AUGUST 2009\t <\/p>\n
Contact Us
\n2500 Arapahoe Avenue
\nSuite 200
\nBoulder, CO 80302
\n(p) 303.539.0300
\n(f) 303.539.0311
\nFor more information on USA Rugby, click here
\nUpcoming Events<\/p>\n
August 16 & 23 – Level 2 Officiating Course \u2013 Springield, LA and Mobile, AL. Contact Steve Parrill for more information and to register, stephen.parrill@lbsp.org
\nAugust 21 – Level 1 Coaching of Match Officials Course \u2013 Dallas, TX. Contact Ed Todd for more information and to register, etodd@usarugby.org
\nAugust 22nd – Level 1 Officiating Course \u2013 Seabring, FL. Contact Gerry Fitzgerald for more information and to register, rugbyreffl@aol.com<\/p>\n
August 28, 29 & 30 – Level 3 Officiating Course \u2013 Boulder, CO. Contact Mike Malone for more information and to register, mgmalone@comcast.net<\/p>\n
August 29 & 30 – USA Rugby All-Star Sevens Championships – Randall’s Island, NYC<\/p>\n
August 29 – Level 1 Officiating Course \u2013
\nMalvern, PA. Contact Doug Syme for more information and to register, syme4@comcast.net <\/p>\n
August 29- Level 1 Officiating Course \u2013
\nSt. Louis, MO. Contact Eric Haug for more information and to register, ejh@eas.slu.edu<\/p>\n
September 12 – Level 1 Officiating Course \u2013
\nSanta Barbra, CA. Contact Mark Kottke for more information and to register, mkottke@mail.sdsu.edu <\/p>\n
September 12 – Level 1 Officiating Course \u2013
\nDallas, TX. Contact Joe Zevin for more information and to register, jayzee2@juno.com <\/p>\n
September 12 – Level 1 Officiating Course \u2013
\nSan Marcos, TX. Contact Rich Prim for more information and to register, rich_prim@yahoo.com<\/p>\n
September 19 & 20 – Level 2 Officiating Course \u2013 Vancouver, WA. Contact Jim Kautz for more information and to register, jkautz@comcast.net<\/p>\n
September 26 & 27 – Level 2 Officiating Course \u2013 Cal State Long Beach. Contact Mark Kottke for more information and to register, mkottke@mail.sdsu.edu<\/p>\n
Announcements
\nCheck out the IRB’s Maul Working Group Guidelines: https:\/\/www.irblaws.com\/EN\/guidelines\/<\/p>\n
Referee Resources
\nwww.usarugby.org\/goto\/referee_resources<\/p>\n
www.irblaws.com
\nwww.irb.com <\/p>\n
\t In This Issue…
\n\u2022\t2009\/2010 National Panel Announcement
\n\u2022\tIRB Law Ruling 5: Law 3.12 Substituted Players Rejoining the Match
\n\u2022\tIRB Law Ruling 6: U-19 Variations- Law 20.1 (f)
\n\u2022\t2nd Annual Women’s Referee Development Camp
\n\u2022\tIRB Referee Talent Identification Program Update
\n\u2022\tCoach Development Program Seeks Workshop Hosts <\/p>\n
2009\/2010 National Panel Announcement
\n________________________________________
\nFrom the USA Rugby Referee Development Department.<\/p>\n
BOULDER, Colo. \u2013 The USA Rugby Referee and Laws Selection Committee is proud to announce the 2009-2010 National Panel and National Focus Group appointments. <\/p>\n
Aruna Ranaweera is promoted to the National Panel and joins Davey Ardrey, Paul Bretz, Ed Gardner, Chris Henshall, Tim Luscombe, Tom Lyons and Dana Teagarden. Chris Draper has retired from the National Panel, along with Simon Page, who now moves to the Directors Panel. <\/p>\n
\u201cOur gratitude goes out to both Chris and Simon for all they have done for USA Rugby. We know the time, effort and sacrifice it takes to referee at this level, and we wish them well in their future endeavors,\u201d said USA Rugby Referees National Panel Manager Richard Every.<\/p>\n
Joe Androvich and Marc Nelson are promoted to the Referees Focus Group for the 2009-2010 season and join returning members Gareth Morgan and Nick Ricono. Group members from the 2008-2009 season, Judah Boulet and Mitch Damm now return to their respective territorial panels, while Paul Bethe is currently injured and will be reviewed for reinstatement to the Focus Group upon his return to refereeing.<\/p>\n
Simon Page, Phil Griffiths and Pete Smith move to the Directors Panel, among the likes of 2008-2009 appointees Graeme Bullen, Tom Coburn, Brad Kleiner, Jem McDowell, Richard Parker, Dave Peters and Mark Zetterberg. The National Directors Panel was created for the 2008-2009 season to allow match officials who have reached the highest level of their craft in the U.S. to continue to contribute on the field. <\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations to the 2009-2010 referee panels and to all of their respective Local Area Unions and Territories. Thanks to their continued support, USA Rugby Referees are providing a steadily improving service to the game,\u201d said USA Rugby Director of Referee Development Ed Todd. <\/p>\n
