inwith South African-t Referees uchEdition 3, 2009 BokSmart crosses the thousand mark More than 1 000 coaches, referees and development officers around the country have now been trained on the BokSmart programme

BokSmart, the national rugby safety programme, was launched in July in an effort to train referees and coaches in the safest and most efficient rugby techniques and to give information on the best ways to prevent a serious or catastrophic injury on the field.

Since the programme’s inception, BokSmart project manager Dr Wayne Viljoen conducts a BokSmart seminar in Bloemfontein 248 individuals have been certified as BokSmart Trainers, with Trainer for all involved,’ says SA Rugby’s becoming a must-have qualification workshops having taking place in BokSmart project manager Dr Wayne for all referees if they aspire to the Western Province, , Viljoen. ‘This includes applying officiate at the top levels of the game. Griffons, , , the injury-prevention and injury- KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Province, management initiatives provided on Additional to the rugby safety Valke, SWD, Boland, , Golden the programme, changing the way workshops, BokSmart provides a Lions and Blue rugby unions. people conduct themselves both on rugby first-aid short course called the and alongside the field, and teaching BokSmart Rugby Medic programme, the universal technical safety presented by EMT (Emergency The future will see principles of the game to all players Medical Training), for those BokSmart becoming a at all levels. disadvantaged and rural communities must-have qualification playing rugby who have no medical BokSmart aims to reduce the number support, medical staff or equipment for all referees if they of serious and catastrophic head, available at home games. aspire to officiate at the neck and spinal injuries associated BokSmart further provides a toll- top levels of the game. with the game. The course is fast free national emergency telephone becoming the standard for match helpline, linked to ER24, called the officials to be accredited with, BokSmart Spineline – ‘All the unions trained thus far as the programme’s importance 0800 678 678 – to accelerate the have unanimously bought into and necessity slowly becomes emergency treatment and appropriate what BokSmart is trying to do, entrenched in South African rugby management of a potentially which is to make the game safer circles. The future will see BokSmart seriously injured rugby player. Craig Joubert Paddy’s Patch Paddy’s In this issue... Meet the RDOs Page 6 News from around the around News from country Page 9 The Marks the spot Page 4 Varsity Cup and the Varsity 8-man bench Page 3

1 in-touch Wat’s on my mind? By André Watson The recruitment, training and approach key media and train retention of referees must become them on the Laws of the game. our core focus in 2010, because In addition, SuperSport has if they don’t, the game we love committed to providing airtime on stands the risk of declining into their rugby shows to talk about obscurity. Laws, refereeing decisions from recent games and recruitment. Rugby, fading into obscurity? It may Furthermore the 2010 Law Book sound overly dramatic but I believe has gone to print and will be it to be the truth. It’s estimated available shortly. that there are about 450 000 rugby players in all forms of the game in Recruitment of new referees sessions and games is monumental. – one of the largest The National Referee Recruitment Each referee society needs to playing populations in world rugby. Campaign will gain additional urgently address their own retention There are about 30 000 club games momentum in 2010. The Varsity Cup programme. Systems need to be per season, excluding schools. has been targeted as a platform to established to support those who Yet we have only around 1 600 drive recruitment. Universities have feel threatened or intimidated, registered active referees. We need been identified as communities including training around mental closer to 8 000 to ensure that every where referees can be sourced, toughness and other interventions. game is controlled by a trained making use of the hostel league as Referees without their own transport official. So why the shortage, and an ideal training platform. could be paired with those who have what are we doing about it? Provincial Referee Development transport or assigned to venues Officers are key members of the closer to home. Attitudes to referees recruitment programme – read more Players, spectators, administrators about them on pages 6 and 7. We Of the 1 600-odd referees in the and the media have for too long intend to assist their regional efforts country, very few do it for the treated the referee as the scapegoat to recruit candidates. money. Many of us serve the game for poor on-field decisions and because we love it. Let’s unite to performances by their teams. Retention change attitudes by better on- This stems largely from ignorance All too often we spend an inordinate field performances, because we of the Laws of the game and an amount of time identifying, recruiting know the Laws backwards and unwillingness on their part to accept and training a referee, only to lose we’re fitter and faster. Let’s identify responsibility. I’m astounded as to him after a few seasons. candidates who we can recruit to how few clubs, schools and even In some instances referees find the join our ranks and ensure that every provincial teams and coaches have time commitment to be too onerous game is blown by someone with a a current Law Book available for – weekly law sessions, ongoing recognised IRB qualification. And, easy reference at practices and fitness training, society meetings and finally, let’s become a community of games. Surely this is the starting actual games become a burden and supportive friends, offering advice, point of understanding the rules of they quit. encouragement and fellowship, engagement? helping each other to become The abuse hurled at referees – better and more confident referees There are numerous examples of particularly youngsters – is not – all for one and one for all in the TV commentators and newspaper pleasant and can eventually become never-ending pursuit of refereeing journalists not knowing a Law they too much. perfection. are commenting or writing about. For many referees, particularly those What are we doing to rectify this? from disadvantaged backgrounds Have a wonderful break over the Project AWARE will be stepped (which is a key target market for us), festive season and best wishes for up. This is a programme where we the logistics of attending training the 2010 season.

