Referees

TRRA TRAINING FOR NEW AND EXISTING REFEREES

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The TRRA is pleased to announce a day of training for both existing and new referees. Two programs will be run concurrently on June 26, 2010 at Texas State University.

Firstly, the TRRA is hosting a Referee Level 1 Officiating Course on June 26th at Texas State University in San Marcos. This is the initial course required in order to become a rugby referee. There are no prerequisites for attending this course and it is the sole training vehicle for the education of entry level referees as certified USA Rugby referees.

The Level One Course covers the referee’s priorities, provides an introduction to the Laws, and examines scrums, ruck/mauls, tackles, lineout’s, offside, and advantage with focus on the critical parts and how to referee them. When a student has completed this course, and the accompanying test which will be administered on the day, they are ready to begin refereeing safely. The objective is to ensure Law knowledge and to assure that the understanding of the course material has been met. This is just the first step in a referee’s education, but it is the necessary beginning.

The course by itself is useful for coaches and players, in addition to the primary goal of starting people as referees. Students who pass the examination and then become active referees will be reimbursed the $50 course fee by the Texas Rugby Referees Association (TRRA) after they have refereed a minimum of five matches. All clubs within the TRU are strongly encouraged to send at least one referee candidate to the session in order to build the ranks of our referees, particularly from within the clubs. Please contact either James Summers or Greg Puklicz with the name of your attendees.

Secondly, in conjunction with the new referee officiating course, the TRRA will also host a conference/skills camp for all currently certified referees.

The goals of the referee conference/skills camp are:

1. To provide Texas rugby referees with a networking opportunity outside a match/tournament environment.

2. To provide a forum for active discussion of rugby law theory and practical application.

3. To promote consistency and higher referee standards among Texas rugby referees.

4. To discuss ideas for the improvement of the referee training structure in Texas.

5. To begin the process of training and promoting 3 new referees to L1 by December 2010.

6. To begin the process of training and promoting 5 new referees to L2 by December 2010.

The TRRA has secured Kevin McCaslin, former USA Rugby National Panel referee, to attend and provide instruction at the event. In addition to training sessions on various aspects of the law and game management, we will hold an open forum to discuss referee questions and concerns over topics ranging from practical law application, to the training/promotion structure within the TRRA.

This conference is intended as an open forum, and discussion of all referee related questions and concerns will be encouraged. ALL referees are strongly urged to make every effort to attend this event.

The agenda for the day is outlined below. The times and topics are subject to change at the request of the group. There is no fee to current TRRA members.

Please confirm you will be attending either this event or the Level 1 course by contacting either James Summers, TRRA Central Scheduler, or myself, by e-mail as noted below.

Greg Puklicz
TRRA Chairman
gpuklicz@madycorp.com

James Summers
TRRA Central Scheduler
summersjw@austin.rr.com

Ruling 2: 2010

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100311 SG IRB Ruling 2, 2010
To: Secretaries / CEOs of Unions and Regional Associations in Membership
From: David Carrigy, Head of External & Member Relations
Subject: Law Ruling by Designated Members of Rugby Committee
Date: March 11, 2010
Ruling: 2: 2010
Request from the WRU
The WRU request a Ruling related to time at the end of a match:
The request for a Ruling arises from the ending of two recent international
matches and is in relation to the way a restart takes place following the
referee’s communication that it is to be the “last play” of the match.
If the ball is kicked directly out on the full from the restart it should be left to the
referee’s discretion to decide whether:
(a) If Law 10.2 (a) Intentionally Offending has occurred
(b) If Law 13.8 Kick offs/ Restarts has been fully complied with.
Observation:
The Laws relating to Kick Offs/Restarts for 15-a-side matches would benefit
immensely from the variation to Law 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 currently operating for
seven-a-side rugby, which are quite specific, in that, it is a free kick to the nonoffending
team should a team infringe the above.
Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
The Designated Members have ruled that if there has been a score towards the
end of the game and there is time for the kick off to take place but time will
expire immediately after the kick and the kicker:
• Does not kick the ball ten metres
• Kicks the ball directly into touch
100309 SG IRB Ruling 1 2010 Page 2 of 2
• Kicks the ball dead on or over the opponents touch-in-goal or dead ball
line
The referee will offer the non-offending team the options provided by Law 13.7,
13.8 and 13.9 respectively and the match continues until the ball next becomes
dead.
Yours sincerely,
David Carrigy
Head of External & Member Relations

Date: March 11, 2010
Ruling: 2: 2010
Request from the WRU

The WRU request a Ruling related to time at the end of a match:

The request for a Ruling arises from the ending of two recent international matches and is in relation to the way a restart takes place following the referee’s communication that it is to be the “last play” of the match.

