prior to accepting it.

This Waiver and Release of Liability is entered into by the Member in favor of USA Rugby and the Released Parties. For the purpose of this Waiver and Release of Liability, “Released Parties” shall also include any USA Rugby training site, and the owners and lessors thereof.

In consideration for the privilege of my participation in Rugby Activities, I hereby voluntarily and irrevocably release, discharge, covenant not to sue, and agree to indemnify and save and hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liability, demands, losses, medical expenses, lost opportunities, damages, or attorney’s fees and costs stemming from any or all claims for negligence, express or implied warranty, contribution, and indemnity, and/or claims of negligent rescue operations, first aid, and emergency care, to the broadest extent permitted by applicable law, including C.R.S. 13-22-107 if I am a Minor, suffered by me and incurred on my account with respect to my personal injury and other injury or harm, disability, and/or death, or property damage, arising directly or indirectly from my participation in Rugby Activities, as caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the Released Parties or any of them, and further agree that if, despite this Release, I or any other person makes a claim on my behalf, including my parent or legal guardian if applicable, against any of the Released Parties, unless, and to the extent, prohibited by law, I and my parent/guardian, if applicable, will indemnify, save and hold harmless each of the Released Parties from any liability, litigation or arbitration expenses, attorney fees, losses, damages, or costs that they may incur as the result of any such claim, whether asserted by me, my parent/guardian, if applicable, or another person.

I understand and agree that this Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflicts of law principles.

If any provision of this document is determined to be invalid for any reason, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of any of the other provisions, which other provisions shall remain in full force and effect as if this document had been executed with the invalid provision eliminated.

I hereby certify that I have completely read and agreed to the USA Rugby Privacy Policy, currently residing on the USA Rugby website (https://www.usa.rugby/privacy-policy/).

USA Rugby's Accident Medical Coverage for members is designed to supplement primary health insurance when you participate in USA Rugby sanctioned events. USA Rugby Accident Medical Coverage is not provided to Youth and High School Council members. Information on Youth and High School Council Accident Medical Insurance can be found here. USA Rugby’s Accident Medical Coverage benefits are subject to change at any time. USA Rugby’s Accident Medical Coverage is not intended to completely replace members' personal health insurance.

USA Rugby encourages members to maintain in-force primary Medical/Accident insurance for the duration of the membership year. Failure to provide satisfactory evidence of such insurance coverage for the Member may prevent processing of this application and result in termination of membership and suspension of all rights to participate in USA Rugby activities.

Primary policies accepted:

• Primary medical/health insurance that covers athletic injuries.
• Any government-sponsored health plan, including Tricare, Medicare, or Medicaid.
• Catastrophic health plan which is a primary health insurance policy that covers athletic injuries.

I have read the information above regarding my USA Rugby Accident Insurance Coverage and its policy requirements, terms, and conditions. I understand this summary does not replace or change any part of the USA Rugby Accident Insurance Coverage policy. If there is a conflict between the summary and the coverages, terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions in the policy, the policy will control.

You are eligible for a refund of USA Rugby Membership dues if:

• The request is within 7 days of the transaction; and
• You have NOT played in any match (scrimmage, friendly, competitive, tournament, etc.).

You are NOT eligible for a refund if:

• You have played in any match, tournament, or organized play; or
• The transaction date is more than 7 days ago.

By requesting a refund, you are cancelling the corresponding registration and may be cancelling your membership altogether. You understand that if you cancel your membership, you are NOT eligible to utilize USA Rugby’s Accident Insurance Policy, and you are NOT eligible to practice, compete, or participate in Rugby Activities.

You are being refunded only the USA Rugby membership fees, NOT any regional fees or processing fees. Regional fees will need to be refunded from the region/union/SRO directly.

I hereby authorize and give my full consent to USA Rugby to copyright and/or publish any and all photographs, videotapes, film, webcasts/podcasts, and any other form of visual/audio communications in which I appear (separately or together) while attending any USA Rugby event.

I further agree that USA Rugby may transfer, use, or cause to be used, these above-mentioned communications for any exhibitions, public displays, publications, commercials, art and advertising purposes, and television programs without limitations or reservations.

Questions about these Terms and Conditions may be directed to compliance@usa.rugby.

I certify that I have read and understand these Terms and Conditions.

I certify that I am at least 18 years old or, if I am a minor (under age 18), that my parent or legal guardian has accepted these Terms and Conditions on my behalf.

By checking “I agree,” I accept and agree to be bound by the USA Rugby Terms and Conditions.