Our man Spreaders talking about his career and changes to refereeing – interesting stuff!
Bleep revisited!
Had a shocker of a day at work on Wednesday so didn’t make it to the panel meeting till 8.30. so not only did I miss the fitness test, but also the main bit of the presentation. So, a trip to Bristol this week in order. Great!
Did pick up the kit and indeed we do have a rather fetching pink number. Our regular stash this year is a rather fetching papal purple. Our panel ref in the Sally Army will be delighted I’m sure!
Will do some pics when I get a few mins during the week. They really are a sight to behold!
Posted by Ref on 25 July, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/07/25/bleep-revisited/
Getting enthused again
Evening all
Spent the last few days getting enthused about rugby again after a few weeks down time. Just had a look around the Championship and DIv 1 club web sites and everyone seems to be getting into the swing of pre-season training which in turn as re-invigorated me. I’ve got myself one of those Nike discs for my shoes so I can keep a better track of things via my iPod and use the data as a push for myself.
Also back in the saddle at the gym with my well documented love of spinning. Surely sweating that much can only be a good thing and without the sessions, I would never cycle so far in a setting. The machine on the Livestrong Bikes tells me I’m doing between 15 and 22 km in a 30-45min session with avg heartbeat of about 158, maxing out at about 180 – none of which I would do if I was on the bike under my own steam.
Also have a new PT chap who’s going to get my arse into shape and up to speed!
Countdown is on for the RFU fitness tests next week. As ever, I’m bricking it as we have now revered to the dreaded bleep. Need to find a hypnotist as I’m sure it’s all in my head. 10.4 is the target and I’m pretty confident. Although it’s next Wednesday and looks like Im going to have to be up at 5 to get to work in London so will be pooped by the time I get to the testing! (I know, excuses in early!)
We’re also going to be getting our pre-season pep-talk from the powers that be. Not expecting any huge changes, outside of the slower scrum engagement which seems to have had a positive effect in the summer rugby we’ve seen.
Also…. drum roll….. the new kit will be unveiled. Rumour has it we’ll be in pink! The Present Mrs Refblog and those at Refblog Towers Inc say I carry off pink nicely so I guess I’m gonna have to get myself through the bleep so you can all judge for yourself!
Hope you’re all having a fun summer.
Posted by Ref on 13 July, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/07/13/getting-enthused-again/
Worth a read
Nice chap from Warwickshire has just started blogging his perspective with the whistle. Check him out:
Posted by Ref on 22 June, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/06/22/worth-a-read/
Middlesex 7s
Buy your tickets for one of the best 7s tournaments around. And, you may even get to see your favourite Refblog in action!!
Posted by Ref on 15 June, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/06/15/middlesex-7s-2/
Sorry that this is late – just been to S of France for some warm weather training! Some great news for some friends of mine in here.
Congrats to Luke and Llyr – much deserved, and also to Tempo, whose elevation to the Elite Unit really does spell out the RFU’s intent to get a string of “Wayne Barnes” in the pipeline for the future.
Will be great to see these guys. Llyr’s acceptance onto the Elite at 33 gives me some hope…
Also, a well deserved big hand to the new Elite ARs – all of whom I know well and have worked with through the years. Hopefully I’ll get to continue doing so in the future!
Morrison strengthens elite referee pathway
28 May 2010
-
- RFU Elite Referee Unit plan for the coming season
- JP Doyle and Greg Garner awarded full-time contract
The Elite Referee Unit (ERU) of the Rugby Football Union has confirmed the full time contracts of JP Doyle and Greg Garner as it continues its succession planning and appointments programme ahead of the 2010/11 season.
Head of Elite Referee Development Ed Morrison and Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew have ratified the appointments of Doyle and Garner after they successfully completed their two year trainee programme that has seen both referee in the Guinness Premiership, the IRB Sevens circuit, the Churchill Cup and Pacific Rim tournaments around the world.
Luke Pearce, 22, is the latest trainee to be appointed and he will work with Ed and his team of referee development managers,Tony Spreadbury and Brian Campsall, with the aim of further developing his considerable potential, starting from August 1.
Two more referees Ian Tempest (22) and Lyr Apgeraint Roberts (33) join the ERU in a part time capacity.
Assistant Referees Paul Burton, Nigel Carrick and Rhys Davies have gained promotion into the ERU after a rigorous selection process.
Morrison said: “One of our objectives within the Elite Referee Unit is to establish a clear development pathway for our young talent and JP and Greg’s progress shows that we are delivering tangible results in this area, and we aim to continue that with Luke, Ian and Lyr.”
Posted by Ref on 8 June, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/06/08/491/
Championship final
Just a quick note to wish both Bristol and Exeter the very best for tomorrow night’s final Championship game.
First leg last week was a great game – mainly defense but positively so – which sets up a fascinating game tomorrow evening.
Have to say that Im disappointed not to be involved in some way, but we knew this would be an Elite show with so much at stake, and I also wish Smally and his sidekicks all the very best for an anonymous evening under the collective radar.
End of season review in a few days!
Posted by Ref on 25 May, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/05/25/championship-final/
My poor workhorse
has, I think, just become unsellable (not that I want/need to!)
I’ve done 65k miles in two and a half years. Nice!
And we haven’t done yet. Trusty 54 plate, diesel 1.9 injection Vectra. Bless it’s little cotton socks!
Posted by Ref on 26 April, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/04/26/my-poor-workhorse/
Manic!!
Ye Gods. I’m cream crackered! Just coming off the back of a 4 game 7 days. Haven’t done one of those since I was at Uni!
Nature of the beast at this time of year with the end of the season creeping up on us and league games – postponed from earlier in the season – to be squeezed into the remaining time. Add in the odd touring game and a Society meeting as well, Im in need of a day off! Last Monday was the interesting one. I refereed a Prem A league side versus a side from Siberia. Interesting way of going about a game when you know they don’t understand English! I think they understood and a cracking game was had by all. Not sure they were ever going to win, but they stayed positive and ran the ball with the try line in sight! None of the old stick it up jumper approach to attacking rugby!
This weekend, I’ll be renewing my relationship with my fav hotel in the SW. Not been there this season, so Im hoping they remember me!!
Season coming to and end? Not for me Guv!!
Posted by Ref on 20 April, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/04/20/manic/
Happy Easter
Got a bit of a manic week so best get in early and wish you all, my dear readers, a happy Easter.
Hope you get some rest and relaxation over the weekend. R&R isn’t something in vast supply for anyone involved in the Championship. Got to wait five weeks before we get to see any of that!
Enjoy whatever you get up to this Easter!
Ref
Posted by Ref on 30 March, 2010
https://refblog.co.uk/2010/03/30/happy-easter/
RefBlog - Views from a Rugby Referee 