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Smart Rugby

SmartRugby is designed to ensure that coaches build smart and safe techniques into all aspects of Rugby training and play.

It's the minimum requirement for every coach and referee participating in Rugby where there is a tackle component.

Smart Rugby is one of the largest educational Risk Management programs run by a sporting body in Australia.

  • It is mandatory for any first time coach or referee wishing to gain an accreditation to attend a Smart Rugby Session.
  • It is mandatory for all Coaches and Referees in Queensland to attend a Smart Rugby Session every two years.

Irrespective of your experience or current level of accreditation all coaches and referees will start at the same place, the ARU Smart Rugby Education and Safety Update session.

This 2.5 hour seminar is mandatory for all coaches and referees to attend once every two years. Your attendance at the session will result in a SmartRugby qualification being recorded onto your MyRugby Admin Card.

This card will recognise your currency with SmartRugby and any other subsequent qualifications you hold in Rugby coaching and/or refereeing. The SmartRugby qualification recognises you as both a coach and referee.

Irrespective of other qualifications you still require a current SmartRugby qualification to be recognised by the ARU as a coach or referee.

What is SmartRugby and why is it mandatory?

The SmartRugby program is essentially an occupational health and safety program for the game of Rugby.

With regular changes in the Laws and the ways in which the game is played, an on-going commitment is required to ensuring that all participants are aware of how to appropriately participate in and manage the game.

"Rugby Union is a sport which involves contact. Any sport involving physical contact has inherent dangers" (Laws of the Game).

Whilst acknowledging the reality of this statement, the ARU and QRU are determined to minimise the risk involved in the game of Rugby and to provide an enjoyable and injury free experience for participants. This will enhance the level of confidence that players and their families can have in their association with the game.

What is involved in a SmartRugby Education and Safety Update Session?

At the end of the seminar you will provide a witnessed signature on a register that specifies:

  • That you have been informed of all current areas of risk in Rugby that have been identified by the ARU and the recommended best practice for managing these risks for players, coaches and referees.
  • Additionally, that you are in possession of, and know how to access the current information relating to these areas of risk and the Laws, Directives and By-Laws that currently govern participation by players, coaches and referees.

SmartRugby Course Details

SmartRugby Education and Safety Update Sessions are run regularly in most major regions by the development staff of the local sub-union.

Contact your local sub-union staff member for information.

A SmartRugby Education and Safety Update Session Calendar is available with confirmed dates and venues.

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