Welcome to the 15 More Minutes Referee Review.
You know most of the laws, and are keen to ref a game, but not sure what to actually do when you get to the pitch?
Or maybe you have been refereeing for a few years, and would like a bit more clarification on game flow management?
This weekly is for you! For people who are interested in refereeing, who have taken either the Level 1 or Level 2 Officiating certification courses, who are new referees on the pitch, and who want to know more about the pre- and post- game cycles. This weekly is even for experienced referees who might like a new and interesting way to review law and to get to know the Law Book better. Come on, who doesn’t like a word puzzle now and then? Maybe you are a potential referee in the making, but want to know more about it first? Check it out.
Of course, you have your own style – but if you want some information or advice, this is what we would tell you if we had just 15 more minutes to talk to you.
If you have any questions about any part of the game cycle, please contact the Committee. If you have any ideas, and would like to contribute to the project or join the Committee!! contact the Committee.
The schedule looks like this (updated July 31/11):
15 more minutes – schedule JUL31
Below are the page links to each issue as they are published. The circulation days are Tuesday mornings (or before).
Issue 1: Gear, Law 1. Ground (goal line), Law 6. Match officials (whistle).
Issue 2: Arrive early, Law 2. Ball, Law 1. Ground (lines).
Issue 3: Pre-game chat, Law. 14 No tackle, Law 15. Tackle.
Issue 4: Equipment check, Law 4. Players’ clothes, Law 16. Ruck.
Issue 5: Warmup & cool down, Law 11. Offside & Onside in general play.
Issue 6: Starting the game, Law 13. Kickoff & Restart from centre, Law 18. Mark!
Issue 7: Management ideas, Law 22. In-Goal, Law 13. Restart with 22m Drop-Out.
Issue 8: Keeping Score & Time, Law 5. Time, Law 9. Score.
Safe Rugby Edition – Tackle Decisions 2010.
Issue 9: Subs, Replacements & Law 3. Numbers of Players.
Issue 10: Yellow Cards, Red Cards, Law 10. Foul Play.
Thoughts on Sportsmanship in Rugby.
Issue 11: Ending the game, Law 21. PK & FK.
Issue 12: Scrum, and Law 20. Scrum.
Issue 13: Refereeing High School & U19 Law Variations.
Issue 14: Refereeing 7s & 7s Law Variations.
Issue 15: Touch and Law 19. Touch.
Issue 16: Lineout Management & Law 19. Lineout.
Issue 17: Communication!
Issue 18: Weather Safety & Law 17. Maul.
Issue 19: Decision making & Re-setting focus after making an error .
Issue 20: Role of the Referee & Assistant .
Resources used for all issues:
Fryer, D. (2002). Rugby refereeing in practice. Dublin, Ireland: International Rugby Board. Retrieved from http://www.irb.com/mm/document/training/0/rugbyrefinpractice_426.pdf
IRB. (2010). Laws of the game rugby union 2010. Dublin, Ireland: author. Retrieved from http://www.irblaws.com/EN/
IRB. (2007). Level 1 Officiating: Introducing officiating. Dublin, Ireland: author.
IRB. (2007). Level 2 Officiating: Developing officiating skills. Dublin, Ireland: author.
And the input from many local referees. Thanks!
Disclaimer
This RAMOA 15 More Minutes publication has been developed in the context of the laws applying to practical advice in the interest of helping beginner and experienced referees to think about the Laws of Rugby Union in a discussion and summarized fashion, as well as to know more about pre- & post-game preparations, endeavouring to make refereeing more enjoyable and consistent in Alberta, Canada, and the information and guidelines incorporated on these matters are made available strictly on the basis that RAMOA (including its satellite referee societies and other associated stakeholders) does not accept any liability to any person or entity for loss, cost or damage howsoever arising out of any reliance on and/or use of the information and/or guidelines contained in this RAMOA 15 More Minutes publication.
The 15MM project is simply an exercise of sharing useful knowledge from experienced referees and their collective refereeing experience so that new refs 1) get some tips, 2) have their referee head on before they get to the game (especially their first one!), and 3) get a start on reflective practice and life-long learning. Our wish is that all readers find pertinent information presented in a friendly and effective format for easy understanding. It also demonstrates the community members’ willingness to encourage new referees and collaborate with all stakeholders – from players, coaches, to fans and administrators – in our rugby union for the betterment of the game we love.