Referees

RATO Introduces Referee Coaches/Mentor Program & Referee Crews (Beta)

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trra_logoRATO is proud to announce that effective Oct 1st, we have rolled out the Referee Coaches & Mentor program (as mentioned at the TRRA AGM). This program was implemented so that referees could have a direct link to a Referee Coach or a Mentor. Having a Referee Coach or Mentor is invaluable and we expect a rapid progression with our referees this season and going forward.

Also, RATO has approved a beta test of Referee Crews this fall. The crews will work together in units to mentor, learn and progress. Each crew has a C1 lead with promising referees of different levels working as a team undertaking matches together as Center and Assistant Referees.

If there are any questions or concerns about the Mentor/Coach or Crews, please contact Randy Campbell.

Texas Cup Series Starts This Weekend!

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TRUThe Texas Cup is an All Star series that is designed to foster the best players within the Texas Rugby Union (TRU) in a regional competitive venue. The series is split up into three Geographical Regions and each has an All Star team. The North region includes teams from North of Waco to Oklahoma City and Midland and to Shreveport. The Central region includes South of Waco to San Antonio. The South region includes Stephen F. Austin/Woodlands to McAllen and east to New Orleans and Houston. The Texas Cup selections were based on active and CIPP’d Men’s Club members of the TRU.

See below for a word from each of the coaching staffs and their player rosters. Also see the complete Texas Cup schedule and the assigned referees below.

Texas Cup Schedule & Assigned Referee**

September 28
Texas Cup South vs Central, 7:00pm @ Alden Bridge Sports Park, Woodlands, TX [MAP]
Referee: Scott Green

October 5
Texas Cup North vs Central, 3:30pm @ Cowtown Tournament, Ft. Worth, TX  [MAP]
Referee: Jon Savage

October 12
Texas Cup North vs South, 3:30pm @ Lake Highlands Park, Dallas, TX [MAP]
Referee: Shawn Martin

October 19
Texas Cup Central vs South, 3:00pm @ Huns Field, Austin, TX [MAP]
Referee: Scott Green

October 26
Texas Cup Central vs North, 3:00pm @ Burr Field, Austin, TX [MAP]
Referee: Wendy Young

November 2
Texas Cup South vs North, 6:00pm @ Alden Bridge Sports Park [MAP]
Referee: Jon Savage

 

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**The TRRA is excited to partner with TRU High Performance Rugby in the inaugural Texas Cup competition. We have carefully chosen our top local referees and promising fast track refs to provide the very best in referee services.

We wish the players, coaches, fans and media a safe, exciting competition and look forward to the opportunities ahead of us.

Jim Wolfinger, Texas Rugby Referee Association Chairman

**The TRRA is excited to partner with Ruck Science for the upcoming 2016 season. We have carefully chosen this partnership as we believe it will provide an excellent opportunity for all the referees in Texas. Please visit ruckscience.com to see their range of supplements for rugby players and referees.

 

#TexasCup

Follow all the updates on the #TexasCup on Twitter and Facebook.

South Team

The initiatives launched by the Texas Rugby Union to rapidly accelerate the development of the unions players is to be applauded. The recent IRANZ Academy courses run in three cities was a real coup for Texas. There is no exaggeration is saying that the opportunity for players in Texas to receive coaching from the hottest coach in the world in back to back Super Rugby Champion coach Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph, another Super Coach who also has coached the Maori All Blacks, was as good as it gets. Those players who attended are the envy of thousands of Kiwi players who literally beg their clubs to get the chance to attend an IRANZ Academy course. It has become a gateway to the highest representative honours with their alumni now consisting of about 70 percent of the current All Black squad and most of the All Blacks Sevens and All Black U20 squads as well as several of the Springboks.

I am sure the enthusiasm shown by the Houston area players was matched by those in the other regions. However it would all have been of limited value if a program like the Texas Cup had not been put into place on the back of the IRANZ Academy. Texas elite players needed an opportunity to express the skills learnt and the sooner the better so they could become ingrained and replace inferior skills and bad habits. The Texas Cup is the perfect opportunity.

