Referees

Oklahoma Rugby adds Wendy Young to their Hall of Fame!

by

482840_10101361971090907_1467516784_nUniversity of Oklahoma Rugby will enshrine its 2014 class of Hall of Famers in conjunction with its 40th Anniversary Friday, March 14, 2014 at Sooner Legends, starting at 7:00 pm.

Jon Velie, OU’s Director of Rugby says, “This year’s class is indicative of the great tradition of OU Rugby, our first coach Kieran Malloy, our first National Team player in Drew Allan, Our biggest international rugby star Michael DeJong, our most prestigious referee and former national women’s team member Wendy Young and the longest serving referee and true character of Oklahoma rugby Lenny Burger.”

Head Coach Jason Horowitz stated, “Oklahoma’s Rugby Hall of Fame provides the bridge between the rich tradition of Oklahoma’s rugby past and the future success of today’s student athletes. We have something special at OU where we invite those that competed for Oklahoma to come back and step on the pitch and compete again against our current squad. The 40th Anniversary will be a celebration of Oklahoma Rugby, a nod to its past with a view to its future.”

Michael Al Jiboori, OU’s captain, “The history of success at Oklahoma is not only appreciated it is expected. It will be an honor to watch those that played here before us receive their Hall of Fame jackets.”

View the Oklahoma Rugby Hall of Fame Class of 2014 in full here and review Wendy’s resume below:

WENDY YOUNG

Player:
2001-2006. Scrumhalf, Captain. Inducted 2014
USA Women’s National Team XV 2006-2008;
West Senior XV 2004-2009; 2013;
West Senior 7s 2003-2007;
West U23 XV 2003-2004;
Austin Valkyries 2006-2012;

Coaching:
Texas XVs Assistant Coach 2011-Present;
Texas 7s Head Coach 2010-Present;
West Senior 7s All Stars Assistant Coach 2011-Present;
West U23 All Stars Coach 2008-2012;
Texas Rugby Union U23 All Stars Coach 2008-2011;

Referee:
USA Rugby Women’s Collegiate XVs – 2014;
USA Rugby Women’s National Club XVs – 2014;
IRB 7s Assistant Referee – 2014;
USA Rugby All Star Sevens Championship -2013;
Collegiate Rugby Championship – 2013;
USA Rugby Women’s Collegiate 15s Playoffs – 2013;
USA Rugby Collegiate Sevens Championship – 2012;

Other:
Member of USA Rugby Competitions Committee;
Texas Rugby Paid Administrator
Red River Rugby Conference Women’s Rep
Editor and Creator of Your Scrumhalf Connection;

Foul Play, Sideline and On Field Referee Abuse

by

article-2055133-0024C4A000000258-525_472x410All, there has been a onslaught of reported and unreported foul play and general obnoxious behavior on and off the field in recent weeks.

It must stop now.

Please see below a set of guidelines that need to be followed by referees when such incidents occur and tips on how to deal with bad behavior before during and after matches. We would ask that Coaches, Administrators, Players and fans review and strive to help emulate professional behavior.

Referees will:

  1. Arrive early (1 + hours prior to kickoff) and seek out the team coaches and establish “rules of engagement”.
  2. Identify the technical areas and inspect ropes or other objects that define the coaching boxes.
  3. Identify the captains and introduce yourself. Set your standards of communication.
  4. If foul language or calls to violence are happening in the warm up, call the captain(s) in and snuff it out.
  5. Remind coaches and players that foul language or calls to violence (beyond the spirit of the game) is inappropriate during the match.
  6. Remind coaches that they are not to roam outside the 22’s except to treat an injury as allowed by the referees.
  7. Instruct ARs (if provided) & TJs that they need to focus on the field of play and not spend time either explaining calls, defending calls or the center ref’s character. If the AR or TJ receives abuse, they should alert the center refere who deals with it through the captain as if it were abuse of themselves.
  8. Use the captain during the game to communicate to players and coaches that foul language, taunts, incitement to violence and petitioning for calls will not be tolerated.
  9. Coaches who persistently use the referee’s name to petition for calls MUST be dealt with through the captain:
    1. First instance: Stop time. Instruct captain to politely ask coach to cease any abusive behavior.
    2. Second offense: Use captain to deliver stern warning that the next incident will result in the coach’s expulsion.
    3. Third offense: Use the captain to deliver the message to the abusive coach that he/she must leave the playing enclosure. If he/she refuses, police or security may be called.
    4. Turn in detailed report
    5. After the match, allow emotions to quiet down before speaking with a coach or manager. You both need time to cool down. If there was an expulsion, don’t revisit this with coaches or players, just leave.