For more information on the USA Rugby Referee panels, please contact Ed Todd at etodd@usarugby.org or visit www.usarugby.org\/goto\/referees. <\/p>\n
USA Rugby Referees National Panel
\nDavey Ardrey (Great Plains, West)
\nPaul Bretz (Northern California, Pacific)
\nEd Gardner (South)
\nChris Henshall (EPRU, MARFU)
\nTim Luscombe (Eastern Rockies, West)
\nTom Lyons (Potomac, MARFU)
\n*Aruna Ranaweera (Northern California, Pacific)
\nDana Teagarden (Southern California)<\/p>\n
USA Rugby Referees Focus Group
\n*Joe Androvich (Northern California, Pacific)
\nGareth Morgan (Southeast, South)
\n*Marc Nelson (Eastern Rockies, West)
\nNick Ricono (Southern California)<\/p>\n
USA Rugby Referees Directors Panel
\nGraeme Bullen (Texas, West)
\nTom Coburn (Eastern Rockies, West)
\n*Phil Griffiths (New England, Northeast)
\nBrad Kleiner (Met NY, Northeast)
\nJem McDowell (Met NY, Northeast)
\n*Simon Page (Florida, South)
\nRichard Parker (New England, Northeast)
\nDave Peters (Southern California)
\n*Pete Smith (Northern California, Pacific)
\nMark Zetterberg (Pacific Northwest, Northwest)<\/p>\n
*denotes new appointee for 2009-2010<\/p>\n
IRB Law Law Ruling 5- Law 3.12 Substituted Players Rejoining the Match
\n________________________________________
\nFrom David Carrigy, IRB Head of External and Member Relations.<\/p>\n
Request for a Ruling from the Designated Members from the RFU<\/p>\n
LAW 3.12 SUBSTITUED PLAYERS REJOINING THE MATCH<\/p>\n
Early in a match Team A replace their Tight Head Prop, due to injury, with their nominated prop forward replacement. Late in the match, the replacement prop forward collects a serious injury forcing him to leave the field. Team A, having used all their nominated substitutes, continue to play with 14 players. <\/p>\n
When the first scrum after the injured prop leaves the field is awarded, and after consulting with the Captain of Team A, who confirms his side cannot replace their injured prop with a suitably trained and experienced prop forward, the referee orders uncontested scrums.<\/p>\n
At this stage, Team A seek permission from the match officials for their substituted hooker to rejoin the match in an attempt to bring their playing numbers back to 15. The match officials refuse to allow the player to rejoin the match, which concludes with uncontested scrums and Team A playing with 14 players.<\/p>\n
Were the officials correct in not permitting Team A the opportunity to bring their playing numbers up to 15?<\/p>\n
Ruling of the Designated Members:<\/p>\n
In this situation the team has used all its permitted replacements\/substitutes. The purpose of Law 3.12 was to allow a player who has been substituted to return to the front row (in the event of an injury requiring a replacement front row player) to enable the game to continue with contested scrums.<\/p>\n
In the situation described, uncontested scrums had been ordered and the team had utilized all its permitted replacements and substitutes and therefore the injured front row player should not be replaced.<\/p>\n
Additionally, if uncontested scrums have been ordered and there is an injury to a front row player which requires that player to be replaced and there is a front row player available to replace that player then the front row player replacement must be used rather than players other than front row replacements.<\/p>\n
IRB Law Ruling 6: U-19 Variations- Law 20.1(f)
\n________________________________________
\nFrom David Carrigy, IRB Head of External and Member Relations.<\/p>\n
Ruling Request from ARU Under 19 Variations \u2013 Law 20 1 (f)<\/p>\n
Australian Rugby Union (ARU) seeks a ruling in respect of the following matters relating to the Under 19 Variations to Law 20.1(f):<\/p>\n
1. The U19 Law Variation refers to a team having fewer than eight players in its scrum when \u201c\u2026the team cannot field a complete team, or a player sent off for Foul Play, or a player leaves the field because of injury.\u201d Does this Law Variation also apply if a player is cautioned and temporarily suspended (yellow card)?<\/p>\n
