As any ref will know there are some great people out and about at clubs we go to. As you go more often to those clubs, you figure out who the really nice ones are. At the club I was at yesterday I was a little sad to not be meeting one of these gents as Id been told he’d passed away late last year. A former Barbarian , referee (international I think) and and a club stalwart, holding every role going. He was the club’s referee liaison office and had been  ill last time I was there, and was in the twilight of his life (by his own admission) and had had a good innings.

Imagine one’s surprise therefore when he walked into the changing room afterwards as he usually does. I dont think my face demonstrated what I was thinking!

Must speak to my friend and find out who it was that did pass away then!

To all these gents (and increasingly ladies) – we salute you and your ongoing hospitality! You sometimes make it all worthwhile!

As you may realise, I spent Friday night in Dublin looking after a British & Irish Cup game.  Not a brilliant evening of free flowing rugby, it must be said! 35 scrums & 20-odd lineouts – chuck in 20 pens or so and you have nearly 80 stoppages in 80 mins. You do the math!

Well, it seems some of the local fans didn’t appreciate my efforts. Haven’t been called a “Dipshit” in public for some time! 😉 The big question – shall I chuck a comment or two on the forum and challenge the viewing public or leave them to it? I’ve mused on that before on other more UK based fora but decided not to.

What do you think?

Refs to front at post match media conferences

2/10/2010 6:00 AM

Photosport

Major rethink for rugby’s referees who will attend post-match media conferences in future to be held accountable for their performances

A desire to see an all round improvement in rugby has resulted in a major shift in thinking from referees.

Whistle-blowers are about to be made more accountable for their performances by fronting up to post-match media conferences.

NZRU refs boss Lyndon Bray says while some have been reluctant to do so in the past, they have come to an agreement they need to be available to the public. He says it is an important step which brings them into line with the players and coaches.

Lyndon says he is also working with IRB refs boss Paddy O’Brien and a newly appointed European referee head to get uniformity of rule interpretations across both hemispheres.

Rugby’s rule makers are going on the offensive in a bid to stamp out illegal play and make the game more appealing.

Bray says the feedback from coaches is that it has taken too long in the past for there to be any real consequence for constant infringing. He says this season they need to get players complying with the rules early so it may be a case of going beyond penalties. He expects yellow cards to be used earlier to force players into a change of behaviour.

via Radio Sport – Just Sport – New Zealand’s Sports Network – Rugby.

A really interesting move. Don’t know if I’m alone in this, but I reckon this would be a good move for us too. We are becoming more accountable in the public space for what we do. We have regular reviews and updates with our management on the Referee Unit and a free exchange of views with Directors of Rugby and co after games, so this seems to be a natural next step. Ive forgotten how many times Ive wanted to contribute to public comment on media websites etc, but have held my tongue (or finger!). Be interested to see how this S14 trial works.

Sad news today. A voice we probably all grew up listening to.  Always inspiring.  Always positive about our great sport. A sad loss.

Voice of rugby Bill McLaren dies

Bill McLaren, known as the “voice of rugby”, has died Commentator Bill McLaren, known popularly as the “voice of rugby” has died at the age of 86. Mr McLaren, from Hawick, retired in 2002 and received an OBE, CBE and MBE for services to the sport. He began commentating even before his 10th birthday by copying the voices he heard on the radio. He went on to earn the respect of players, fans, and spectators by being the best-researched commentator rugby had ever seen.

Source: BBC Sport

Today has been quite cathartic really.

Some time ago, you may recall I did a small boo boo and rightly apologised for my error. Today, I returned to the scene of the crime for the first time. No real drama today, thank goodness. Home win, in a game I dont think any of us thought would really take place given the amount of snow we’ve had around these parts in the last few weeks. I’ve fared quite well with games during the poor weather, with some of my comrades now into their 5th week without a game. Glad I got a game in on the 2 Jan as well.

Anyway, hope the nasty weather is now behind us and we can get back into this rugby marlarkey we all know and love!

http://www.heavensgame.com/global-news/globetrotter/are-referees-too-protected.html

Some interesting thoughts here!

Just a quick note to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I trust you will all whistle well through 2010 and if you’re still playing our fine game, you remember those guys and girls who help you play the game we all love.

Enjoy the festivities and I hope to meet some of you throughout the year.

Cheers
Ref