The Souths Select squad represents 6 clubs and the players and coaching and management staff have gelled extremely well. With limited time to learn new systems the side may take a game or two to hit their stride but there will be no doubting the players commitment. The team will be looking to play an attractive style of rugby that is enjoyable for players and a good advertisement for the game to those that attend games. While I am sure every team places winning the inaugural Texas Cup as their top priority; I feel it is of more importance that both players and spectators get to participate in a celebration of high quality, attractive rugby.

The excellent all weather surface of The Woodlands field couple with the first class lighting will provide an ideal venue to kick off what promises to be an exciting new era for Texas Rugby.

Roster:
Mike Wong, BARC
Taylor Kraft, Galveston
Chris Parker, HARC
Chris Saint, HARC
Andres Dias, HARC
Rafael Casas, HURT
Ben Teaney, HURT
Justin Blocker, HURT
Gary Eakin, HURT
Randy James, Katy
Paul Nieuwoudt, Woodlands
Chris Saxon, Woodlands
Connor Mills, Woodlands
Colby Kreft, Woodlands
Chris Tofte, Woodlands
Jadeon du Toit, Woodlands
Danny Dunlop, Woodlands
Matt Drennen, Woodlands
Desmond Birdow, Woodlands
Josh Alden, Woodlands
Mitchell Earley, Woodlands
Yamar Washington, Woodlands
Neil Campbell, Woodlands
Ken Wilson Woodlands
Charles Peterson, BARC
Ben Gehring, BARC
Sib Sikobi, BARC
Daniel Aaron, HARC
Matt Hayes, HARC
Ken Peterson, HARC
Robert Rutherford, HARC
Kenneth (Petey) Hepburn, HARC
Paul Mullen, HARC
Taylor Burkhalter, HARC

Coaches:
Greg Doolan, Head Coach
Phil Beck, Assistant Coach
Nemani Delaibatiki, Assistant Coach
Dave Yeoman, Manager

 

Central Team

The Texas Cup All Stars Central Representative Team has been announced. A squad of 30 players have been selected from rugby clubs representing the central region of Texas rugby. 14 players from the Austin Rugby Club, 10 players from the Huns Rugby Club, 5 players from the San Antonio Rugby Club and 1 from the San Marcos Greys. Bob Kasper from San Marcos Greys would have been the second selection from that club but unfortunately had his orbital bone broken playing in a club match last weekend. Over 45 players have been training three times a week for the past month in preparation for this High Performance Series. The IRANZ Coaching Clinic conducted in late August provided an excellent weeks evaluation and coaching seminar for most of these players selected, training with two top Super 15 coaches in Waikato Chiefs Dave Rennie and Otago Highlanders Jamie Joseph. It was a fantastic way to start this representative program.

Central Texas Head Coach Lach Ferguson “ This has been a awesome experience for players and coaches alike, coming together from different clubs to put together a very strong representative team. I’ve been really impressed by the players attitudes and their excitement about playing top level rep rugby. The guys have absolutely bought into the concept and every training session has been a pleasure to be involved with. I want to thank my coaching staff of Kirk Tate Forwards Coach and Pete Pettinari Backs Coach from the Huns Rugby Club and Steve Corcoran Defence Coach from the Austin Rugby Club. These guys have worked tirelessly and really prepared the players well providing them with a high level of professional coaching. The Texas All Stars Series is going to be a very close competition and provide exciting matches for all the players involved. All three regions have strong squads and rugby supporters in Texas are going to see some very high caliber rugby over the next month. My guys are really looking forward to getting out onto the pitch this weekend in Houston for the first game between the South All Stars and the Central All Stars”.

