Happy New Year (Blwyddyn Newydd Dda) to all my lovely (& Welsh) readers!

Hope the New Year’s resolution to get/stay fit is kicking in already.

 Have a great 2008.

Ref

PS – Like the new photo? My better angle some would say!

It’s Christmas Eve and Ive just escaped from some dodgy programe about Maria and Joseph to pop up and wish you, my merry reader(s), a very Happy Christmas and a Whistletastic New Year.

Have a good one. Enjoy the break and come back reffing well in the new year.

Enjoy
Ref

Well last weekend was fun. Tough afternoon, not helped by a second row who decided the best way of attack was with his head (according to the TJ) so visitors down to 14 on 31 mins.  Meant I had to keep working hard to keep the game flowing. To be fair to all, I don’t think the red had that big an effect in the game. Home side were in control in the first half but then let their visitors come back in.  They got far enough ahead to win, but the visitors were working hard to get a losing bonus point. Sadly, with one short, they just couldn’t make the necessary breakthrough.

Coach was happy – he even smiled!! 

Next batch of appointments are now out and have to say I’m well chuffed. Got a nice Cup game in the next round (higher league oppo vs current level) which will be the first time in the middle with players of that level since a pre-season friendly.  Also got some A league games, which will be a great experience.

So no mince pies for me! Add a Jan 9th fitness test and that’s my Chrimbo diet kicking in right now. I always used to laugh at people out jogging on Christmas Day, but this year, it may well have to be me!

TJing on Sat at my nearest league appointment for 2 years. Only 60 miles. Don’t know what I’m going to do on Sat morning!!! Im sure the present Mrs Ref will find some chores for me to do.

Morrison to manage referees

Press Association

Ed Morrison is to become the Rugby Football Union’s new elite referee manager.

Morrison, who controlled the 1995 World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand, will succeed Colin High, who is to retire next June after six years in the post.

Morrison’s current position as RFU elite referee development officer will be filled by another former Test match official, Tony Spreadbury.

RFU elite rugby director Rob Andrew said: “Colin has been an outstanding member of the elite rugby and referee unit.

“His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game has been instrumental in English referees being widely regarded as some of the best in the world.”

Good stuff. Two excellent appointments.

A good day in the office on Saturday. I’ve been working on quite a few things and it feels like its starting to come together.  Big day next week. 1v 6, important folks in attendence. Did some good prep work on Saturday and hopefully will have a replay this coming weekend.

Heard a really good presentation from one of our top chaps last week and many of his points have really struck home.

He said he approached one tournament with three basic rules. Doesn’t matter what they are, but he was absolutley clear that whatever happened, these 3 rules are what he would be refereeing too. 

A great message: consider, prepare, plan and execute.

We could all learn from that.

Spectators and fans will witness a quicker and more “exciting” brand of rugby, following a decision by the South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby Unions (SANZAR) to adopt a range of the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) for the Super 14 competition.

The variations adopted by SANZAR for the Super 14, starting on February 15, relate to the Laws governing:

* Posts and flags around the field
* Inside the 22-metre line
* Line-out
* Breakdown (tackle/post tackle)
* Scrum
* Sanctions

The primary aim of the ELVs is to keep the ball in play longer, with fewer stoppages and more running rugby, thereby creating a more free-flowing, faster and exciting style of play.

The ELVs also make the game simpler to understand, for players and spectators alike.

Developed at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, the ELVs have already been successfully trialled in the Stellenbosch Hostel League, New Zealand’s provincial Men’s B competition, Australian Rugby Championship, Sydney and Brisbane club competitions and some domestic competitions in the United Kingdom.

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) deputy CEO, Matt Carroll said the decision by SANZAR to adopt a number of the ELVs for the Super 14 will ensure the competition is at the forefront of the game.

“The Super 14 presents an exciting opportunity to trial the [International Rugby Board] IRB Experimental Law Variations so as to add significantly to the quality of the competition,” he said.

“The ELVs we are trialling have received very favourable reviews in all of the trials conducted so far and the Super 14 is a unique chance to expose spectators and fans across the globe to the benefits of the new laws.”

“Most importantly, the ELVs will make the tournament more enjoyable and entertaining for all involved.”

New Zealand Rugby Union Deputy CEO, Steve Tew said: “The IRB asked SANZAR to trial the ELVs and we are happy to do that. It will be the highest level of rugby competition at which they have been trialled, which is exciting.

“The trial of the ELVs in our Men’s B competition saw a more open game and the variations we are trialling were positively received by our players, coaches and referees.”

South African Rugby Union Managing Director, Jonathan Stones said: “The South African Rugby Union [SARU] welcomes the ELVs for the Super 14. The move to play under the ELVs will be very beneficial for the game and will create a greater and much more exciting spectacle.”

Source: Rugby365.com

.. – perfectly describes the journey from my humble gaff to the south west.  170 miles = 4 hours. On the face of it, Im one of the nearest at this level but it’s a hell of a journey!

What fun! Anyone making a trip down there and needs somewhere to stay, I can highly recommend the Woodbury Park Hotel, out 6 miles east of Exeter. A fine establishment.

Anyway, was running touch for a tough game yesterday.  In the conditions we expected 80 mins of pick and go, pick and go. Well, we only got about 40 mins of that, topped by some pretty enterprising rugby. As ever when running touch, I couldn’t really tell you how the ref did (was 5 secs behind him!) but a pen count of 15 speaks volumes for his control and the way the players listened and acted at the breakdown.

Lessons learnt for me:

1) a quick contest at the breakdown can be pretty easily managed, if the players know what to expect

2) constant work at getting the pillars back pays dividends

3) if a yellow card come out of nowhere, it can still be a perfect yellow card. No warning is necessary in some circumstances, especially at this level.

Back in the middle next weekend in a cup game. Must check out the regs at some stage!

Have a good week

Ref

..entail a trip to the Midlands. What fun. A3, M25 and M1. No possibility of drama there then.

Enjoy your whistling chaps and chapettes!

Ref

NB Some photo’s can be very unflattering taken out of context!!

Morning all

Interesting discussion following game yesterday with assessor.

I will explain all later but if anyone has the ruling that came out about 18 months ago (following the law change)  relating to the sin binning of Penalty Try-causing players, can they send it to me at ref@refblog.co.uk

Thanks

Ref