If the ball is kicked directly out on the full from the restart it should be left to the referee’s discretion to decide whether:

  • (a) If Law 10.2 (a) Intentionally Offending has occurred
  • (b) If Law 13.8 Kick offs/ Restarts has been fully complied with.

Observation:

The Laws relating to Kick Offs/Restarts for 15-a-side matches would benefit immensely from the variation to Law 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 currently operating for seven-a-side rugby, which are quite specific, in that, it is a free kick to the nonoffending team should a team infringe the above.

Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

The Designated Members have ruled that if there has been a score towards the end of the game and there is time for the kick off to take place but time will expire immediately after the kick and the kicker:

  • Does not kick the ball ten metres
  • Kicks the ball directly into touch
  • Kicks the ball dead on or over the opponents touch-in-goal or dead ball line

The referee will offer the non-offending team the options provided by Law 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9 respectively and the match continues until the ball next becomes dead.

Yours sincerely,
David Carrigy
Head of External & Member Relations

Ruling 1: 2010

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100309 SG IRB Ruling 1, 2010
To: Secretaries / CEOs of Unions and Regional Associations in Membership
From: David Carrigy, Head of External & Member Relations
Subject: Law Ruling by Designated Members of Rugby Committee
Date: March 10, 2010
Ruling: 1: 2010
Request from the IRFU
The IRFU request a Ruling related to Law 15.6 (c) as follows:
“Law 15.6(c) was introduced in 2009, and the stated purpose was to write into
Law Ruling No. 13 of 2003, and Nos. 3 and 8 of 2004.
We are of the firm opinion that 15.6(c) does not reflect accurately these Rulings:
• The Rulings clearly deal with an opponent of a tackled player, who
remains on his feet, and is on the tackled player’s side of the tackle. This
player must release and re-enter from his own side.
• This is the only requirement within these Rulings in relation to a player on
his feet who is an opponent of the tackled player.
• The Rulings also state that players can play the ball if they have come
from their own side, and are on their feet. There is no requirement within
the Rulings for a player, who has always been on his side of the tackle,
to release the ball.
• As written 15.6(c) is inclusive of all players on their feet, and this does
not meet the objective of the Rulings.
Furthermore, Law 15.6(c) is anomalous and in contradiction with several other
sections within the totality of Law 15 – particularly 15.5(b) and 15.6(b).
We ask the Designated Members to consider the above observations and to
determine if a re-write (or clarification) of 15.6(c) is necessary so it reflects
correctly and accurately the Rulings No. 13 of 2003, and Nos. 3 and 8 of 2004,
and to remove the current anomaly in Law.
100309 SG IRB Ruling 1 2010 Page 2 of 3
In view of the recent focus and discussions in relation to this Law, we would
also ask that this request is treated with the utmost urgency.”
Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee
In the Designated Members opinion the Law amendment, Law 15 6 (c) reflects
the Rulings 13 – 2008, 3 and 8 2004. In order to clarify the situation the
Designated Members’ comments are included below.
A player who is brought to the ground when carrying the ball is a tackled player.
(Definition)
A player who goes to ground when tackling a player is known as a tackler.
(Definition)
A player who brings a player to ground who is carrying the ball is not a tackler
(Definition), however, this player has completed a tackle.
A tackler must release the tackled player (Law15.4 (a)).
The tackled player must pass or release the ball (Law 15.5(b)).
The tackled player may release the ball by putting the ball on the ground in any
direction (Law15.5 (c)).
The tackled player may release the ball by pushing the ball along the ground
(Law15.5 (d)).
However, if opposition players who are on their feet attempt to play the ball, the
tackled player must release the ball (Law15.5 (e)).
Players arriving at a tackle may play the ball providing they are on their feet
(Law15.6 (b)).
Players who were attached to the player who is tackled and who remain on their
feet must release the player and the ball (Law15.6 (c)) and then may play the
ball in accordance with Law15.6 (b).
Law Ruling 8 of 2004 stated that the players who are not tacklers are covered
by Law 15.7(c) (2008 Law) and those players can only play the ball if they
approach from behind the ball and from directly behind the tackled player or the
tackler closest to those players’ goal-line.
100309 SG IRB Ruling 1 2010 Page 3 of 3
To approach behind the tackled player means the tackle has taken place and
the revised Law 15.6 (c) (2009) makes that very clear.
Law 15.6 (c) as written reflected the views of the Designated Members in 2004
and now, Law 15.6 (c) is part of the Law amendments circulated to all Unions in
2009 and was accepted by the Rugby Committee and Council.
Yours sincerely,
David Carrigy
Head of External & Member Relations