What is abuse?

  1. Coaches petitioning ARs or Touch Judges for calls or asking them to bring something to the referees attention.
    1. ARs & TJs need to focus on the field of play and not spend time either explaining calls, defending calls or the center ref’s character. If the AR or TJ receives abuse, they should alert the center refere who deals with it through the captain as if it were abuse of themselves.
  2. Coaches consistently outside of technical area.
  3. Coaches on field to argue call (Automatic ejection).
  4. Coaches, players in uniform or admins calling the referee by name to plead for a call their way at high volume.
  5. Personal insults to opponents or refs delivered by a coach, player or admin.
  6. Coaches, players or admins in the technical area inciting violence or revenge
  7. Failure to place fans and non players in the stands at a stadium venue.
    1. If matches are played in a stadium, ALL fans must be in the stands, no exceptions.
  8. Physical or verbal confrontation with referee before, during or after the match.
  9. Abuse of referee in social media or press before or after match.
  10. Habitually using the “third party” complaint technique. Shouting to captain or players from the sideline to “tell the ref to watch for this or that”.
  11. Habitual and high volume dispute of calls.

What if this becomes a team pattern?

Referee services will be withheld from habitual offenders (teams).

Thank you,
Jim Wolfinger
TRRA Chairman

Yes 9 Moves to a Non-Verbal Command from Referee

by

chriskellyIn a minor revision to the current protocol surrounding the ongoing scrum engagement global trial, the International Rugby Board, USA Rugby and now the Texas Rugby Referee Association (TRRA) have confirmed that referees will use non-verbal communication to indicate to the scrum-half when the ball can be thrown into the scrum.

The change is effective immediately and will include this weekend’s matches. It will also include the next rounds of other elite competitions, including TRU Playoffs and USA Competitions.

**NOTE: U19, High School and other Youth matches will still use a verbal command of “Yes, 9”.

TRRA has determined that the non verbal command will be a tap on the shoulder of the scrumhalf if on the side where the ball is put on. If the referee is on the other side of the scrum, a thumbs up will be shown.

If you have questions or concerns about the Non-verbal Command, please contact TRRA Chairman, Jim Wolfinger or TRRA Vice Chair Traci Schmidtke.

IRB Notice
USA Rugby Notice

Traci Schmidtke & Wendy Young Invited to Attend Atlanta IRB 7’s & USA Rugby Referee Development Camp

by
487686_10101241100636267_1516395275_n
Wendy & Traci at #Houston7s last year.

08f945b1c2261307d50158dcf3fd8bc4Congratulations to Traci and Wendy as they have been invited to assist with the Atlanta IRB 7s Tournament and attend a Female USA Rugby Referee Development Camp, February 13-16, 2014. Please take a moment and help us congratulate these two as they are very hard working referees and deserving of these invitations.

Here is the complete list of referees that were also invited:

Amanda Cross, CARFU
Emily Hsieh, New England
Jen Sturgeon, Minnesota
Karen Fong Donoghue, So Cal
Karlla Davis, Met NY
Kasia Wegrzyn, E. Rockies
Krista Kastler, Iowa
Lee Bryant, Nor Cal
Lisa Cocchiara, New England
Michelle Knurr, Pacific
Sophia Chang, So Cal
Traci Schmidtke, Texas
Valerie Griffeth, So Cal
Wendy Young, Texas

For more information on the upcoming tournament, go here.

