Training & Education
Clinics and workshops are generally held in the spring (March, April, May) to precede the regular rugby season. Professional development opportunities may be scheduled any time throughout the year.
View the sections below for more information about the training and education opportunities offered in rugby, including course descriptions, time commitments, potential locations, prerequisites, and more. Once a course is scheduled, you can find the registration links under the relevant tab.
Course Interest & Feedback
Sask Rugby provides clinics, workshops, and professional development opportunities based on interest from the community. To let us know which courses you would like to see, complete the expression of interest form below.
NOTE: This is not a commitment or registration to any course. Courses will only be scheduled once there is a minimum number of individuals expressing interest. At that point, registration will be opened for anyone interested.
If you’ve taken one of the courses or professional development workshops offered by Sask Rugby, you can complete the feedback form below to share your thoughts and help us improve.
To inquire about a course not listed below or professional development opportunities, contact Sask Rugby’s Rugby Development Officer at rdo@saskrugby.com.
Coaches
World Rugby/NCCP Level 1 - Community Initiaton Clinic

Description: Full-day, non-assessed, attendance-based course which provides the novice coach with advice on both what and how to coach in a practical-based environment. This clinic is ideal for individuals looking to start coaching at the community level (e.g. club rugby, minor rugby, etc.).
Pre-Requisites:
- Rugby Ready(online module)
- Concussion Management for the General Public(online module)
- Introduction to Coaching(online module)
- Key Factor Analysis(online module)
- NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Evaluation (online evaluation or training course – required to achieve a “trained” status but can be completed following the clinic)
- Access the Online Evaluation
- Access Training Opportunities
Please be aware that you will be required to complete the prerequisites for your training before registering for the clinic or workshop.
Time Commitment:
- Online Portion: 2 hrs
- In-Person Portion: 8 hrs
Location: Online/In-Person
Cost: $150
Upcoming Sessions:
Please fill out an Expression of Interest form to let us know that you are interested in these workshops.
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
World Rugby/NCCP Level 2 - Competition Introduction Clinic

Description: 2-day, competency-based accreditation course which builds on the Level 1 course and further develops tactical and technical coaching as well as coaching process skills in a practical-based environment. This clinic is ideal for individuals looking to take the next step in their coaching journey and working with athletes on a development pathway.
Pre-Requisites:
- Rugby Ready(online module)
- Laws of the Game(online module)
- Keep Rugby Clean(online module)
- Concussion Management for the General Public(online module)
- Functional Role Analysis(online module)
- NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Evaluation (online evaluation or training course – required to achieve a “certified” status but can be completed following the clinic)
- Access the Online Evaluation
- Access Training Opportunities
Please be aware that you will be required to complete the prerequisites for your training before registering for the clinic or workshop.
Time Commitment:
- In-Person Portion: 16 hrs
- Post-Course Work: practice planning & evaluation
Location: In-Person
Cost: $200 clinic fee + $100 evaluation fee
Upcoming Sessions:
Please fill out an Expression of Interest form to let us know that you are interested in these workshops.
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
NCCP Rookie Rugby Workshop (for Community Coaches)
Description: NCCP Rookie Rugby training is a 4-hour in-person course designed to teach people how to introduce fundamental movement skills through the game of rugby in a non-contact, safe and fun environment. NCCP Rookie Rugby is for coaches of under-12 or non-contact rugby programs.
Pre-Requisites:
- Rugby Ready(online module)
- Concussion Management for the General Public(online module)
- Coaching Children(online module)
- NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Evaluation (online evaluation or training course – required to achieve a “certified” status but can be completed following the workshop)
- Access the Online Evaluation
- Access Training Opportunities
Please be aware that you will be required to complete the prerequisites for your training before registering for the clinic or workshop.
Time Commitment:
- 4 hours
Location: Hybrid – Online & In-Person
Cost: $50
Upcoming Sessions:
Please fill out an Expression of Interest form to let us know that you are interested in these workshops.
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
TackleSMART Workshop
Description: TackleSMART is a training workshop that aims to prevent injury in the tackle by giving coaches the competence and confidence to coach the tackle and progress effectively to contact.
Pre-Requisites:
- None. However, we suggest the following activities to prepare you for the workshop:
- Rugby Ready(online module)
- Laws of the Game(online module)
Time Commitment:
- In-Person Portion: 3 hrs
Location: In-Person
Cost: $25
Upcoming Sessions:
Please fill out an Expression of Interest form to let us know that you are interested in these workshops.
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
World Rugby Activate Workshop

