Sometimes it can be a lonely life as a referee. Obviously word spread about my game yesterday and Ive had more calls, emails and comments than at any other time since I got on the panel.

It’s great and really makes it all worthwhile.

As for the game itself. Well, what an intro. 13-15 final score – could have gone either way.  Slopey pitch, slippy under foot and 30 players who listened and reacted every way I asked them to.  Only 12 pens. 8 first half, 4 second. Happy days! No probs from either side at the end, just some unhappy home supporters who weren’t overly amused by their sides performance. Nothing I can do about that tho!

3 bigs games down, one to go.

Well, I’m sitting here ruminating on a successful week in the metaphorical green office.

Last Wed saw the pain and torture that is The Mid Season Fitness Test. Joy! Suffice to say I passed. Experienced a new test called Battack – you stand in front of this machine and hit the lights which go on at random. 10 different ones at diff heights and off both hands. Bit like the croc games at the funfair. Did it before anything else and then straight after the JAM test.  Good test to see if visual skills and brain work when the rest of you is  knackered.

 The pain was somewhat lightened by some news about an international appt in U18 6 Nations so will need my passport in a few weeks.

Headed a mere 298 miles from home through some of the worst weather Ive ever been through. A stay with an old chum in Rotherham before heading the last 55 miles to the most scenic rugby ground Ive ever been to. Fantastic. Think Postman Pat and you get the picture. Anyway, my task was a National Cup comp with a Div 2 v Div 1. My first reffing experience in comp rugby of involving that level side.  Lower side put up a great effort, defying their league status and recent form. Div 1 side won, in the end 39-24. No complaints from anyone and a great cup atmosphere.

Back home and no chance to ponder too much. Last night had my first Guinness A league game in SW London.  Wasn’t as big a jump up as I was expecting mainly because of some poor play from both sides in patches. Saying that, the good play was awesome. Some great hands and skills, despite the slippy surface. Some FR issues – mainly pitch related, but also the blue LH was under a lot of pressure.  Anyway, another happy assessor and a whole load of stuff learnt from my end.

Great call today from the powers that be to say Ive been moved off the line on Saturday and into the middle. Div 1 debut! What fun. Got plenty of prep and chaps to chat to so will leave this blog here.

Beyond to say that 15 months ago I was accepted onto the panel and if you  told me then what Ive done so far and the level I’m now reffing, I’d have bitten your arm off!

You know, sometimes I don’t appreciate things. I was just sitting in my living room and glanced at the door at my kit, ready to go for tomorrow (only on standby). At the front of the pile of hangers is my RFU blazer.

Still mades me feel really good to see it, reminding me about the long weekends it took to get it. Took me 8 long seasons to get that jacket and I plan on keeping it for an awful long time.

No matter, where you are, or what game you are doing, just remember all the hard work you put into it and the effect you have on each game you’re responsible for.

 Happy whistling

Ref

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