USA Club Rugby and USA Rugby: Roles and Relationship

USA Club Rugby (USACR)

USA Club Rugby is an incorporated, independent, member-led organization that governs adult club rugby in the United States. As the national body for senior club competition, USACR oversees all adult men’s and women’s club competitions, including the National Championship Series (NCS) for both 15s and 7s. USACR operates in cooperation with USA Rugby (USAR) under a formal Community Agreement, through which USACR contracts USA Rugby as a service provider.

Key Responsibilities:

– Governs adult club rugby nationwide
– Manages the National Championship Series (NCS) for both 15s and 7s
– Coordinates with Geographical Unions (GUs), Local Area Unions (LAUs), and Super Regionals to organize competition structures
– Establishes and enforces eligibility rules for players, coaches, and teams
– Represents and advocates for adult club rugby interests nationally
– Contracts and funds services provided by USA Rugby, including membership, CMS, insurance, and compliance tools

USA Rugby (USAR)

USA Rugby is the national governing body for rugby in the U.S., recognized by World Rugby and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. While USAR oversees the sport nationally, in its relationship with USA Club Rugby, it primarily serves as a service provider under the Community Agreement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides membership services to USA Club Rugby, including:
  • Player and coach registration
  • Insurance administration
  • Compliance and disciplinary tracking
  • Access to the Competition Management System (CMS) for scheduling, standings, and results
• Sets national rugby policies, rules, and safety standards
• Manages the USA Men’s and Women’s National Teams (15s and 7s)
• Oversees coaching development, referee pathways, and grassroots initiatives

The Community Agreement

The Community Agreement defines the formal partnership between USA Club Rugby and USA Rugby. Under this agreement, USA Club Rugby is the customer, and USA Rugby is the service provider. It specifies the services USA Rugby provides—including membership, registration, insurance, compliance, and the Competition Management System (CMS)—while affirming that USA Club Rugby retains independent governance authority over adult club competitions.

Distinct Roles within a Shared Partnership

Aspect	USA Club Rugby (USACR)	USA Rugby (USAR)
Scope	Governs adult club rugby nationwide	Governs all levels of rugby nationwide
Relationship	Customer contracting USAR for services	Service provider to USA Club Rugby
Governance	Independent, member-led; governed by the Community Agreement	National governing body recognized by World Rugby
Services Utilized / Provided	Pays for and utilizes membership, registration, insurance, compliance, and CMS services	Provides membership, registration, insurance, compliance, and CMS tools
Focus Areas	Club competitions, eligibility, governance, championships	National teams, safety standards, grassroots growth, shared infrastructure, CMS
National Teams	Not involved	Manages USA Men’s & Women’s Eagles (15s & 7s)
Championships	Runs National Championship Series	Supports systems but does not directly run club championships