Referees

This week we’d like to highlight a team that is going above and beyond to help develop the game across all levels. Griffins Rugby are offering every match official the opportunity to wear their Sony – AS100 HD Action Cam. Referees can then view the game film from two angles as the Griffins also provide film from above.

Here is a sample from the Griffins “RefCam”:

The Sony Action Cam is attached to a head strap with the Sony Universal Head Mount Kit.

As a reminder, the Field Policies are to be followed for every match in the TRU or that is serviced by a TRRA referee. There has been a slight upturn in coaches in the field of play during a match and teams not lining up properly on the sidelines.

Coaches During the Match

Coaches are NOT permitted to enter the playing area during a match except by invitation of the referee at half time, or other extraordinary occasions. [Ref: Law 6.A.5.f}. This policy applies to ALL matches, including youth matches. Water carriers and medical personnel may enter the playing area by prior arrangement, or at the specific invitation of the referee. Referees are urged to be vigilant in applying this law to coaches masquerading as water carriers or trainers or to coaches entering the playing area uninvited at stoppages for injury, conversion kicks, and the like, and to enlist the aid of the relevant captain in curbing such infringements.

Team Locations During Match

1. OPTION ONE – TEAMS ON ONE SIDELINE

• Players & Club Members of BOTH teams on opposite side of spectators;
• Teams are separated at 50m;
• Teams to remain on their respective sides of the 50m;
• No one inside 22m lines.

2. OPTION TWO – TEAMS ON OPPOSITE SIDELINES

• Players & Club Members on opposite sidelines;
• One Coach/Rep inside ropes between 22m lines;
• No one inside 22m lines.

Should a Club have a specific question as it relates to their home pitch and their ability to comply with the TRU’s policies; the Club can discuss and determine proper field protocols with the TRU Board.

It has been found that close proximity of the spectators to the reserves & coaches fosters problems beyond safety. Separating the spectators from the coach(es) and reserves allows the spectators to enjoy the match without the input from the participants. Additionally, it allows the Match Official (Referee) to keep better control of the sidelines.

All CIPP’d TRU member should have received an email from the TRU President, Kirk in regards to Referee Abuse. To make it clear, the TRU & TRRA has a zero policy stance on issues of referees abuse. We need to take a step forward, as we grow the game in the USA, to ensure that we stand together and work together and are respectful to each other.

We are all passionate about the game and at times we are emotional, but we have a responsibility to the game and each other to be respectful and control our behavior.

As a reminder the TRRA follows the USA Rugby Disciplinary Procedures and the recommended sanctions from the World Rugby Regulation 17 – Foul Play Sanctions. Note the sanctions for referee abuse:

Law No	Description	Entry Point Based on Scale of Seriousness of the Player’s conduct, which constitutes the offending –Lower End (LE). Mid Range (MR). Top End (TE).	Maximum Sanction
10.4(s)10.4(m)	Verbal abuse of Match Officials	LE – 6 weeksMR – 12 weeks TE – 18+ weeks	52 weeks
10.4(s)10.4(m)	Threatening Actions or Words at Match Officials	LE – 12 weeksMR – 24 weeks TE – 48+ weeks	260 weeks
10.4(s)10.4(m)	Physical Abuse of Match Officials	LE – 24 weeksMR – 48 weeks TE – 96+ weeks	Life

*The above table is as of January 14, 2015.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to TRRA leadership.

The spring is here and it’s time for fitness testing again! Fitness standards have been in place for a year now, but please feel free to review. RATO feels that this allows for a more realistic pathway and holds the referee accountable for their development and fitness.

As a reference the TRRA Fitness standards were based on the current USA Rugby Fitness Standards [Beep Test]:

National Panel: Level 12
B Panel refs wanting to be considered for USA National Appts: Level 11
C1′s wanting to be considered for national appointments/B Panel: Level 10

TRRA Fitness Standards [Beep Test]:
C1s wishing to pursue USA B Panel – Achieve a minimum of Level 10
C1 – Level 9
C2 – Level 8
C3 – Level 7

NOTE: Here is the beep test audio or you can download the “Beep Test Trainer” App and it can be downloaded from iTunes here.

If a referee chooses not to take a fitness test (i.e. comply with a requirement for refereeing) then they may only receive matches well within their scope of experience related to their grade. They would also not be afforded any further opportunities for advancement/promotion and unavailable for exchanges.

Spring testing is due by Feb 15th, once completed send your results to rato@texasrugbyunion.com.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the TRRA Chair or TRRA Vice Chair with any questions.

For information about nutritional supplements for rugby referees to use during the fitness testing, please contact Tim Howard @RuckScience who will be able to provide further guidance.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Scott Green has received his first IRB appointment! He will officiate the Test Match between Mexico and Colombia on Saturday December 13th, in Mexico City, Mexico.

The match is part of the start of the 2014 season – 2015 Mexican National Rugby in preparation for their upcoming commitments in the 2015 tournament where NACRA 15s will be looking for the regional championship after winning promotion to the top division undefeated.

Please join us in congratulating Scott and wish him many more appointments!