Date: March 10, 2010
Ruling: 1: 2010
Request from the IRFU

The IRFU request a Ruling related to Law 15.6 (c) as follows:
“Law 15.6(c) was introduced in 2009, and the stated purpose was to write into Law Ruling No. 13 of 2003, and Nos. 3 and 8 of 2004.  We are of the firm opinion that 15.6(c) does not reflect accurately these Rulings:

  • The Rulings clearly deal with an opponent of a tackled player, who remains on his feet, and is on the tackled player’s side of the tackle. This player must release and re-enter from his own side.
  • This is the only requirement within these Rulings in relation to a player on his feet who is an opponent of the tackled player.
  • The Rulings also state that players can play the ball if they have come from their own side, and are on their feet. There is no requirement within the Rulings for a player, who has always been on his side of the tackle, to release the ball.
  • As written 15.6(c) is inclusive of all players on their feet, and this does not meet the objective of the Rulings.

Furthermore, Law 15.6(c) is anomalous and in contradiction with several other sections within the totality of Law 15 – particularly 15.5(b) and 15.6(b).  We ask the Designated Members to consider the above observations and to determine if a re-write (or clarification) of 15.6(c) is necessary so it reflects correctly and accurately the Rulings No. 13 of 2003, and Nos. 3 and 8 of 2004, and to remove the current anomaly in Law.

In view of the recent focus and discussions in relation to this Law, we would also ask that this request is treated with the utmost urgency.”

Ruling of the Designated Members of the Rugby Committee

In the Designated Members opinion the Law amendment, Law 15 6 (c) reflects the Rulings 13 – 2008, 3 and 8 2004. In order to clarify the situation the Designated Members’ comments are included below.

A player who is brought to the ground when carrying the ball is a tackled player.  (Definition)
A player who goes to ground when tackling a player is known as a tackler. (Definition)
A player who brings a player to ground who is carrying the ball is not a tackler (Definition), however, this player has completed a tackle.

A tackler must release the tackled player (Law15.4 (a)).
The tackled player must pass or release the ball (Law 15.5(b)).
The tackled player may release the ball by putting the ball on the ground in any direction (Law15.5 (c)).
The tackled player may release the ball by pushing the ball along the ground (Law15.5 (d)).
However, if opposition players who are on their feet attempt to play the ball, the tackled player must release the ball (Law15.5 (e)).

Players arriving at a tackle may play the ball providing they are on their feet (Law15.6 (b)).
Players who were attached to the player who is tackled and who remain on their feet must release the player and the ball (Law15.6 (c)) and then may play the ball in accordance with Law15.6 (b).

Law Ruling 8 of 2004 stated that the players who are not tacklers are covered by Law 15.7(c) (2008 Law) and those players can only play the ball if they approach from behind the ball and from directly behind the tackled player or the tackler closest to those players’ goal-line.

To approach behind the tackled player means the tackle has taken place and the revised Law 15.6 (c) (2009) makes that very clear.

Law 15.6 (c) as written reflected the views of the Designated Members in 2004 and now, Law 15.6 (c) is part of the Law amendments circulated to all Unions in 2009 and was accepted by the Rugby Committee and Council.

Yours sincerely,
David Carrigy
Head of External & Member Relations

TRRA Match Reimbursement Policy

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All Clubs, Administrators and Referees:

Please go to the “Referee Corner” and review the TRRA Match Reimbursement Policy as of Jan-2010.
There are several worksheets, click on each accordingly.

Questions can be directed to TRRA Chairman, Greg Puklicz, at GPUKLICZ@MADYCORP.COM

Updated Match Day Procedures

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Match Protocol – All Matches (friendly and league)
Posted on 5 Feb, 2010
Match Protocol – Texas Rugby Referee and Team Match Confirmation Protocol

Preseason, Friendly’s and League Matches:

1. Turn in the schedule for all matches to your divisional secretary and the Local Referee Organization.
2. Check the TRU web site for the master schedule to confirm that all your games are entered appropriately and include directions and map to your pitch as well as the correct kick-off time. Contact your divisional Secretary to make any necessary corrections.
3. The master schedule should show the referee for matches at least 21 days ahead. You may request assistant referees, at the clubs expense, by contacting the referee scheduler(s) in your area.

