SO YOU WANT TO BE A REFEREE?

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The following notes have been prepared by the NORFOLK RUGBY UNION REFEREES' SOCIETY and are an attempt to give referees some general details about the society and some helpful guidelines for refereeing.  No attempt has been made to deal with the law, nor detailed techniques, as these matters are dealt with at the monthly training meetings, or through direct contact with fellow referees.

CONTENTS

1.   SO YOU WANT TO BE A REFEREE?

2.   THE NORFOLK REFEREES' SOCIETY.

3.   EASTERN COUNTIES RUGBY UNION REFEREES’ FEDERATION.

4.   KNOWING THE LAWS.

5.   WHO TELLS ME WHICH GAMES TO REFEREE.

6.   THE GAME ITSELF.

                                                 i) Dress

                                                ii) Before

                                                iii) During

                                                iv) After

7.   PROGRESS AND GRADING.

8.   ASSESSORS.

9.   EXPENSES.

10. TIES, BADGES AND SWEATERS.

11. FURTHER QUESTIONS?

 

 1. So You Want To Be a Referee

WHY?

Hopefully, the answer is because you believe you are going to enjoy it. You will only want to do it week in, week out, if you enjoy it. There is an RFU booklet available entitled "So You Want To Be A Referee?" - you may have been given this on your course, but if not a copy is available from the Secretary or Training Officer. Be sure you know what you want from refereeing, and don’t be disillusioned of you're not doing an International in your first season!

 

2. THE NORFOLK REFEREES’ SOCIETY

Training meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday of every month at the Dereham Football CLub, August - April inclusive starting at 7.45 p.m. (please check before travelling). However, the November meeting is replaced by the Referees Annual Dinner. We also hold an annual Ladies Night, which is usually held in place of the April meeting.

The Society's AGM is held in June or July.  All officers are elected annually.

The format of each Training Meeting is that Society Business takes up about the first ten minutes, followed by a Training Session which can be anything from a talk given by the Training Officer covering a certain aspect of the game (e.g. OFFSIDE) to a presentation given by a Panel referee.  Each session is then thrown open to give members an opportunity to air their views or discuss specific issues. Occasionally there may be a practical session where you would need to bring your kit, but normally casual dress is worn. Just bring a pen and paper!

Any Law Changes are also discussed and members are given guidance as to their interpretation.

The meetings also give us all a chance to discuss any refereeing problems we may have had and to meet fellow referees.

Meetings are usually over before 9.30pm.

 

3. THE EASTERN COUNTIES RUGBY UNION REFEREE FEDERATION (ECRURF)

Norfolk Referees' Society is part of Eastern Counties Rugby Union Referees’ Federation.

 This Committee meets 4 times a year to discuss matters concerning the three sub - counties (Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex).

Eastern Counties also arrange internal exchange games between the three Sub-Counties and also outside Eastern Counties with other Societies (External exchange)

A Referee must have reached a certain Grade, currently B3, before he can be considered for exchange games - this will be covered in the section on Progress and Grading.

 

4. KNOWING THE LAWS

If you read the Law Book (you should have been given one with your course papers, if not a copy can be obtained from the Secretary) from beginning to end in one continuous session you will be very confused at the end of it.

Although it is a good idea to read the Law Book through at leisure, after you have done this it is better to dip in to it and deal with certain sections one at a time.  You may like to consider the Laws appertaining to the scrum and it is particularly important if you played in the threes to realise the dastardly tricks that front row forwards and wing forwards can get up to.

Whilst not ignoring the other laws, it is sometimes a good idea to concentrate in one game how you referee one aspect of the game (e.g. the lineout).  After a time the Laws become second nature and you will make instinctive decisions.  If in doubt ask a colleague for his opinion.  All colleagues will be only too pleased to give his opinion in depth and at length, make sure he buys you a beer before he starts!

 

5. WHO TELLS ME WHICH GAMES TO REFEREE

Each Month the Appointments Secretary will send you a typed list of your appointments for the following month If, for any reason, you are not available for any of the games you must tell him IMMEDIATELY.

Each club is also notified monthly of the Referees who will be officiating their home games.  During the week before the Saturday game you will be contacted by the home club to confirm that the game is on and it is you that they are expecting for the game.

If you have not been contacted by Thursday night 9.30pm, ring the club contact yourself (name and number in the Eastern Counties Handbook).  If you still get no joy ring the Re-Appointments Secretary.  Remember, mistakes can occur so make sure you’ve had the game confirmed before you turn up.

