What BokSmart certification do I need as a referee?
Rule- South Africa
- SA Rugby
- Club rugby
- Community rugby
- Senior
- World Rugby laws
- BokSmart
- 2026
- Referees
Under SA Rugby's BokSmart regulations:
- Every referee and assistant referee must be BokSmart certified to officiate. Ordinary touch judges who are not qualified referees and only monitor the touchline are exempt.
- Certification is valid for 2 years. Renew it by completing the latest BokSmart course; there is a 2-month grace period after the expiry date on your licence card.
- Officiating without certification brings at least a 3-match suspension, which lasts until you are certified.
SA Rugby's Rugby Safety documents describe referees and coaches as the first line of defence in preventing serious injuries, because many community matches have little or no medical support.
Added 22 Oct 2026