2. The U19 law Variation refers to both teams using reduced numbers of players in the scrum formation if \u201c\u2026a team is incomplete\u2026\u201d because it is without one, two or three players. No distinction is made between forward players and back players. If a No. 15 is sent off early in a match, must both teams play with seven players in the scrum, even though both teams still have eight players suitably trained and capable of playing in the scrum?<\/p>\n
3. If a team cannot field a complete team because it is short one or more forward player, but that team is able to provide from the available players suitably trained players to contest scrums, may the game proceed\/continue with eight player scrums per team?<\/p>\n
Ruling of the Designated Members<\/p>\n
The complete team is a reference to having eight players who can play in the scrum. If a forward leaves the field of play for any reason and cannot be replaced due to injury, sending off, temporary suspension or any other reason then both teams must reduce the number of players in the scrum so that there are equal numbers.<\/p>\n
If any player other than a forward has to leave the field for any reason and cannot be replaced there will be no reduction in the players playing in the scrum.
\nThis will be referred to the Chairman of the Rugby Committee for the Law to be amended to provide clarity.<\/p>\n
2nd Annual Women’s Referee Development Camp
\n________________________________________
\nFrom USA Rugby’s Referee Development Department.<\/p>\n
BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby is pleased to announce that it will be hosting its 2nd Annual Women\u2019s Referee Development Camp and a Luke Gross extended Lineout Workshop, September 11-13, 2009. <\/p>\n
The camp and clinics will be held in conjunction with the PumpkinFest Tournament, held September 12-13 at Pennypack Park in Philadelphia and hosted by the Philadelphia Women\u2019s Rugby Club. Over 30 rugby teams are looking to attend PumpkinFest this year, including teams from the surrounding high schools, colleges and clubs.<\/p>\n
While the focus of last year\u2019s Women\u2019s Referee Camp was on the basic principles of refereeing, this year\u2019s camp will focus on how to progress as a referee. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe response to last year\u2019s camp and the feedback received from both referees and the teams demonstrated the need to support the expanding numbers of women referees,\u201d said Referee Development Director Ed Todd. \u201cThe PumpkinFest Tournament has provided an excellent environment for the identification and development of some very good performers with tremendous potential and they will get the chance to work with some of the top trainers in the country.\u201d <\/p>\n
Participants will take part in classroom sessions that will run all day on Friday, September 11, and will include presentations by National Panel Referee Manager Richard Every, USA Rugby Lineout Specialist Luke Gross, National Panel Referee Coach Jem McDowall, National Panel Referee Chris Henshall, National Evaluator Peter Simpson and Territorial Evaluator Kat Todd-Schwartz.<\/p>\n
On Saturday and Sunday, participants will get to practice what was learned on Friday by refereeing games at the tournament. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very excited about the upcoming camp,\u201d said Match Official Administrator Jennifer Gray. \u201cWe have some new faces attending the event this year and a great group of mentors who are lending their time and expertise to provide one-on-one feedback throughout the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Electronic copies of all presentation materials will be made available after the camp on the Best Practice and Resource Materials section of the Referee Development website at www.usarugby.org\/goto\/referees.<\/p>\n
In addition, the Coach Development Department is excited to bring to the tournament Lineout Specialist Luke Gross, who will be holding two extended Lineout Workshops for coaches throughout the weekend of PumpkinFest.<\/p>\n
Luke Gross\u2019 Workshop will focus on helping coaches to better coach the lineout safely and effectively; to understand the fundamentals of throwing, lifting and jumping; and to better learn basic offensive and defensive lineout strategies.