2 in-touch Eight-man bench for Chairman’s FNB Varsity Cup message

It’s incredible to think The FNB Varsity Cup that we’re on the brink of 2010, with another year of will once again be refereeing behind us. And a testing ground for what a year it’s been. experimentation, with Internationally our referees the 2010 tournament have performed to the highest set to feature eight standard. Congratulations players on the bench to them. This group of elite in a bid to combat referees are a real credit to the profession and we can be uncontested scrums. very proud of the way they represent our country and the The International Rugby game. Board (IRB) in August sanctioned a new law, inspired by its application in the On the local front we’ve also received good service from our French league, which will allow teams to name referees. It’s a tough hobby and demands the highest all-round 23 players in a match-day squad at domestic level. (Only levels of training, from having a sound knowledge of the laws seven replacements, however, may be used.) An eight-man to physical fitness and mental toughness, so well done to every one of you; from the National Panel referees down to the guys bench means that all match-day squads in the 2010 Varsity who handle the junior games. Thanks for your service. Cup will now have a minimum of two props and a specialist hooker on the bench. At the same time we continue to struggle to attract sufficient new candidate referees and this is something we hope to This new, enlarged 23-man playing group is part of an improve on in 2010. We’re increasing our efforts to recruit experiment in conjunction with SARU. ‘The best thing referees and are committed to ensuring we have a steady about an eight-man bench is that it basically rules out supply of new referees to serve the game we all love. uncontested scrums, while at the same time it doesn’t limit the coaches’ options when it comes to the rest of his BokSmart was introduced this year and is a significant step replacements,’ says SARU Referee Manager André Watson. forward in making rugby safer. At the same time, it demands that players, coaches, referees, administrators and spectators approach the game differently. We’ve witnessed some totally The FNB Varsity Cup is no stranger to testing new unacceptable examples of crowd and player abuse this year; concepts. The 2008 tournament saw the introduction of the BokSmart campaign should see these types of incidents white cards, a ruling that allowed the captains to question diminish in the future. Remember, every referee and coach will one of the referee’s on-field decisions in the final via a time- need to be BokSmart accredited by 2011, so don’t delay and out. While we haven’t seen the white card reappear since become BokSmart accredited at your earliest opportunity. then, the FNB Varsity Cup proved to be the perfect vehicle 2010 is going to be a landmark year in South Africa’s history. to test the concept. Hosting the football World Cup is unlike any other sporting event this country has seen and we wish the administrators and Watson is pleased that SARU has received the green light players of this global tournament success for a fantastic event. for the new rule’s implementation. ‘Not having uncontested At the same time, we have to ensure that our passion – rugby scrums will only benefit – isn’t swamped by the soccer tide. We’re going to have to compete for players, for referees and for spectators: let’s make the game of rugby sure the product we serve up is equally attractive, entertaining union and we’re and spectator friendly. thankful that the Refs for the 2010 FNB Varsity Cup FNB Varsity Cup Once again, thanks to all of you for your service to rugby this has allowed us year. On behalf of the entire SA Rugby Referees’ Association, I the opportunity to The following referees have been wish you and your family peace and happiness over the festive experiment with this appointed for the 2010 FNB Varsity season. If you’re travelling, take care and return safely to us fit, concept.’ Cup: (BB), Archie fired up and ready for the 2010 season. Sehlako (), Mlungiseli Mdashe * The 2010 FNB (Valke), Matt Kemp (WP), Tiaan Jonker I hope you enjoy this edition of In-touch. Varsity Cup (Lions), François Veldsman (WP), Yours in refereeing tournament kicks Bongani Maloni (Border) and Luke off on 1 February. Burger (BB), with Dilbert November (SWD) in reserve.

3 in-touch Currie Cup Marks the spot Australian referee Paul Marks came to South Africa in September to officiate in the Currie Cup as part of a SANZAR referee exchange programme.

Paul Marks, one of the top four referees in Australia, joined the the challenges here at home: Queensland Rugby Referee a shortage of referees. Association (QRRA) in 1992. He Marks believes that through made his debut in 2006 encouraging senior officials and his career highlight to date was to mentor up-and-coming his Test debut when Samoa took on referees and assistant Fiji in 2007. And at this year’s Currie referees, experience levels Cup in South Africa, the former half- would improve, which would back and flyhalf refereed the Boland assist in referee development. clash in Wellington and Marks himself has been handled the monsoon-like fixture involved in the QRRA’s a week later in when mentoring programme for Griquas visited Newlands to face WP. several seasons.

