Events

TRRA AGM on Sunday, July 19

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Texas Rugby Referee AssociationThe TRRA will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, July 19 in Houston, TX. Meeting location is still being finalized; tentatively scheduled from 10am to 4pm.

What: TRRA AGM (Agenda & Minutes)
When: Sunday, July 19, 2015 from 10am to 4pm
Where: Crowne Plaza Houston – 8686 Kirby Drive, Houston, Texas 77054 [MAP]

All TRRA members (in good standing) are invited to attend, but need to RSVP (see invite from Who’s the Ref) by July 10, 2015 to ensure adequate room size and lunch reservations. Non-TRRA members are welcome, please send your RSVP to the TRU Admin (admin@texasrugbyunion.com).

Agenda items will be posted to the web accordingly and new business items and/or discussion item requests can be sent to tschmidtke@texasrugbyunion.com for addition to the meeting agenda.

Level 1 Referee Course – Apr 18, 2015 @ Richardson, TX

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1176276_504162323006596_207390337_nIn conjunction with the SWWC 7s Tournament we are hosting a Level 1 Referee Course. We are looking forward to grooming a team of new referees 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 once you become a registered referee you are eligible for Kit, Match Fees and Mileage!

Register

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

Cost: $60

Where: Fuzzy’s Taco Shop [MAP]
561 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, 75080

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.

Description: 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.

The course focuses on: 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.

Course Registration, Cost and CIPP: The cost is $60.00. Registration can be accomplished on-line. AFTER REGISTERING, PLEASE FORWARD THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL TO THE COURSE EDUCATOR

Items needed to attend the course (click on the links below):

Register

Level 2 Referee Officiating Course – Dec 6, 2014 – Addison, TX

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Level 2 Officiating Course - Texas Rugby Referee Association

L2 Referee Officiating Course (2 day Course) – Dec 6, 2014 in Addison, TX

Details

Cost: $100
Facility: 4540 Beltway Drive, Addison, TX 75001
Approximate delivery time: 16 hours; 2 DAY COURSE
Clinic Contact: Stephen Parrill or 985-345-4389
Entry Deadline: 12/4/2014 by 5:30 PM
Max. Registrations: 15
TRRA Major Sponsor: Ruck Science

Register

Prerequisites: Current USA Rugby membership, including registration as a referee; Level 1 Officiating course certification or equivalent and one full season of refereeing.

Requirements for Certification: Attend and participate in all course modules.

Requirements for Accreditation: Attend and participate in all course modules, achieve satisfactory practical assessment (excellent or competent), pass IRB law exam (can be taken prior to the course), submit a 12-event officiating diary covering matches and training sessions and complete IRB Rugby Ready certification (can be completed prior to the course).

Description: The purpose of this course is to enable officials to develop further the skills acquired in the introductory course so as to officiate safe, enjoyable competition.  Course accreditation is one requirement for promotion to the Territorial Panel.

Course Focus:

  • Principles of attack & defense
  • Communication
  • Risk management
  • Foul play
  • Tackle
  • Key factor analysis of unit skills
  • Referee support
  • Consistent application
  • Open Play
  • Ruck
  • The representative game in your country
  • Fitness basics
  • Touch judging
  • Scrum
  • Maul
  • Refereeing principles
  • Responsibility & commitment
  • Advantage
  • Lineout

Level 1 Coaching Match Officials | 10/4/14 | Austin, TX

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Level 1 Coaching Match Officials

USA Rugby Logo Texas Rugby Referee AssociationThe purpose of this course is to introduce the concept and role of referee coaching to enable assistance and guidance to develop the referee.

When: 10/4/14
Where: Sleep Inn & Suites Austin (8410 Highway 290 East Austin, TX 78724)
Time: 8 – 5 pm
Cost: $50*

*INCENTIVE*

The TRU recommends that all area teams send at least one member of their coaching staff to this course. To encourage participation TRRA would like to offer the first five registered participants will receive a full reimbursement of the CMO course fee.