\nThis four hour extended workshop will be a practical coaching workshop, allowing coaches the opportunity to actually coach players under the guidance of Luke Gross. Participating coaches will receive 5 USA Rugby continuing education credits for participation.
\nThere are two separate sessions: Session one will be on Friday evening, 4-8 p.m., and is held in conjunction with the Philadelphia Women’s Rugby Club\u2019s PumpkinFest Tournament and participants are encouraged to make an early trip to Philadelphia for this session.
\nSession two will be held on Sunday in cooperation with the Wilmington Rugby Club. Specific workshop locations are currently being finalized and will be posted at https:\/\/www.epru.org, and communicated via email to all registered participants.
\nTo pre-register for either of the workshops or for more information, contact lrosen@usarugby.org. Please include in the subject of your email : Luke Gross Lineout Workshop: September 11 or Luke Gross Lineout Workshop: September 13. You will receive a tentative confirmation with payment details. Workshop spots are available on a first come-first serve basis. Payment must be received by September 1, 2009 to guarantee participation. For more information or to host a lineout clinic in your area contact Coach Development Manager Mollie McCarthy mmccarthy@usarugby.org
\nFor more information on USA Rugby, or to find out how to become involved in officiating or coaching the game in your area, check out www.usarugby.org. <\/p>\n
IRB Referee Talent Identification Program Update
\n________________________________________
\nFrom Aruna Ranaweera, USA Rugby National Panel Referee and IRB TIP Participant.<\/p>\n
IRB REFEREE TALENT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM 4 (TIP4)
\nStellenbosch, South Africa<\/p>\n
Week 2.<\/p>\n
SATURDAY July 25<\/p>\n
Fitness testing was conducted for the TIP referees at 8a.m. on the track field. The TIP Strength\/conditioning coaches supervised the warm-up and administered the tests. Both 10m and 40m sprints were timed electronically. We also did the “T”-test for agility. We moved to an indoor basketball court to do the multi-stage beep test, but after about four levels, the CD started to skip (probably due to vibration from the wooden floor), so the test was postponed to Tuesday. <\/p>\n
After lunch, the big event on everyone’s agenda was the TriNations match between New Zealand and South Africa. Since the match was being played in Blomfontein, we couldn’t watch it live, but thanks to my roommate Horatiu’s rugby collaboration with Chester Williams in Romania, The Romanian trainer and I were invited to watch the match at Chester’s place in Cape Town. As Chester drove us out of Stellenbosch, he pointed out several rugby matches being played in the black neighborhoods of the town. We arrived at his hill-top house with a stunning view of Cape Town, including Table Mouontain and the ocean. Chester showed us his memorabilia from the 1995 World Cup and we were joined by several other guests to watch the Springboks control possession to defeat the All Blacks 28-19. Chester and his wife Maria then treated everyone to a delicious feast that included marinated Springbok. After an evening of joviality and reminiscing, they drove us back to our hotel in Stellenbosch. What great hosts!<\/p>\n
Most of the TIP participants went out to celebrate our first week in Stellenbosch. The bars and clubs were packed with locals, mostly students, some of whom have started to recognize us from our refereeing during the week (positive reviews, so far!). <\/p>\n
SUNDAY July 26<\/p>\n
Stellenbosch is South Africa’s prime wine region, so appropriately, TIP participants were treated to lunch at Spier, a safari-themed winery that includes a wildlife area featuring live cheetahs and wild African dogs. Dining was buffet style under a large tent, complete with native dancers and couches. Everyone ate too much.<\/p>\n