Description: Activate is a structured exercise programme to reduce injuries in youth and adult community rugby. The Activate workshop will give coaches the information and tools to prepare their athletes for rugby activities and develop general movement control, conditioning, and physical robustness.
Pre-Requisites:
- Rugby Ready(online module)
Please be aware that you will be required to complete the prerequisites for your training before registering for the clinic or workshop.
Time Commitment:
- In-Person Portion: 3 hrs
Location: In-Person
Cost: $25
Upcoming Sessions:
- Please fill out an Expression of Interest form to let us know that you are interested in these workshops.
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
Rookie Rugby Instructor Training (for Teachers)

Description: Rookie Rugby Instructor Training is a training program for teachers who want to add the Rookie Rugby program to their Phys Ed toolkit. The Rookie Rugby program was designed for use in a classroom setting – specifically to satisfy the Saskatchewan phys. Ed. curriculum outcomes – and has been endorsed by PHE Canada and PHE Saskatchewan for this use. This session covers what Rookie Rugby is, how to understand and implement the Rookie Rugby curriculum, and allows teachers to get practical experience running activities with their peers. No prior experience with the sport of rugby is required.
Optional Pre-Work:
- Read World Rugby’s Beginner’s Guide to Rugby(online resource)
- Read and review the Rookie Rugby Guidebook(online resource)
Time Commitment: 3 hours
Location: In Person
Cost: Free!
Respect In Sport (Required to Coach Rugby in Saskatchewan)

Description: The Respect in Sport Activity Leader program is an on-line training course for coaches, sport leaders and leaders of youth in virtually any activity. While a great number of topics are covered during this program, at the core, Respect in Sport is primarily designed as a tool to assist leaders to identify and respond to abuse, neglect, harassment, and bullying.
Notice: Rugby coaches in Saskatchewan are required to complete Respect In Sport training before participating as a coach. Coaches who have completed Respect In Sport in the past (whether for rugby or another sport) but do not have access to their certificate should contact the Sask Rugby office.
Pre-Requisites: None.
Time Commitment: Self-Directed
Location: Respect In Sport Online Portal
Match Officials
World Rugby Match Official Level 1 Clinic

Description: Full-day, non-assessed, attendance-based course which helps the novice referee to referee the basic components of the game in a practical-based environment. This clinic is ideal for new referees and players & coaches that are looking to increase their understanding of the laws of the game.
Pre-Requisites:
- Match Official Pre-Level 1(online module)
- Rugby Ready(online module)
- Laws of the Game(online module)
- Concussion Management for the General Public(online module)
Please be aware that you will be required to complete the prerequisites for your training before registering for the clinic or workshop.
Time Commitment:
- In-Person portion: 8.5 hrs
Location: In-Person
Cost: $75
Upcoming Sessions:
Please fill out an Expression of Interest form to let us know that you are interested in these workshops.
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
World Rugby Match Official Level 2 Clinic

Description: 2-day, competency-based accreditation course which builds on the Level 1 course to help further develop the referee in a practical-based environment. This clinic is ideal for experienced match officials looking to take the next step in their officiating journey, refine their skills, and gain a better understanding of the role of the match official.
Pre-Requisites:
- Rugby Ready(online module)
- Laws of the Game(online module)
- First Aid In Rugby(online module)
- Concussion Management for the General Public(online module)
- Match Official Pre-Lv 1(online module)
- Introduction to Conditioning for Adults(online module)
- COVID-19 Return to Play Awareness for Coaches and Players(online module)
Please be aware that you will be required to complete the prerequisites for your training before registering for the clinic or workshop.
Time Commitment:
- Online Portion: 1.5 hrs
- In-Person Portion: 12 hrs
- Post-Course Work: match journals & evaluation
Location: In-Person
Cost: $75
Notes:
- Clinic fees are MAP Grant eligible expenses for Sask Rugby Member Organizations.
- Female registrants are eligible for reimbursement of clinic fees through Sask Rugby’s Female Development Grant.
- Indigenous registrants may qualify for the Sask Sport Indigenous Coaches and Officials Program.
PD: Communication with Players, Captains, and the Match Official Team

