….I will mostly be working on:
1) positioning at breakdown. In, out, spin

2) solid engage and hold and back row bind

3) clear communication.

4) keeping active, no rest for the wicked!

…and remembering to enjoy myself.

Have fun wherever you are whistling, flagging, assessing, coaching or watching.

Cheers

Ref

Trekked down to the South West on Saturday for a Div One game with a flag in my hand. Unlike some of my colleagues, I actually quite enjoy running touch. It’s an entirely different kettle of fish requiring a different skill set. Not sure I’d do it week in, week out though. Makes you really appreciate those that do!

It’s nice to be there as number 1, as it shows that someone, somewhere has confidence in my abilities. If the ref had gone down in the first 10 minutes (it’s happened!), yours truly would have ruined the remainining 70!

Quite a quiet afternoon really, only the one piece of foul play input. Thought twice about it but with a chippy replacement on, he was holding his much larger second row oppo back who then retaliated with a swinging arm. No contact, but needed to bring it to the attention. Penalty had already been awarded so I stood by that, with a recommendation for him to have words with them both. No drama.

Strange how the blood starts to run very quickly when the flag goes horizontal. At this level everything is on display, watched, analysed, and there can be big money at stake so its uber-important to get it right.  I think Im now tuned in to getting it accurate, but it really does make you wonder. If you’re going to be running touch, do take some time to think about it before you rock up, flag in hand, ready to ref from the side.   I have no idea how the ref did on Sat, I was generally 5 seconds behind him watching everyone get up off the ground.  If you can’t say the same, were you really TJing properly?

Anyone got any interesting to report?

75 rugby international players were lost during the Second World War.  137 were lost during the First World War.

Let’s remember them all, and everyone else who was lost duirng tmes of war

From: www.rugby365.com:

SA Referees suspend touch judges

Friday 02nd November 2007

South African referees have suspended two touch judges, Deon van Blommestein and Louis Mzomba, after a wrong decision in the Currie Cup semi-final between the Blue Bulls and the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Van Blommestein and Mzomba, both experienced referees, were touch judges at the semi-final refereed by Craig Joubert. Just before half-time, Derick Hougaard kicked a long kick at goal from a penalty. The ball dipped just over the crossbar. The touch judges, each perfectly placed at a goalpost each and therefore just under the crossbar, did not signal the kick over but pointed towards the ball when it went over the dead-ball line. The result was a drop-out to the Cheetahs.

The SA Referees discussed the matter, and the referees’ manager André Watson had a conference call with the two touch judges concerned. SA Referees then issued the following judgement:

“In reviewing the incident the committee found DVD/video evidence that clearly showed that the kick did in fact go over. The committee found that the performance by the two touch judges was not what was expected at this level and that the action – or non-action – bordered on negligence of the primary duties of touch judging.

“Accordingly, the review committee has decided to implement the following measures:

“1. That the two touch judges be removed from duties at this level for one year with 9 months suspended till the end of 2008. This means that the two touch judges are suspended from touch judge duties for an effective 3-month period commencing on 1st January the 2008 and ending on 31st March 2008.

“2. Further, that both touch judges perform remedial duties in terms of providing the manager of SA referees with a written report during the above 3-month period on the performances of touch judges in the Super 14 and Vodacom Cup competitions. They will be required to view one game per weekend and provide a report.

“The SA Referees Department would like to extend its sincere apology to the players, coaches and officials involved and indeed to the entire rugby public of SA, whilst ensuring all of its best intention to prevent similar incidents in the future. The two touch judges involved, expressed their remorse.”

No, this is not that sort of blog!!!!! 😉

 Been having an issue of late with my positioning at the breakdown. Been getting infield, sorting out the breakdown, moving out and then getting stuck. Using the clock analogy, I would say Im getting to about the 4 o’clock spot.

 I’m not getting square on (an old problem!) but then letting the ball go behind me. Makes me unsighted and flat footed.

Working hard at it, but any suggestions?

Im on duty on Monday evening so had a Sat off this weekend although that was  almost blown out of the water. Almost called up to run touch in London but Im indebted to one of my dear readers for being closer than me at the time of reckoning!

