News

The TRRA R&L Committee is now accepting nominations for individuals interested in running for Chairman or Vice Chairman. Individuals may nominate themselves by submitting a rugby resume as well as a personal statement (maximum 500 words) explaining why they wish to run for either position. Individuals may also nominate others, the R&L will contact these individuals to determine if they accept the nomination and acquire the requested documents.

NOTE: Nominees must be TRRA CIPP’d in order to be accepted.

Please send nominations to the TRU Admin, admin@texasrugbyunion.com; Note that the nomination window closes July 1, 2015. Nominations will be posted on the TRU website no later than July 6, 2015 for all members to review.  Voting will occur at the TRRA AGM, July 19, 2015; we highly encourage all referees to attend.

If a referee cannot attend, they may submit their vote by absentee (email) by Friday, July 17, 2015 at 5pm. Note that absentee votes must be sent digitally to admin@texasrugbyunion.com. Or you may give your proxy to another TRRA Member who will be attending the meeting, notice of this proxy must be sent digitally to admin@texasrugbyunion.com by Friday, July 17, 2015 at 5pm. Per the bylaws, each TRRA Member can only hold one proxy.

Please contact the current TRRA Chairman or any member of the R&L Committee if you have questions or concerns about this process.

Nomination  Process:

Now – Jul 1: Nominees are accepted (admin@texasrugbyunion.com)
Jul 7: Nominations posted to the TRU website for review
Jul 17: Absentee and proxies must be sent to admin@texasrugbyunion.com by 5pm.
Jul 19: Voting at AGM

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.