Also the team with the most representatives a full reimbursement of the CMO course fees. Reimbursement is contingent on:

  • Confirmed attendance by hosts
  • Completion of all course requirements
  • Register for course by Thursday, Sep 31st
  • Current USA Rugby membership

More Details of the Course

A one day, course to introduce the concept and role of referee coaching to enable assistance and guidance to develop the referee, focusing on the following:

  1. The principles rugby;
  2. The planning needed for effective coaching;
  3. Observation skills and analysis;
  4. Review document preparation;
  5. Use of video;
  6. Reading the game and identifying trends;
  7. The concept of materiality;
  8. The REVIEW process;
  9. Questioning and listening skills;
  10. Using the competence based review approach.

Lead Educator: Stephen Parrill

REGISTRATION INFO

Referee Certifications – Host & Attendees Wanted!

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Texas Rugby Referee AssociationThis fall TRRA would like to host several Referee Certification Courses! We are also looking for hosts of these events, if you are interested, please let admin@texasrugbyunion.com know ASAP!

Certifications

Level 1 Certification – Date TBD – HOST NEEDED!

Prerequisites: None!

The purpose of this course is to enable officials to acquire basic skills to officiate safe, enjoyable competition.

Level 2 Certification – 10/11/14 – HOST NEEDED!

Prerequisites: Current USA Rugby membership, including registration as a referee; Level 1 Officiating course certification or equivalent and one full season of refereeing.

The purpose of this course is to enable officials to develop further the skills acquired in the introductory course so as to officiate safe, enjoyable competition. Course accreditation is one requirement for promotion to the Territorial Panel.

Level 1 Coaching Match Officials – 10/4/14** | Austin, TX | HOST NEEDED!

Prerequisites: Current USA Rugby membership.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the concept and role of referee coaching to enable assistance and guidance to develop the referee.

**We would highly recommend that all team coaches take this course to aid in their understanding of the development of referees.

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

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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

USA Rugby National Development Summit – Feb 21-23, 2014 in the Philadelphia area

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usa_rugby_logoWe are hoping to host our USA Rugby National Development Summit on February 21-23, 2014 in the Philadelphia area. This event is on track to be bigger and better than ever, featuring the best opportunity to learn and share about coaching, refereeing and administration. Last year featured all of our national team coaching staff, our national panel referees, and top administrators teaching and sharing over the long weekend.

I wanted to get this date and location to you early for both your feedback and the hope your can keep a light schedule that weekend in your home unions to encourage participation. I understand some parts of the country are in competition at this point, but we were forced to go a bit later due to an early USA Sevens and IRB Womens Sevens event.

This event is for rugby of all levels including Adults, Collegiate, High School and Youth, men, women, fans, coaches, referees, players and die hards alike. All our State Youth & High School Organizations gather at this event, as well as the Collegiate Management Council and potentially the GUs. We also feature a great exhibit space with all the latest rugby companies and folks wanting to get into the rugby community.

Prior events were in:
Nashville – 2006
San Diego – 2008
Dallas – 2009
Indianapolis – 2011
Atlanta – 2012
Los Angelas – 2013

Thanks for your consideration and I look forward to hearing any feedback you might have.

Thanks!

Kurt Weaver

USA RUGBY REFEREE DEPARTMENT NOW OFFERING ONLINE TOUCH JUDGE & ASSISTANT REFEREE COURSES

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from USA Rugby:

Boulder, CO – The USA Rugby Referee Department is excited to announce the advent of online Touch Judge & Assistant Referee courses!  These courses will allow participants from all over the country to create a collaborative learning environment and become USA Rugby certified.

This is the perfect opportunity for parents, coaches, and players to get involved and to learn more about the game from anywhere in the country.

Using instructor led discussion, video clips and other course materials participants in the Touch Judge courses will learn when the ball is in touch, touch judge signals, places of throw in, positioning and seven-a-side variations.  Participants in the Assistant Referee course will learn how to adjudicate foul play, perform signaling and reporting, maintain positioning, and use communication systems.  The courses will culminate with a brief quiz to validate the participant’s certification as a USA Rugby Touch Judge or Assistant Referee.