Description: This professional development opportunity for match officials will cover best practices in communication with the various on-field participants that take part in a rugby match.
Time Commitment: TBD
Location: TBD – Online Workshop
Cost: TBD
PD: How To Do Video Review

Description: Video review is a key tool for match officials to use to improve their technique and positioning. This session will cover the things that match officials should be looking for when watching their games back and how to turn these observations into actionable goals.
Time Commitment: TBD
Location: TBD – Online Workshop
Cost: TBD
PD: Decision Making for Officials
Description: The Decision Making for Officials eLearning module is designed for officials officiating at the development level.
As an official, you can have a profound impact on the outcome of a game. The essence of a good official is both tangible—knowing and enforcing the rules of the sport—and intangible—making good judgements and effectively communicating your decision. This module is intended to give you insight into the decision-making process and help you develop knowledge and skills to effectively make and communicate decisions when officiating.
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe the types of officials
- Explain how officials process information and make decisions
- Describe factors that influence officials’ judgement and decision making
- Effectively communicate your decision
Time Commitment: TBD
Location: TBD – Online Workshop
Cost: $19.95
PD: Skilled Interaction for Officials
Description: The Skilled Interaction with Coaches for Officials eLearning module is designed for officials officiating at the development level.
As an official, you are required to make rapid decisions in an ambiguous environment where player and coach emotions often run high (Simmons & Cunningham, 2013). It is inevitable that players and coaches will disagree with some of your decisions and you will be required to interact skillfully with them to minimize and manage conflict. The best officials are able to manage contests without dominating them (MacMahon & Plessner, 2008). This module is intended to give you the insight you need to effectively interact with coaches and players and officiate the game with interpersonal ease.
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
- Explain why officials need to be able to interact skillfully with others
- Recognize behaviours and attitudes that minimize and exacerbate conflict
- Manage the impression players and coaches have of you
- Apply strategies to minimize conflict
- Effectively interact with coaches and players when under pressure
Time Commitment: TBD
Location: TBD – Online Workshop
Cost: $19.95
Club Administrators
Rules of Competition: What Clubs Need To Know

Description: A review of Sask Rugby’s Rules of Competition (which govern competitions sanctioned by Sask Rugby) highlighting the key information and clauses that clubs need to know prior to the upcoming season.
Pre-Requisites: None.
Dates: Available upon request from Sub Unions
Location: TBD
Respect In Sport (Online Module)

Description: The Respect in Sport Activity Leader program is an on-line training course for coaches, sport leaders and leaders of youth in virtually any activity. While a great number of topics are covered during this program, at the core, Respect in Sport is primarily designed as a tool to assist leaders to identify and respond to abuse, neglect, harassment, and bullying.
Pre-Requisites: None.
Date(s): Self-Directed
Time(s): Self-Directed
Location: Respect In Sport Online Portal
World Rugby: The Clubhouse
World Rugby's 'Clubhouse' section gives advice and step-by-step guides across 18 key areas in three sections: 1. Management, 2. Commercial, Events & Communications, and 3. Growth, Membership and Volunteers. Navigate below to find each section.
World Rugby: Tournament Manager Programme
As the game grows across our member Unions and Regional Associations, the number of tournaments across the various forms of the game held each year also grows.
These tournaments require well trained people to manage them to ensure a safe, secure and fun environment for all involved.
Whilst this course material is considered appropriate for elite and international levels of rugby, much of the content will be useful for anyone managing a tournament within the community game, and some of the content might be less relevant. The reader will need to determine which elements relate to the events that they manage. In some sections, recommendations specific to the community game are highlighted in yellow.
https://passport.world.rugby/match-day-staff/tournament-manager-programme/overview/
Empowering The Prairie - Club Development Tool
Coming soon!
Club Marketing Toolkit
This toolkit is intented to help your club communicate more easily with players and members. Use it as reference and feel free to make it your own using the powerpoint templates included in the google drive.
National Insurance Program
Take a deep dive and know all their is to know about Rugby Canada's National Insurance Program