 

6. THE GAME ITSELF.

i) DRESS

If you want to play the part, then you must look the part. Try to give the right impression as soon as you arrive - you should be wearing a shirt and tie, and perhaps a blazer.

All kit, including boots, should be clean. Try to wear a plain-coloured shirt that doesn’t clash with either team, and always take at least one spare shirt in case the teams changes colours without telling you! Occasionally sponsored shirts are available from the Society.

ii) BEFORE THE GAME.

Be at the ground at least 45 minutes before kick-off, 60 minutes before is even better.  Senior referees arrive 90 minutes or even 2hrs prior to kick-off (esp. if there are touch judges, ball boys, doctors etc to brief). As soon as you arrive find the home skipper (if he’s there) and let him know you’ve arrived.  Mutually agree a time to check the boots - usually no later than 15 minutes before kick-off to allow time for any stud replacements etc. to be made. Repeat this with the away team's skipper.

Do the Toss-up before you go out on to the pitch, usually soon after checking both sets of boots.  Its advisable to tell the skippers that you’ll give them a ‘knock’ when you want them to come out on to the pitch - usually 2 minutes before kick-off. Always make sure you know the rules for the game you are doing, e.g. no of replacements allowed, what to do if a cup game is drawn, etc. Also make sure you have a whistle, watch, pencil, score card, plus red and yellow cards - take a spare whistle and watch.

iii) DURING THE GAME.

Be firm, fair, consistent and appear confident - players accept decisions much more readily if they are made in a confident, courteous manner.

Address the players as ‘Gentlemen’ and be friendly but without talking too much - make sure what you have to say is relevant, otherwise your voice becomes "white noise". Use the principal "less is more"

SMILE , do NOT ever swear at players , remember you are setting an example.

Each Referee will develop his own style but the following may prove helpful:

SCRUMS - stand behind and slightly to one side of the scrum half as he puts the ball in and be aware of the offences that can take place at the scrum.

LINEOUT -Don’t ball watch, watch the players.  It is preferable to stand at the front and to one side - you can see the first 5 in the line and they can see you!  Vary your position occasionally.

RUCKS AND MAULS - Make sure you can see the ball but don’t let them go on too long.

SIGNALS - Remember the order Whistle, Signal, Explain, a copy of signals to use are shown in the back of the Law book . ARGUMENTS - Don’t get involved in any arguments on the pitch TELL players you will quite happily discuss your decisions in the bar over a pint!  If they persist then penalise them - they’ll only do it the once.

 

SENDINGS-OFF

- Inform the offender’s captain of your decision, obtain the culprit's name, noting this and the approximate time of the dismissal on your score-card (e.g. 20 minutes into second half) together with the score at the time.  DO NOT discuss the incident in the bar afterwards.  You must fill in the sending-off form (available from the Secretary) when you get home and send it to the address in the Eastern Counties Handbook, retain a copy for yourself and send the Secretary a copy - any problems ring the Secretary.

 

iv) AFTER THE GAME

Socialise with the players in the bar afterwards.  Talk to the players about the game and find out what they were getting away with! On the way home, think about the aspects of the game were you could performed better, and what you could have done differently.

 

7. PROGRESS AND GRADING

The following were the current grade levels in use and examples of the level of games:

INTERNATIONAL - Top class international games.

NPR – Premiership  & National Leagues

B1SEG -    Level 4/5 League Games.

B1   -         Level 5/6 League Games.

B2   -         Up to Level 6/7 League Games.

B3   -         Up to Level 8 League Games - The first Eastern Counties Grade (Div 1&2).

C1   -         Junior 1st XV (Eastern Counties 3&4) Good 2nd Team Games.

C2   -         Slightly lower standard than C1.

C3   -         1st Grading Level.

D     -         Novice Referees new to refereeing.

We Have now converted to a new meaningful and relevant system of grades for the modern game.

League levels are as follows:

Premiership= Referee Grade Level 1

National 1 =           2

National 2 =           3

National 3 =           4

London 1 =            5

London 2 =            6

London 3 =            7

London4 =             8

Eastern Counties 1 =   9

Eastern Counties 2 = 10

Eastern Counties  3 = 11

As a general rule Clubs second sides are graded 3 levels below their first team.