Level 1 Referee Courses – Feb 23, 2014 – 2 Locations: Ft Hood, TX & Houston, TX

by

Fil Keuppens, TRRATRRA is hosting a Level 1 Referee course  in Ft Hood, TX and Houston, TX on February 23, 2014. We are looking forward to grooming a team of young fit refs to take their place on Local, National and Olympic stages. We urge players, administrators, coaches, parents, spectators, and fans to consider giving back to the game by becoming a rugby referee. It is an incredibly rewarding experience and you have the best seat in the house! Also, did we forget to mention that once you are a registered TRRA Referee you are eligible for TRRA Kit, Match Fees and Mileage?

Eligibility
This is the entry or introductory level course to rugby refereeing. Read below for course registration, participants must register for certification and material.

Description
This is a one day course, from 9am to 5pm, and there will be a group lunch break. The purpose of this introductory course is to enable officials to acquire basic skills to officiate safe, enjoyable competition. Course certification is required for anyone who wishes to referee any match that could potentially lead to a National Championship.

Focus
Game knowledge, Role of the referee, Planning, Advantage, Touch, Principles of rugby, Positioning, Referee preparation, Open play, Lineout, Principles of refereeing, Communication, Technical, Contact, Foul play, Management, Risk management, Starting & restarting the
game, Scrum, and how to have fun as a rugby referee.

**Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for outdoor practical work.

Cost
$50

Certification
Current USA Rugby membership, including registration as a referee, attend and participate in all course modules, pass online law exam and rugby ready exam prior to course, and complete short safety quiz administered at course site.

Educators
Ft. Hood: Traci Schmidtke – tschmidtke@texasrugbyunion.com / 512-968-4888
Houston: Jim Wolfinger – jwolfinger@texasrugbyunion.com / 713-823-1901

Locations & Registration Links

FT HOOD
Ft. Hood – February 23, 2014 [MAP]
Venable Village Community Life Center (Building 60087)
Venable Drive Fort Hood, TX 76544

TIME: 9am-5pm

MORE DETAILS
REGISTER

**NOTE: This location is off post and not on base.**

HOUSTON
Houston, TX – February 23, 2014
**Strake Jesuit College Preparatory [MAP]

St. Thomas High School
4500 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007**Location has changed to Strake Jesuit College Preparatory.

TIME: 9am-5pm

MORE DETAILS
REGISTER

TRRA Promotions Fall/Winter 2013

by

TRRA & TRU Members,

trra_logoOn behalf of the TRRA and the Referee Advancement & Training Organization (RATO), it is my pleasure to announce the final round of referee promotions for 2013. This fall with the help of Jon Savage, RATO rolled out the TRRA Referee Mentoring/Coaching Program. This program matched each referee with a referee coach or mentor (C2 or higher).

Together referees and mentor/coaches worked together to set goals and create a pathway to success. It is the first time in TRRA history that referees could simply pick up the phone and receive instant coaching/feedback. In addition, RATO is still using the Online Assessments and video analysis to train and promote referees. TRRA would like to thank all the referees, mentors, coaches, and teams for their commitment to improving the game of rugby. Please join us in recognizing the hard work of the following referees who have been promoted.

C1 to B Panel
Scott Green
Jon Savage

C3 to C2:
Stan Cagle
Butch Neunschwander
Dan O’Donnell Sr.

C4 to C3:
Donnie Hennop
Mark Hughen

The TRRA is excited to have so many referees working towards the next level. I appreciate everyone’s dedication and hard work to themselves and to the success of the TRRA. With this group of referee leaders, the TRRA will have a great Spring 2014 season.

Please join me in congratulating all the referees.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving the Texas Rugby Union.

Traci Schmidtke
TRRA Vice-Chairman
RATO

Jon Savage – Promoted to USA Rugby Referee “B Panel”

by

384727_336697063086457_1009359632_nIt is my great pleasure to announce, in conjunction with Jim Wolfinger of the Texas Rugby Union, your promotion to the grade of B Panel.

I know you have worked long and hard to elevate your game along with your dedication to the game of rugby.

I look forward to seeing you work at a much higher level in the game. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving the Texas Rugby Union.

Gary Hartzell
West Referee Chairman

This Weekend’s Games / Weather Cancellations

by

TRU

Texas Rugby Referee Association

It is the recommendation of the TRU Executive Committee and the TRRA that all matches be cancelled this weekend where there is a material weather risk.

