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There are many answers to this question. The most common are to remain active in the sport and to continue enjoying the game. Other reasons given by those who have taken up the whistle involve being injured, having to stop playing but still wishing to be on the field of play. Some Referees start by being cajoled from being a spectator, bribed with promises of copious ale as there is no one to blow the whistle that afgernoon! These reasons, as well as others, are very valid but the key is, like playing, enjoyment.
There is the opportunity to travel to new venues, both locally and nationally, and to make new friends in the game. No matter where you referee, you will be the closest onlooker to the action! You can still feel the atmosphere, the adrenaline still flows, and you get all the beneficial competitive exercise that you can take because you have to be where the play is at all times! You are sprinting against the fast runners, thinking at speed, reading the game with the play-makers and outwitting those who like to test the Referee. Three dimensional chess at pace!
Referees Societies have Monthly Meetings throughout the season where aspects of Law and refereeing management are discussed. The interpretations of the Laws are explained and standardised. Once you have started refereeing there is a development pathway for Referees, Touch Judges, Assessors and Referee Coaches. Each step along the pathway is supported by an Award course. Details of the pathway can be found on the link http://www.rfu.com/pdfs/referees/pathwaypaper.pdf
It can feel that way at first, especially when you do not know your way around the various grounds. Also, you may not know very many players or administrators in the clubs, particularly if you have not played rugby for some years. This is where your attendance at Society meetings can help you to get into the swing of things and meet other referees. You will quickly become recognised and welcomed by players and club officials. The feeling of being part of the local rugby scene happens quicker than you would probably expect. Referee Societies and the Referee Department are trying to improve communications to reduce the feeling that you are alone. You can help yourself, and others, by joining in Society meetings and other functions.
There have been many Referees who have started in their early teens. There are some Referees who continue to referee and enjoy it into their sixties. If you wish to get to the very top then it is advisable to start refereeing as early as possible. If you have been playing into your mid twenties, you will have accumulated sufficient playing experience to give you a good understanding of the game. OK. I AM YOUNG ENOUGH AND EAGER TO GET TO THE TOP. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? For the exceptional few, it can take a short time. Some have gone to the National Panel (the top 60 or so Referees in the RFU) in two seasons. Also the competition as you progress up the pyramid to the top gets very keen. But remember, a successful referee is not necessarily the one who gets to the top but the one who gives and gets most enjoyment. There is a well organised path for referee, assessor and coach progression. A progressing referee will gain experience firstly in Society, then in the Development Squads and finally on the National Panel. The Society will monitor your progress via assessor, referee coach and club comments so that, if you have the ability, you can tackle matches where players are faster and more proficient. You can then progress to enjoying appointments outside your Society’s area and eventually on a nationwide basis. Your Society, however, will maintain a great interest in your progress and will involve your experiences in its discussion meetings and training schemes. IS THERE ANY ABUSE OF REFEREES? There are rare cases of abuse but the RFU and Constituent Bodies penalise very heavily any player or club member shown to be abusive. All clubs, universities and colleges now have to agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for stopping the abuse of Match Officials. As a Referee concentrating on the match, you tend not to hear it at all. There are often humorous comments made by spectators that may amuse you. As a new Referee you are unlikely to have many spectators, and often not even a Touch Judge. So you can learn your craft quietly and observed only by the players.
During your first few matches, a Referee coach will watch you. They are there to help you and after the match they will discuss some important points to assist your progress. Sometimes you may have interpreted the Laws incorrectly and your observer will advise you on this, but usually the comments will be about the art of refereeing and your management of the game. Remember though, there is no more powerful a confidence booster than a sound knowledge of the Laws. If you are a member of a Referees’ Society you will be provided each season with the Laws of the game. A Society Meeting and Training Programmes will cover all the aspects of Law as well as signalling, positioning and other forms of communication.
At present no, unless you referee at the highest levels. However you will be given your travel mileage reimbursed at the Society standardised rate and most clubs will extend their hospitality to a meal and beverages.
2. Prior to being appointed by your local referee Society you will have had to pass the basic National Foundation course. 3. If you feel you are not fit enough then go along to your local club training sessions and join the players. If you are not confident at first about travelling to other clubs then initially, pending completion of the National Foundation Course, referee at your own club. It might transpire that during this time the local Society might be able to send along a coach to view your progress.
Dave Broadwell, Rugby Referee Development Officer
South East– Tel: 07802 435745 Email: davebroadwell@rfu.com RFU Referee Centre of Excellence, Freephone: 0800 834551
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