Matt Lake began refereeing in 2017. Lake refereed many notable collegiate rugby events including the 2021 men’s division I national semifinal, the 2021 men’s division II national championship, 2022 men’s All-Star tournament, and the 2021 and 2022 Collegiate Rugby Championship. Lake currently serves as President of the Upstate New York Rugby Referees, Executive Officer for the Atlantic North Coalition of Rugby Referees, and the USA Rugby Eastern Regional Development Group representative.

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“When done well, refereeing can enhance the rugby experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike. It’s not easy to stand in the middle of two opposing sides ready to do battle with one another, but it’s a display of rugby’s core values to do so with grace under pressure and an unwavering respect for all who participate in the sport. There’s no greater feeling than to hear that I helped make the experience better for them.” - Matt Lake