This is particularly true for all matches (1) North of Waco (2) Matches in the DFW region and (3) any teams traveling OUT OF or INTO to the DFW region for matches.

Weather Risks include: Road Icing, Field Icing, Frozen Rain or Sleet, Power Outages and Hypothermia (player, coach, ref or spectators)

The current forecast for Dallas is a High temperature of less than 32 on both FRI and SAT. The forecast includes 100% chance of moisture on Friday. Thereby the moisture received on Friday will be a factor on Saturday as the temperatures are not forecasted to be above 30 as noted below.

Dallas:
Thursday Night Low: 26 with AM Ice
Friday High 30 / Low 18 with Freezing Rain
Saturday High 30 / Low 18 with Light Freezing Rain

The Austin and Houston regions are both anticipated to have wet weather over the weekend with both regions having High temperatures in the 30’s. While the temps may not reach or stay below freezing for a long period of time the TRU cautions all teams against travelling and player safety (hypothermia).

As always the Home team should be in regular contact with the Visiting team, the TRU Admin and the Referee to confirm match cancellations and reschedule dates.

If there is any concerns, questions or disagreement between the parties (home, away & ref) regarding the playing of the match please contact David McPhail or Ron Watson directly for final resolution.

Regards,

Texas Rugby Union and Texas Rugby Referee Association

‘Brain Bin’ with Temporary Replacement – Clarification from IRB

by

irb-top-bannerThere seems to be some confusion about the use of a “Brain Bin” and I would like to help clear some of it up. The ‘Brain Bin’ is not endorsed by USA Rugby, and it is not recommended by the IRB for anything but Elite international play. It should not be used except at this level of play.

Reference: https://usarugby.org/concussions/irb

Rationale:

– The article viewable at the above website brings us all up to date. The article clearly states this procedure is in a TRIAL state for only INTERNATIONAL ELITE rugby. It is not policy. USA Rugby has not made any official endorsement of this trial and has not made any change in our policy.
– When used in international elite play, the only way a player can be returned to play is for a MEDICAL DOCTOR to administer a pitch side assessment that includes the Maddocks Questions (cognition), a balance assessment and a ‘symptoms and signs’ assessment. If the PHYSICIAN clears the player, the PHYSICIAN takes full responsibility for the medically cleared to play decision. The MW situation is much different: it is rare for us to have a ‘team physician’ on the sideline, and if they are present, most do not know what tests to administer nor realize the risk they are taking with ‘clearing’ an athlete. To repeat policy: Only a physician can clear an athlete to return to play. For a referee to take on this responsibility on the advice of other than a physician puts that referee in a huge risk zone.

IRB Regulation 10 continues to apply:
Regulation 10 features a two-pronged approach to protect players at both the elite and community levels. Where concussion is diagnosed, a player must be removed from the field of play and not return to play or train on the same day and must be guided through a dedicated return to play protocol.

All players with suspected concussion where there is no appropriately qualified person is present to diagnose concussion must be removed from the field of play and not return to play or train on the same day and should be reviewed by an appropriately qualified person and then should complete the graduated return to play protocol described in the IRB Concussion Guidelines

Summary. We all want fewer injuries, especially head injuries. Removing a player from play if there is any doubt is the safest way to realize that. A gradual return to play based on qualified medical assessments is the current policy and any decision to return to play is out of the referee’s hands. Until we get clearance from the IRB and USA Rugby on a policy change, we should not allow any time for a pitch side assessment for a questionable concussion in non-international elite games. That player comes off; period.

Please forward this to fellow referees and coaches.

Harry Laws, MD
IRB Medical Educator
harryflaws@gmail.com

Scott Green – Promoted to “B Panel” & USA Rugby National Panel

by

549539_10200282944977373_963129233_nOn behalf of the TRRA and the Referee Advancement & Training Organization (RATO), it is our pleasure to announce that referee Scott Green have been promoted to  B Panel as well as the USA Rugby National Panel of Referees.

Please join us in congratulating Scott.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving the Texas Rugby Union.

Gary Hartzell
West Referee Chairman