After lunch, most of us were bussed to scenic Cape Town for shopping at the Waterfront area. I seem to have caught a cold, so I went to bed early.<\/p>\n
MONDAY July 27<\/p>\n
We were treated to a presentation about creating winning teams and attitudes, in which we were shown video of how the Springbok team was motivated and focused for their World Cup campaign in 2007.<\/p>\n
The TIP referees participated in a practical session for scrum management in which we took turns refereeing the Western Province Rugby Institute (WPRI) players during their morning practice. Tappe Henning lead us through a practical session on running lines recognizing that top-level players are often faster than referees. TIP participants also took an MBTI survey for categorizing personality type.<\/p>\n
In the evening, we watched four of the TIP referees officiate Division 5 hostel matches (uncontested scrums).<\/p>\n
TUESDAY July 28<\/p>\n
At 8a.m., TIP referees ran the multi-stage beep test. Unfortunately, the wooden gym surface turned out to be quite slippery, so we started to lose our footing around level five. Consequently, the beep test results will only be used to estimate relative aerobic fitness within the TIP group.<\/p>\n
Referees then took turns refereeing the WPRI players during maul practice. We were impressed by the bizarre “spider-maul”, an innovative variation of the rolling maul that is sure to confuse anyone who hasn’t seen it before, especially defenders and referees!<\/p>\n
TIP participants then watched and analyzed video from the Lions versus Springboks first test. The video clips had been sorted and categorized using “Fairplay” software that dramatically increases the efficiency of post-match video review. <\/p>\n
In the evening, four more of the TIP referees, including myself, officiated Division Four hostel matches (uncontested scrums). We are able to put our new running lines to good effect.<\/p>\n
WEDNESDAY July 29<\/p>\n
We listened to a presentation on counter-attack and kick defense by former Springbok and current assistant coach of the Blue Bulls, Pieter Roussou. He started his presentation by showing video of the famous Cal vs Stanford football play from 1982! (The message was to not relax and play till the final whistle.)<\/p>\n
Tappe then lead the TIP referees through a fascinating presentation on practical refereeing, which included excellent recommendations on the approach one should take to balance the laws and the game. He and Kosie Horn emphasized that a lot of useful material is available on the IRB website (www.irb.com).<\/p>\n
In the evening, we watched three of the TIP referees from Monday officiate Division Three hostel matches. The matches were videotaped for assessment purposes.<\/p>\n
THURSDAY July 30<\/p>\n
Tappe lead the referees through more discussion about laws and the game using video clips. He emphasized the need for referee accuracy, i.e., the first clear and obvious infringement that has material effect. We were also introduced to several innovations to the sport including “power-play” advantage and also the use of software for time management. The latter is expected to be used globally by Number 4 officials for substitutions\/replacements at high level matches. <\/p>\n
In the evening, three of the TIP referees from Tuesday, including myself, officiated Division Two hostel matches. The matches were videotaped for assessment purposes. There were supposed to be more matches, but Stellenbosch has been hit by the flu, so some teams had to withdraw on short notice due to illness.<\/p>\n
FRIDAY July 31<\/p>\n
On the last morning of TIP4, we were treated to several stimulating presentations. First, we listened to a presentation by Paul Treu, coach of the World Cup champion South African Sevens team. He stressed that his team’s success was in large part due to continuity (tenure) between both players and staff. Furthermore, South African sevens players are full-time, i.e., they do not play 15’s. They are also monitored on a daily basis for fitness and health. <\/p>\n