Match week – Home team responsibility:

1. Monday – E-mail and/or call the referee for your next match using the list on the web site under “Referee Corner”. If there is an out of town or exchange referee assigned, call your Local Referee Scheduler (Contact us) for contact info and confirm with the exchange referee if any travel arrangements need to be made (airport pick-up, etc.). If a referee has not been scheduled, immediately contact the referee scheduler in your area. Provide the referee with the cell number of a club officer who can be contacted in the event of an unforeseen delay, weather issues, etc. Contact your opposition and confirm the match venue and kick-off time.
2. Wednesday – If you have received no response from the referee (Referee Corner / Referee List) by Wednesday evening, call your referee scheduler -contact details on TRU Website under Referee Corner / Contact Us.

Game Day – Home team:

1. Pick up referee if required
2. Have a pre-match conversation with the referee and indicate if changing and restroom facilities are available. Make the referee aware of any special home pitch conditions or venue rules. Provide the same information to the visiting team.
3. Invite the referee to the after-match function.
4. Assist the referee in getting to the airport if required
5. Collect and mail the signed CIPP rosters for both teams to the appropriate Divisional Secretary.

Game Day – Both teams:

1. Have front row waiver form completed and signed and present to the referee along with CIPP roster with all players clearly marked – jersey number and Front-row eligibility.
2. Prior to kick-off, exchange completed and signed CIPP roster with the opposition and sign the opposition’s roster. These are retained by the home team to be mailed to the appropriate Divisional Secretary.
3. Confirm scores and discipline issues with referee before the referee leaves the venue.

Division 1 Post Game Responsibilities – Both teams:

By 3:00pm on the Monday after the match, complete and submit the on-line West TU Div.1 Match Report, located on the following link – https://rugby.truman.edu/men/Club-Match-Report.htm

Updated policy on Field Barriers and Safety Protocols

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FIELD BARRIERS REQUIREMENTS EXPANDED:

As of January 1, 2010, any and all TRU Rugby Matches, TYRA included, MUST HAVE:

• Field barriers, 5 meters or more, from the touch line on BOTH sides of the playing enclosure.
• Additionally, both Clubs game day personnel (reserves, coaches and trainers) shall be placed on the opposite side of the field from the traditional spectator/stands side for the particular field being used.
• Fans and non essential team personnel should be directed to remain on the Spectator sideline.
• The clubs shall be divided and directed to remain on their respective side of the 50m line and remain between the 50m and their respective 22m line. No personnel from either team should be between the 22m and dead ball line.
• If the opposite side of the spectator sideline is not available, or an unforeseen situation should arise, a technical zone shall be established within the established guidelines detailed herein.
• 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 Director of Competitions.

This policy was tested in the 2008-09 competitive cycle at various venues, divisions and tournaments with positive results. 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.

The only person allowed inside the ropes are: One (1) Coach & One (1) Trainer/Medical Personnel. All others must remain behind the ropes.

Remember there are fairly strict rules regarding who can and cannot be on the field of play. 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 6C.2, 3}. 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. Penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct may be applied.

All personnel properly within the playing enclosure must stay close to the perimeter rope unless performing their authorized function. They are not to approach or remain in close proximity to the touchline thus distracting or endangering the touch judge in the execution of his or her duties.

As detailed herin, a well defined “technical zone” is to be used when a non spectator sideline is not available. The technical zone should be well defined and be of equal size and of corresponding proximity for both teams.

This requirement is recommended for the remainder of the 2009 competitive season, it will mandatory beginning January 1, 2010 and Match Officials (Referee) will have authority, at his sole discretion, to post-pone the match if the field is not properly roped, marked or prepared for play in compliance with TRU requirements. Referee match reports will be the primary method utilized to monitor compliance.

The existing requirements to have Goal Post Pads, Field Flags and properly marked fields shall continue to be in effect and failure to meet these will also have the same penalties imposed.

Failure to meet the minimum required policies will be tracked on a rolling twelve (12) month basis and are set forth below, with the following sanctions:

• First Offense: $50 fine
• Second Offense $100 fine and loss of One (1) League Point as applicable
• Third Offense: $150 fine, loss of One (1) League Point and loss of next home match as applicable
• Fourth Offense: To be reviewed by TRU Discipline Director

The following procedures should be followed on game day and/or in the case of a citing:

• Both coaches should review the assigned team areas at least 30 minutes prior to kick off.
• If both coaches cannot agree to a suitable resolution, the respective coaches, must notify the referee before kickoff. Coaches can NOT agree to waive the stated policy requirements by mutual consent.
• Primary reporting of the Field Barrier Policy shall continue to be made via Referee Match Reports which should be submitted with 48 hours of the match or as is reasonable.
• The TRU will review all match reports and notify the respective clubs within 48 hours or as is reasonable.
• Appeals shall be submitted to the TRU Discipline Director within 48 hours of notification or as is reasonable.
• Fines shall be due and payable within 10 business days of notification by the TRU.