Roster:
1. Anthony Arnold, Huns RFC
2. Austin Byrne, Austin RFC
3. Brad Vaughan, Huns RFC
4. Bradley Yandle,Austin RFC
5. Brian Welborn, Huns RFC
6. Chris Hanson (Captain), Huns RFC
7. Connally McKay, Austin RFC
8. Craig Welborn, Huns RFC
9. Curtis Patrick, Chaffin Austin RFC
10. David Caswell, Austin RFC
11. Giovanni Bonilla, Huns RFC
12. Gonzalo Sanchez, Austin RFC
13. Jacob Wurz, Austin RFC
14. Jake Bacon, Huns RFC
15. Jarrod Amante Bueno, San Antonio RFC
16. Joedee Reyes, San Antonio RFC
17. Joey Malanka, Austin RFC
18. John Hart, Austin RFC
19. Justin Casino, Austin RFC
20. Kellen Burke, Austin RFC
21. Kevin Kemp, San Marcos RFC
22. Levi Kereti, San Antonio RFC
23. Matt Zappa, Huns RFC
24. Paul Dombkowski, Austin RFC
25. Rickey A. Johnson, Austin RFC
26. Robert Drummond,Huns RFC
27. Troy Spencer, Huns RFC
28. Vainuku Siosaia, San Antonio RFC
29. Will Martin, Austin RFC
30. Zach Gonderman, San Antonio RFC

Coaches:
Lachlan Ferguson, Head Coach
Kirk Tate, Forwards Coach
Pete Pettinari, Backs Coach
Steve Corcoran, Defense Coach

North Team

It is my belief that the introduction of the Texas Cup is one of the most forward thinking programs that the Union has proposed. It is absolutely vital that young players experience the representative environment and it is equally important that the Texas Union supports it as such.

When the trials match for our region was scheduled the response was outstanding with over 72 players representing 8 different clubs attending. Many players travelled up to 5 hours to participate, which is an immediate endorsement of the program by the players. It must be recognized that the clubs themselves were the driving force behind this participation and is a result of the tireless work of our administrators, without whom, none of this would have happened.

Further, anytime that players can experience coaching in an environment as professional as the IRANZ Academy it is essential they do so. Nowhere will our players be exposed to the level of knowledge and expertise provided by programs of this caliber. However, if the players do not have the fundamental skills to truly benefit from these events , programs such as the Texas Cup become increasingly important. To allow the best players to interact with the best coaches and administrators provides the bridge that takes average players to above average, and above average to excellent. This is singularly the best way to bring the undiscovered talent from our Union to the attention of those who can influence their rugby futures. It also becomes a vehicle to highlight the emerging talent pool from our regions.

It is imperative that the Union continues to bring support to these representative programs as they are invaluable in presenting a quality product to young men and women who may wish to embrace this incredible sport.

Roster:
Darragh Lynch, Dallas Quins
Gerad Crosswy, Tulsa
Kelly Kolberg, Dallas RFC
Collin Yerian, Dallas RFC
Zachary Mudd, Ft. Worth
Chad Joseph, Dallas RFC
Charles Davidson, Dallas Quins
Gareth Ducray, DARC
Michael Kenealy, Dallas RFC
Spencer Cameron , Dallas Quins
John Paul Rodriguez, Ft. Worth
Jordan Sheibeh, Dallas Quins
Bradley Luyt, DARC
Cobb Brandon, OKC
Gonzalo Ruiz, Griffins
Andrew Stock, Dallas RFC
Anthony Gregory II, Shreveport
Chris Hopkins, Dallas RFC
Drew McCure, DARC
Chris Kelly, Dallas RFC
Peter Santos, Dallas Quins
Austin Ryan, Dallas RFC
Jonathan Moore, Tulsa
Ryan Green, DARC
Skylar Allbritton, Dallas RFC
Robert Lindsey, DARC

Coaches:
Dean Robinson, Head Coach
Kelly Joe, Assistant Head Coach
Rhys Ball, Forwards Coach
Matt Craig, Backs Coach
Gordon Hanlon, Dallas Quins
George Munstedt, Dallas Quins
Jon Jefferies, Dallas RFC
Bruce McGregor, North Texas Representative
John Dale, Treasurer
Fil Keuppens, Manager

Can’t make the Texas Cup matches but still want to watch some rugby? Check out the Texas Rugby Calendar, it has all the league schedules for all of our Men & Women’s Club, Men and Women’s Collegiate and Youth (Spring only) matches.