We were also treated to a fascinating presentation by Jake White, who coached the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007. He focused on attention to details and showed how, starting from basic plays, he had created an elaborate play-book for the Springboks with an emphasis on defense. His presentation was especially useful for the TIP coaches, since it showed the level of preparation and tactical detail that is needed to win at the highest level of international rugby. I couldn’t help but notice how the Springbok playbook was somewhat similar to an American football playbook! <\/p>\n
We also listened to an entertaining presentation by Tim Noakes, professor of exercise and sport science at the University of Cape Town. He emphasized the need for recovery and impressed the audience with data on performance and training, using international teams as examples. He also highlighted the mental aspect of training and performance, using Roger Bannister’s four minute mile as an example. Prof Noakes also stressed that in terms of literature and professionalism, American football was “40 years ahead” of world rugby, so rugby has a lot of room to learn and grow. In fact, it struck me during the past two weeks that even though USA is considered a second tier rugby nation, the tier one nations look to professional American sports as an example of how to grow and commercialize rugby. Many of the TIP presenters used examples from American football to highlight their points. <\/p>\n
All TIP referees had brief one-on-one’s with Tappe Henning to touch base on future plans and options. We bade farewell to him and agreed to keep in touch.<\/p>\n
In the evening, I enjoyed watching the visiting All American rugby team defeat the Stellenbosch Markotters 36-24. Even though the Markotters are essentially a third string varsity select side, beating them is no mean task since Stellenbosch has the top university rugby team in South Africa. I congratulated Matt Sherman and Dave Williams who were at the stadium with the USA team.<\/p>\n
TIP organizers and participants were treated to a hearty farewell dinner BBQ in which we thanked everyone for their efforts and company. Steph Nel and the Western Province Rugby Institute (WPRI) were very good hosts.<\/p>\n
SATURDAY August 1<\/p>\n
My 18-hour South African Airlines flight from Johannesburg to Washington DC was poorly timed as it took off during the second TriNations match between New Zealand and South Africa. In case anyone was wondering about the score, the pilot announced that the Springboks had won 31-19, which drew loud applause and cheers from the passengers. <\/p>\n
SUNDAY August 2<\/p>\n
After a 36-hour trip from Stellenbosch to San Jose, I now have to get back into my regular routine despite jet-lag… <\/p>\n
I would like to thank USA Rugby for nominating me for this great opportunity in Stellenbosch. I will be a better referee as a result and I intend to share my new-found insights and knowledge with my USA referee colleagues.<\/p>\n
Regards,
\nAruna <\/p>\n
Coach Development Program Seeks Workshop Hosts
\n________________________________________
\nFrom USA Rugby’s Coach Development Department.<\/p>\n
Is your area in need of certified coaches? Are you interested in hosting a CDP workshop? USA Rugby has streamlined its host requirements. We now will be accepting host applications all year round; the only requirement is that you give a 3 weeks advanced notice. For more information on how to apply click here www.usarugby.org\/goto\/host_req. If you have any further questions please contact Coach Development Manager Mollie McCarthy at mmccarthy@usarugby.org.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AUGUST 2009 Contact Us 2500 Arapahoe Avenue Suite 200 Boulder, CO 80302 (p) 303.539.0300 (f) 303.539.0311 For more information on USA Rugby, click here Upcoming Events August 16 & 23 – Level 2 Officiating Course \u2013 Springield, LA and Mobile, AL. Contact Steve Parrill for more information and to register, stephen.parrill@lbsp.org August 21 – Level … <\/p>\n