EXCHANGE GAMES

Typically if you are given a game at Level 10, 11 or 12 then it will be within Norfolk. If you wish to progress and are able to reach the Level 8 grade, then you may referee at levels 8 & 9, often within Eastern Counties, but occasionally on an exchange which could be anywhere in England. Good Level 7's and above (who wish to progress further) may have frequent external exchanges which requires serious commitment to the sport.

TRAINING

All Novice referees should have taken the RFU's National Foundation Part 1 course. On joining the society, you will be invited to take the National Foundation Certificate Part2 .

Progress is then very much in your own hands.  As a general guide if you make the necessary progress you should reach B3/ Level8 level after about 4-5 seasons, but obviously this depends upon your own ability and commitment - some will make it quicker, whilst others take longer. Have no doubts that an enormous amount of personal commitment is required to get to B1/Level 5. The average grade countrywide is  about level 9.

The Grading Committee meets twice a season to consider whether any referee should be up or down-graded based on Advisors and Club reports that have been received by the Grading Chairman.

Late cancellations

 

If a late decision on the fitness of the ground is needed once teams have turned up on the day of the match, it is the responsibility of the team captains to decide on whether the pitch is fit for play. If they disagree then the match day referee should be asked to decide on the fitness of the pitch.

 

The referee should make it clear to the two captains as to what his decision is. It is for the Clubs to decide as to whether the match proceeds once a decision has been given. If he has decided the pitch is not fit he must not referee the match.

 

The Referee must before giving a decision thoroughly inspect the playing enclosure and give his decision solely on the basis of his opinion as to its fitness for the match. Once he has clearly communicated the decision he should not engage in any debate on it or why he has made the decision he has.

 

Once a match has started the referee is the sole judge of fact and law as to whether the pitch is fir for it to continue and of course regardless of the number of minutes played he should abandon a match if he believes it is appropriate so to do.

  

8.  ASSESSORS/ADVISORS

There are two ways you will be assessed/advised:

i) By the Captain of each team - When you receive your monthly appointments you will also receive a supply of assessment cards.  Fill two of them in before each game and give one to each captain.  They are already stamped and addressed so there is very little effort required on their behalf. The Grading Chairman will spot trends in the comments.

ii) By an advisor - he will watch you during the game and will talk to you about your performance in the bar afterwards and he will also send in a written report to the Grading Chairman. A copy of this report will soon find its way to you, but if you'd like to see it sooner, then consider carrying a SAE in your kit bag to give to the advisor - most will happily forward a copy direct to you. Do not be anxious if an advisor turns up to your game - he is there is help you, not judge you. Some senior referees have an advisor at almost every game, and they virtually become part of the scenery!

What is he looking for? He is mainly assessing your overall ability to handle that particular game. He won’t penalise you for the odd mistake which we all make.  He will probably advise you on positioning and what to look for in a certain aspect of play.  LISTEN to what he has to say, he’s probably been around a lot longer than you!

 

9. EXPENSES

a) HOW MUCH CAN I CLAIM?

The policy of the RFU is that Referees should be paid “reasonable” travelling expenses. Norfolk RURS follow the lead set by Eastern Counties.

i) USE OF OWN TRANSPORT

The current rate is 30p per mile but this can be altered at the discretion of the Treasurer should there be a movement in petrol prices.

ii) USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The exact cost incurred should be claimed, supported by receipts. (Not often used in Norfolk !!)

 

b) WHEN AND HOW CAN I CLAIM MY EXPENSES?

Referees are requested to claim their expenses twice per season:  in December to cover the first half of the season, then the remaining games at the end of the season.  However, should you wish to claim more frequently e.g. monthly, then this is quite acceptable. Please remember that the final request for expenses in April/May should be sent in promptly, in order that the Treasurer can prepare meaningful accounts for the Annual General Meeting. It is frowned upon if you submit expense claims too late.

Send your claim to the Treasurer with the following information:

DATE OF MATCH               HOME TEAM               MILES TRAVELLED

You will receive a cheque usually within a couple of weeks of submitting the claim.

There are forms available for this purpose.

 

10. TIES AND BADGES.

Ties and Jersey badges are available from the Secretary at the monthly meetings,

11. ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

If you experience any problems then please raise them with any of the Senior Referees or the Secretary.  If he is unable to help he’ll know a man who can. You'll quickly learn that the world of rugby refereeing has an excellent but informal support structure. Referees are always pleased to help their colleagues.

GC/SEC/Norfolk/2001