Sevens Scrums (New Cadence) Clarification from Patrick McNally

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usa_rugby_logoLadies and Gentlemen,

We have received quite a few inquiries lately about how the new scrum calls will affect Seven-a-Side rugby. Sevens scrums are quite a bit different than Fifteens scrums, so it is important that we are all on the same page moving into the fall Collegiate 7s season. Paddy O’Brien was able to verify the new procedures (see below).

For Seven scrums we will:

Call CROUCH-BIND-SET. Sevens Referees will make sure that scrums are straight and square before calling “CROUCH”, then call “BIND”. The Referee will then make sure all 4 props have proper binds on their opposite numbers (up high on the back or arm), before calling “SET” (invitation to engage). All put ins by the scrum half must be straight down the middle.

We will not be calling “Yes 9”, “Yes 4”, or anything else to the scrum half. Sevens scrums by nature, are quick restarts and should proceed without delay. We do not want to slow down the game of Sevens, but will ensure a fair contest for possession (check for proper binds, straight put in).

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Patrick McNally
USAR National Sevens Referee Manager
(323) 899-2471

CIPP Registration is OPEN!

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usa_rugby_logoAll, the USA Rugby CIPP cycle has opened! Please CIPP your Team and have your individual players CIPP ASAP. For those teams that have games/tournaments coming up this weekend, please do this TODAY!

  1. Go to https://usarugby.org/membership
  2. Search for your team, they call it a ‘group’
  3. Select Register next to correct team
    1. If you have problems finding your team, or need help, contact admin@texasrugbyunion.com
  4. Complete registration and payment

Also below are some pre-season reminders and requirements. If these are not followed your team or organization may be subject to Disciplinary Action. The TRU urges you to review each of the links below and ensure that your team is in compliance.

  • USA Rugby Club Registration and Player CIPP
    • It is the policy of the Texas Rugby Union that each and every player, coach, referee, administrator and club will comply with the USA Rugby’s Club and Individual Participation Program (CIPP) for ALL matches. CIPP officially opens August 31st (2 days!), we will be confirming that your players/team is CIPP’d prior to your first match.
  • Match Requirements (Pre, Week of and Post Match)
    • Schedule Confirmation (Pre)
      • Once your Division schedule has been loaded into the TRU Calendar, please confirm that the game is correct including the HOME vs AWAY and the location matches the HOME team. Also note that the location MUST be an exact pitch address.
    • Referee Confirmation (Week of)
      • Monday – Contact referee for your match using the contact information on the Referee List. If a referee has not been scheduled, immediately contact the referee scheduler in your area.
        • If you view the details of your event on the TRU Calendar, it should say Referee: First Last Name (Confirmed). This does mean they are confirmed, if you don’t see that or it says Pending, feel free to reach out to admin@texasrugbyunion.com.
      • Wednesday  – If you have received no response from the referee (Referee List) by Wednesday evening, call your Referee Scheduler.
    • Match Day
    • CMS (Competitions Management System) (Post)
      • Divisions that are using the USA Rugby Competition Management System must input their match results within 72 hours after the match.
    • Referee Assessments (Post)
      • It is now a requirement from the TRU that a Referee Assessment is completed by the coaches (required) and captains (optional) of each team within one week of a Cup/League match. More details.
  • Club Contact Information
    • Clubs are required to keep their contact information up to date PRIOR to the start of each competitive season.
  • TRU Feedburner
    • Please note that it is a requirement that at least two team members (or coach) are signed up to receive TRU website updates. This is the primary method for announcements from the TRU. To sign up, go to  https://texasrugbyunion.com/ and add your email in the box that says ‘Sign up for Email Updates’.
  • TRU Facebook

The TRU thanks you all for reviewing this notice and ensuring that your team is in compliance with all TRU Procedures and requirements.

If you have any concerns about any of the above, please feel free to contact the TRU Administrator, Wendy Young.

Thank you,
Texas Rugby Union

IRB Scrum Trial – Notes for Coaches & Referees

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trra_logo_webAs announced on July 8, The International Rugby Board (IRB) Council has announced the implementation of a global trial of the “crouch, bind, set” scrum engagement sequence. Implementation will begin at the start of the next season.All USA competitions commencing from/after August 15th, 2013.