Courses will be offered monthly and will be held on the 2nd Tuesday & Wednesday of every month at 8:00pm Eastern Time.  Each session will last approximately two hours and will be taught by an IRB certified Educator. The cost of the online Touch Judge courses will be $25, as will the Assistant Referee course.  Please note that space is limited, so sign up early!

Any questions or concerns can be directed to Brittany Jacobs or Tim Cornelius.

Brittany Jacobs
bjacobs@usarugby.org
(303) 539-0300 x 111

Tim Cornelius
tcornelius@usarugby.org
(303) 539-0300 x 135

Updated Tourney Policy (Effective Immediately)

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To All Clubs:

Based on prior years of experiences and feedback received from all parties, the TRRA and TRU have agreed that there needs to be a restructure of all Social Tournaments in general.

The consensus opinion is that all Social Tournaments will be run independent of the TRRA and TRU.

Tournaments have repeatedly stated that they are Cost First which continually leads to over use of the assigned TRRA Referees / Match Officials.

There has been repeated issues with Match Officials being required or pressured to work an inordinate amount of matches for extended periods of time in difficult conditions for free or nominal compensation.

Several proposals have been trialed in order to cut down on Tourney Costs and Referee over usage. To date no solutions have turned out to the be the magic bullet to lower costs and stop referee over use.

Therefore the following will be the published protocol for all Social Fifteens and Sevens tournaments in the Texas GU:

  • Tournaments are to submit a request form at least 30 days prior to the event per normal via the website
  • Tournaments are required to obtain USA Tournament Sanctioning prior to the event AND prior to TRU request
  • Once approved by USA, the event will be added to the TRU Tournament Calendar as a Social Event Only
  • The TRU will not sanction any of these events and as we can not ensure CIPP compliance
  • Clubs are encouraged to individually contact and contract TRRA match officials for services per event
    • Referees that have the desire to work Summer Social Sevens Tournaments can be found here. Otherwise all referee contact information can be found on the full Referee Contact List.
  • Payment / Compensation can be individually negotiated, however, all payments shall be due and payable on day of the event
  • TRRA and TRU will focus on Competitive Events and Matches that promote organized competition and CIPP compliance

In connection with this announcement, The TRU will be creating a Texas Sevens Series aka “TSS” this summer that will effectively replace the TOLA series. Details on the Sevens Circuit will be published to the TRU Website shortly.

Tournaments that are all ready in process and have been approved will be serviced per the existing guidelines and policies.

Regards,
TRRA and TRU

TRU Winter Meeting Details

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The TRU Winter Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 10th, in San Antonio per our on-going rotation policy.

This meeting will focus on two primary issues at hand being the By Laws and Operating Procedures.  Other items will be covered but not in the normal fashion we have done in prior meetings.

Location:  Drury Inn & Suites (Near La Cantera Parkway)

15806 I-10 West near Loop 1604, San Antonio, TX 78249

Phone: 210-696-0800

Meeting starts at 10am and runs until 4pm.

Lunch will be served to those that RSVP in advance.  Please RSVP no later than Friday, March 2nd, to Doug Corrigan, Mens Director : rainyday_15@yahoo.com

Agenda topics can be added to the Agenda by emailing David McPhail: tru.president@gmail.com

A draft agenda is detailed below:

1.      USA / WEST / TEXAS – McPhail / Sharpley

2.      BY LAW AMENDMENTS – Courtney

3.      TRU OPERATING PROCEEDURES – McPhail

4.      FINANCIAL REPORT  – Pfleger / McPhail

5.      COMPETITIONS  – Watson & McPhail

6.      TRU MASTER SCHEDULE AND GAME LIMITS – McPhail

7.      DISCIPLINE REPORT – Courtney

 

  • 8.      WEBSITE REVIEW – Young

9.      OLD BUSINESS

10.   NEW BUSINESS and INFORMATION

11.  ADJOURNMENT