Some of you may not have looked at one of these before – and that’s just the refs amongst you! Hahaha
Well, those nice IRB folks in Dublin have published the 2009 Law Book which includes all the ELVs and updates to the good book.
Download a copy here:
Also, for those officienados amongst you, the IRB have done a Law Changes Explanation guide – click here
Posted by Ref on 15 May, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/05/15/new-law-book-published/
Interesting!
Posted by Ref on 28 April, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/04/28/lions-referees-announced/
Source: http://www.planetrugby.com/Story/0,18259,3943_5246118,00.html
Walsh hangs up his whistle
Monday 27th April 2009
New Zealand’s longest serving professional referee Steve Walsh has retired from his job with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) following an enquiry into a personal employment issue.
Walsh was reportedly involved in an incident involving alcohol at a SANZAR conference in Sydney in December.
He has been unwilling to comment on the incident, which the Herald on Sunday reported involved Walsh appearing drunk at a morning session at the conference and being asked to leave.
An NZRU statement in January said he wouldn’t be considered by the NZRU for the opening month of Super 14 matches. Since then, Walsh’s name has been missing from the appointment list.
Walsh, who refereed his first Test match in June 1998, is New Zealand’s most experienced international referee. He has extensive experience at domestic, Super 14 and international level, having refereed in both Six Nations and Tri-Nations matches.
He was appointed to the last two Rugby World Cup tournaments.
Recent media reports have indicated Walsh may consider aligning himself with another overseas union although his comments in an NZRU statement on Monday suggest otherwise.
“I have enjoyed my time in refereeing immensely; however there is a significant commitment involving a lot of travel and time away from home which I found increasingly difficult dealing with,” he said in a statement.
“I may at some stage in the future want to return to refereeing at the top level and if I choose to do that I know what is required – but right now I have a different focus.”
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen on Monday paid tribute to Walsh for his decision to step down from refereeing and for his record.
“Steve has been an outstanding referee and has officiated some of the biggest matches in world rugby, demonstrating his talent and representing New Zealand on the international stage. At his best, he was a truly world-class referee.”
Walsh made his national referee squad debut in 1996 and in total refereed 212 first class games, including 35 Tests.
Posted by Ref on 27 April, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/04/27/steve-walsh-retires/
… of the season – hopefully. This season feels like it’s been going on forever so Im hoping that as it’s the last Div 1 league Sat (with a few exceptions) this is my last Friday night thinking about rugby for a while.
With Mr Boy hitting 5 months, Mrs Refblog needs some respite on the weekend and that’s where I come in. She’s already planning on getting her hair cut next weekend “while I take him for a walk” (or maybe a local rugby match! 😉 ) and for once, I entirely agree.
Don’t get me wrong, Ive had a great season all in all. Now established in Div 1 and once again I find myself asking how on earth Ive made it this far. Im not one who can pinpoint the reasons. Hard consistent work and keeping my head down. With one exception, I havent upset anyone this year and at this level, that’s just as important as having a blinder.
The summer brings a fitness drive (too late some would say!) and some R&R with the family. With the Lions to occupy some time, this wont be a rugby free zone (thank goodness!) so don’t despair. I may even get round to blogging properly again.
Thanks for your support and messages through the season – it’s appreciated. My email – ref@refblog.co.uk if you want to drop me a line. Or if you are on Twitter (twitter.com/refblog) do feel free to follow me. I may return the favour!
I’ll be back next week to report on tomorrow’s game. Looking forward to it. Should be a good physical end to the season. Nothing to play for? Try telling that to the 30+ guys on the pitch tomorrow.
Posted by Ref on 24 April, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/04/24/last-friday-night/
…for the absence of posts. Been a tad manic. Will try and do a season round up next week.
Heading down west at the weekend for my last league game of the season (well, I think its my last!)
Keep smiling and happy whistling!
Posted by Ref on 20 April, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/04/20/sorry/
Check the date.
Posted by Ref on 1 April, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/04/01/retirement-an-update/
Morning
I have today decided to announce my retirement from the National Referees Panel. Been musing on it for a while and seems that you might as well go out under your own steam before the hand on the shoulder appears.
It’s been fun.
Cheers
Ref
Posted by Ref on 1 April, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/04/01/retirement/
Following a 2 day meeting at the Lensbury, the following recommendations have been made to the iRB council on 13 May.
Seems to be good sense and logic – hoorah! Although Im slightly baffled by the numbers in the line decision. Will be interested to see whether any commentary emerges behind these decisions.
ELVs recommended to be passed into law:
ELVs not recommended:
ELVs sent for further examination:
Posted by Ref on 31 March, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/03/31/elvs-decisions-announced/
Eagle eye readers will not my Twitter feed is now on the top left of the page. WordPress caught up in the end.
Well, what a fun week. This will be a 4 game 8 days! Chief Clipboard Operator last Sat, Hampshire Cup Final on Sunday, a BUSA Semi Final on Wed and today’s league game this afternoon. Jeepers!
Wed was one of those really good games we get every now and again. I don’t normally name sides, but it was Hartbury v Loughborough in the cup semi, played on neutral territory (Newbury RFC) and for a place at HQ in a few weeks. Both sides played in a really positive spirit, not a hint of any foul play, some really good flowing rugby (backs and forwards) and skill levels abound. And a result that didn’t involve yours truly getting involved – Happy Days! All as you might expect from a Gloucester academy set up and the National Sports uni! Worth a mention to both Captains – really good to work with. Positive, receptive of “advice” and good leaders on the field – which as all referees knows is not always the case!
If these guys are the future of English rugby, then things might just be looking up.
Posted by Ref on 28 March, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/03/28/twitter-comes-to-refblog/
From the IRB:
Ruling: 1: 2009
The RFU has requested a Ruling
Ruling Required
Team A moves the ball from right to left when the final pass to a colleague close to the touchline is knocked on with the ball crossing the touchline. The non offending side immediately take a quick throw. Please can you confirm the following two options can
take place:
1. Can a quick throw take place by the non offending team?
2. Has the non offending side the option of a throw in from the touch or scrum as a means of restarting the match?
Ruling:
1. The Designated Members confirm that the quick throw cannot be taken as advantage cannot be played after the ball is dead.
The Definition of dead on page (viii) of the IRB Law Book 2008 is The ball is out of play.
2. The referee will award a scrum at the place of infringement in accordance with Law
12.1 (a).
Posted by Ref on 25 March, 2009
https://refblog.co.uk/2009/03/25/law-rling-0-scrumquick-throw/
RefBlog - Views from a Rugby Referee 