Along with the training videos that covers the entire process and possible issues that may occur, the IRB has supplied the below presentation:

Scrum Trial – Notes for Coaches & Referees

Note that we will be covering this topic at the upcoming TRRA AGM as well.

Coaching Crackdown Warning from TRU

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Please note that Texas will be looking at stepping up enforcement of referee abuse for the next competitive cycle. We appreciate your support as we work together as a Union to remove referee abuse from rugby.

We realize that the example below includes referees at the International level, but we want to emphasis that we will not tolerate referee abuse at ANY level.

from ESPNscrum.com:

Super Rugby bosses have announced that they have had enough of coaches criticizing referees and anyone who oversteps the line is likely to be punished.

The news comes the day after New Zealand referee Chris Pollock was dropped for the Super Rugby play-offs because of poor form. He is just one of the officials who have had to endure a stream of whinging from disgruntled coaches. At the weekend several openly slammed referees after matches.

“We don’t want to stifle debate on the game,” SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters told Rugby365. “There’s no problem with a genuinely held belief that a decision was wrong, using temperate language. However, if it goes to questioning the integrity of the referee or is abusive or insulting [language] that is when it is of more concern to us.”

Stormers coach Allister Coetzee, who has already been fined this season for remarks, must have been in Peters’ thoughts. After his team’s win at the weekend he blamed refereeing decisions for his side’s failure to reach the play-offs. Blues coach John Kirwan, meanwhile, laid into Pollock after a red-card controversy, while Waratahs’ Michael Cheika suggested officials were turning the game into “touch rugby”.

Peters made clear that all comments would now be closely monitored and anyone stepping out of line would be swiftly dealt with.

New scrum engagement sequence to be implemented next season (August 15, 2013)

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from USA Rugby:

logo_ENThe International Rugby Board Council has announced the implementation of a global trial of the “crouch, bind, set” scrum engagement sequence, which is aimed at enhancing player welfare by reducing impact on engagement by up to 25 per cent in elite competition. Approval of the sequence on player welfare grounds, is coupled with a call for Game-wide commitment from law-makers, match officials, coaches and players to ensure a fair and positive attitude is applied to deal with scrum issues.

Implementation will begin at the start of the next season: All USA competitions commencing from/after August 15th, 2013.

In a revision of the ‘crouch, touch, set’ engagement sequence currently being trialed, props will be expected to bind using their outside arm after the referee has called “bind” in the sequence. Should this trial become incorporated into Law, the text for Law 20.1(g) and (i) would read:

20.1 Forming a Scrum
(g) The referee will call “crouch” and then “bind”. The front rows crouch and using their outside arm each prop must bind. A loose head prop must bind on the opposing tight head prop by placing the left arm inside the right arm of the tight head and gripping the tight head prop’s jersey on the back or side. A tight head prop must bind on the opposing loosehead prop by placing the right arm outside the left upper arm of the opposing loose head prop and gripping the loose head prop’s jersey with the right hand only on the back or side. The props must not grip the opponent’s chest, arm, sleeve or collar. Following a pause, the referee will then call “set” when the front rows are ready. The front rows may then engage. The “set” call is not a command but an indication that the front rows may come together when ready. The sanction for any infringement will be a free kick.

The IRB has produced a training video that covers the entire process and possible issues that may occur: https://www.irblaws.com/index.php?domain=16&page=1

 

REFEREE NOTES:
The sequence should be easy to implement, however, there will be an adjustment period for both referees and players:

  1. Do not waste time at the scrum process by being pedantic – the new engagement sequence should reduce scrum time and scrum issues.
  2. If the scrum is unsteady/moving upon engage, the scrumhalf should wait until the scrum is stationary before feeding the ball. Referees may, but are NOT required to tell the scrumhalf when to feed the ball and the scrumhalf need not wait for the referee’s indication to feed the ball. Referees are requested to not necessarily penalize a “too quick feed” and rather manage it initially.
  3. Straight feeds are now required and referees should apply the LAW strictly.

For any questions/queries regarding the new scrum cadence, please email Richard Every at revery@usarugby.org or call Richard Every at 773-895-6013.