Just heard my Mon night game has had the oppo changed, so now will be faced with an international front row and number 8 on the visiting side rather than the anticipated Div1 squad players. Big bowl of pasta at lunchtime for me!

Hope I can get away from work in good time!

Well, RWC is over and we’re now back to the business of proper rugby (shall we say!)

I hope the RFU realise the importance of refereeing to the game as they evaluate the Cup. We have shown how we can (and are) world leaders in this area and we must not step backwards from that. I wonder whether we will see an increase in investment in the refereeing world. I seem to remember all the football refs went pro a few years ago. An interesting thought for the annuls of HQ.

 I will be getting back to the fundamentals of why I started this outlet. Me, my games, my development, with the odd comment and discussion (hopefully) around our great sport and our role in it.

Feel free to pass the link on to your refs societies. If you think others may benefit, then pass the word round.

Be back soon with some thoughts on my start to the season.

Commiserations to all my English chums.  

For what it’s worth (not a lot many of you will think) but my gut reaction was that is wasn’t a try (first viewing) and the long range down the line shot was clear that his toe hit the line before coming up and the ball went down.

Love the way that everyone is calling is a disallowed try. Can you disallow something not given? erm… No!

Will be back later – when Ive won my own grand prix and watched Lewis attempt to win his! 

Not entirely a shock but news from the RFU today:

Spreadbury retires from international game

Tony Spreadbury photo by Getty Images October 18, 2007IRB Elite Referee panel member Tony Spreadbury has today announced his retirement from the test refereeing arena. The Englishman, who took charge of the opening match of Rugby World Cup 2007 between France and Argentina, will continue to officiate at domestic level. Spreadbury, who is one of the game’s larger than life characters, has enjoyed an illustrious career. Since his international debut in 1990 the Englishman has presided over 41 senior test matches with his final appearance with the whistle coming in Montpellier when he took charge of the RWC 2007 Pool A match between South Africa and USA on September 30.

“Tony is one of the game’s unique personalities and his leadership, enthusiasm and commitment to the cause has been a huge inspiration to the next generation of referees coming through the system,” said IRB Referee Manager Paddy O’Brien.”As someone who has always commanded respect from his peers with his professional approach to the role, Tony’s retirement will leave a big hole in the IRB Elite Panel in terms of experience and presence. I know that I speak on behalf of all the elite match officials at Rugby World Cup and the IRB when I thank him for his excellent service,” added O’Brien. RFU Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew paid tribute to a referee whose consistency, durability and good humour made him a popular figure amongst the international refereeing fraternity. “Tony has been one of the leading international referees for the best part of two decades and his retirement is indeed a big loss to the game. He always brought his own inimitable style to refereeing at the top level and his professionalism, dedication and performances have been a great credit to the RFU and the Elite Referees Unit. We look forward to seeing him returning to domestic service after the completion of Rugby World Cup.” Spreadbury said that the time was right to bow of the international arena after a career than has spanned 17 years and two Rugby World Cups. “I have enjoyed a wonderful time refereeing at elite level and have made many friends along the way. However after nearly two decades at the top of the game the time is right for me to step aside and let the talented young referees both in England and on the IRB Elite Panel take up the mantle. I would like to thank all those who have supported me along the way, including my family, colleagues, the RFU and the IRB.” “It will be strange departing the international scene, but I regard this as the end of the chapter and not the book. I still have a passion for the whistle and will continue to officiate at domestic level and am looking forward to returning to Premiership action following the completion of RWC,” added Spreadbury. Colin High, the RFU Elite Referees Manager, also underlined the unique contribution of the 45-year-old from Bath. “Tony has been an outstanding ambassador for refereeing, of the game and for the RFU throughout his distinguished international career,” said High. “Spreaders enjoys refereeing more than anyone I’ve ever met. His enthusiasm, ability to communicate with players and his unrivalled knowledge built up over 30 years have helped him take charge of the biggest games in world rugby. “We’re looking forward to getting him back in action in the Guinness Premiership and beyond that I’m sure his vast experience will be of great benefit to elite refereeing in this country in the future. One thing’s certain, though. There’ll never be another one like him!”