Posted, December 14, 2009

Match Protocol – All Matches (friendly and league)

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Match Protocol – Texas Rugby Referee Match Confirmation Protocol

Preseason, Friendly’s and League Matches:

1. Turn in the schedule for all matches to your divisional secretary and the Local Referee Organization.
2. Check the TRU web site for the master schedule to assure that all your games are entered appropriately
3. Matches should show the referee for matches at least 21 days ahead at all times when possible. You may request assistant referees, at the clubs expense, by contacting the referee scheduler(s) in your area

Match week:
1. Monday: E-mail and/or call the referee for your next match using the list on the web site under “Referee Corner”. If there is an out of town or exchange ref, call your Local Referee Scheduler (“contact us”) for contact info. If a referee has not been scheduled as of yet, immediately contact the referee scheduler in your area. Provide the referee with the cell number of a club officer who can be contacted in the event of an unforeseen delay, weather issues, etc.
2. If you have had no response from the referee (Referee Corner / Referee List) by Wednesday evening, call your referee scheduler (contact details on TRU Website under Referee Corner / Contact Us)
3. If your referee is coming in by plane, please arrange to pick him/her up if and help with any other arrangements as needed
4. Thursday: E-mail your roster with CIPP #’s to the Referee and Your Opposition or follow alternate procedures on the TRU web site
5. Please be sure to have a map to your field available on the web site and/or send one to the referee if required

Game Day:
1. Pick up referee if required
2. Have front row waiver forms signed and present to the referee and CIPP roster with all players clearly marked
3. Have a pre-match conversation with the referee and show him/her changing and restroom facilities
4. Make the referee aware of any special home pitch conditions or venue rules
5. Confirm scores and discipline issues with referee and the other team’s coach before the referee leaves the stadium/field
6. Assist the referee in getting to the airport if required
7. Invite the referee to the social

Front Row Replacement Law Revised

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Reminder to all Clubs:

Greetings,

The following recommendation from USA Rugby Competitions Committee was approved by the Rugby Committee and the Board of Directors and is in force for all matches that lead in any way to a USA Rugby National Championship.
________________________________________

Attached is the new version of IRB Law 3. We have adopted the Union Specific Variations as they pertain to front row replacements as detailed below:
________________________________________

The following competition regulation applies for any match that leads in any way to a USA Rugby National Championship.

• All matches shall be governed by IRB Law 3 with respect to substitutions and front row replacements. In particular, Law 3.14 “Union Specific Variations” will apply to front row replacements.

• Failure to have three trained and experienced front-row players at the start of a match will result in a forfeit.

• Teams shall submit a match roster nominating a maximum of 23 players – 15 starting players and a maximum of eight reserves.

• The table below indicates the required numbers of suitably trained and experienced front row players for different numbers of players on the match roster

Number of Players on the roster Required number of suitably trained and experienced Front row players
15 3
16, 17 or 18 4
19, 20 or 21 5
22 or 23 6

• Should a team lose all of their available front row players, then uncontested scrums will take place but the team opting out of the set-piece will not be able to replace the injured player – forcing them to continue with only fourteen players. (Note – This is a change to the existing Laws and ensures that a team going to uncontested scrums does not gain an advantage.)

3.14 UNION SPECIFIC VARIATIONS

(a) A Union having jurisdiction (or where a match or competition is played between teams
from two or more Unions those Unions by agreement between them) may implement
variations to Law 3 .4 for matches below international level as set out in 3(b) and/or 3 (c)
below .

(b) When 22 or 23 players are nominated in a team there must be sufficient front row players
to play at hooker, tight-head prop and loose-head prop who are suitably trained and
experienced to ensure that on the first occasion that a replacement in any front row
position is required, the team can continue to play safely with contested scrums.

(c) A provision may be introduced that where uncontested scrums are ordered as result of
there being no suitably trained and experienced front row replacement for any reason, the
team concerned play with not more than 14 players

Cancellation of Referee Level 1 Course – Sept 26 – Dallas

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The TRRA has informed the Union that due to lack of interest, they are cancelling the Level 1 course scheduled for Sept 26 in Dallas.

This is an unfortunate situation as the need for referee’s continues to grow in comensurate with our Youth, Collegiagte and Senior programs which are all experiencing steady year over year growth.

The rugby community’s failure to identify, train and develop new referee’s will materially limit the growth of the game as a whole and we will need to look at new and possibly more drastic ways to service the games we have.

Rich has graciously offered to teach a course himself in November.

A new date will be published and emailed out to the members.

Thanks

David McPhail
President, TRU