Based in Brisbane, the Australian This father-of-two’s favourite whistleman usually does duty within destination is France: the Australia’s club rugby circles, as people, the history and the Australia doesn’t have a provincial food are fantastic, he says. competition like the Currie Cup or But Marks also enjoys coming the Air New Zealand Cup. That, to South Africa. ‘It’s a beautiful however, doesn’t mean a reduction country, has great stadiums in playing standards, with Marks with a great atmosphere, and believing that the top club sides it’s also a challenge to referee in Australia would be competitive in a different country.’ in both of their SANZAR rival’s domestic competitions. While Marks is kept busy on the field, he fully Australian rugby exists in a very appreciates the advantages competitive sporting market, with of his profession, saying

rugby league and Australian Rules ‘It’s a privilege to come to Gallo Images/ Getty Images football drawing players and officials South Africa, since it has only Paul Marks experienced Cape Town’s unpredictable from the same population pool. occurred because of the SANZAR winter weather first hand when he took charge of the WP-Griquas Currie Cup clash Hence referee recruitment is an relationship. Credit must go to ongoing exercise, with the QRRA André Watson [South Africa], working with 15 schools, including a Anthony Eddy [Australia] and Lyndon approach to refereeing, continued sponsored scholarship. Bray [New Zealand] for creating this co-operation between the SANZAR This is just as well, as the challenge opportunity’ he says. With partners can only bode well for the facing refereeing in Australia echoes the alliance promoting a universal future of the game.

4 in-touch IRB targets scrums and tackles The International Rugby Board has issued a statement re-affirming the world rugby body’s commitment to taking a firm stance on policing illegal tackles and managing scrums after a meeting of top officials in Lensbury last month. The discussion on illegal tackles per game, with an average of 18 that took place at a meeting of top collapsed or reset scrums added to referees and referees’ managers at this. Average match time consumed Lensbury in London in the middle by the scrum is currently 16%. of November included tackles in general play and the cleaning out The delegates committed themselves of players at the tackle/ruck. What to stricter policing of illegal cleaning most concerned the delegates were out of players off the ball and at the collapsed scrums. ruck, and illegal tackles in open play. The need to promote consistency IRB analysis of scrums in a cross and a fair contest for possession section of Tier 1 matches over the of the ball was also on the agenda. past three years identified an increase The referees committed to stricter in infringements in this area at the vigilance of offside from kicks, illegal top level of the Game. International scrum feeds and obstruction at the matches now average 18 scrums formation of the maul. Alliance photo.com For more information, visit www.sareferees.co.za and the International Club Sevens Durban-based National Panel referee Stuart Berry headed east for the International Club Sevens, and got the chance to experience Sevens rugby Singapore-style.

The 24-strong field for the 62nd Singapore Cricket Club’s International Club Sevens, held at the beginning of November at its Bjorn Engelhardt usual venue, the Singapore Cricket Stuart Berry (front row, third from left) with the other officials who participated in the tournament Club, featured teams from across the world – Borneo, Australia, New got down to business when Matt tournament.’ Zealand, Fiji, India, Japan, Kenya and Oakley, person-in-charge of referees Sunday, the second and final day South Africa. The Rainbow Nation at the tournament, held a session of the tournament, featured fine was represented by SA Universities, where the officials went through weather for ’s most made up of the best players from the the recently prepared IRB video compact format. FNB Varsity Cup, and the SA Vipers, files relating to recent trends in the The SA Vipers looked a clear stride essentially ’s national team Sevens game. The officials digested ahead of most teams, eventually with a few invites. The Vipers had this information and came to an beating Fijian club champions won the tournament for the previous agreement as to what the standards Daveletevu in the final 24-0 after two years and were motivated to were going to be at the tournament. dispatching their South African make it three in a row. The SCC International Club Sevens rivals SA Universities 17-0 in the Invited by the tournament organisers, began the next day. Stuart, who’s semi-finals (which Stuart refereed), Stuart arrived on Thursday and had attended the event before, says, ‘The and in the process not conceding a Friday off to explore Singapore. venue looked great. It was great to single point in the tournament, an Stuart and other curious individuals see that the organisers had improved outstanding defensive effort. decided to catch a tram across to almost every aspect, from the big Stuart says, ‘The tournament is Sentosa Island, a theme park-type screen and instant replays to the truly a world-class event, and their attraction, where they enjoyed cable addition of a rock concert and beer hospitality was greatly appreciated. It cars, street luge, 4D cinemas and a garden. Everything was superbly was an ideal opportunity to warm up 450-metre zipline over the ocean. set out and well organised, and it for my upcoming appointments on On the Friday night, the referees was a pleasure to be part of the the IRB Sevens circuit.’ 5 in-touch Meet South Africa’s Referee Development Officers

Referee development is an ongoing process in South Africa. When it comes to ensuring that promising referees have the opportunity to put their abilities to the test and grow as match officials, the role of the referee development officer (RDO) within in each region is pivotal. RDOs are responsible for the recruitment, training and retention of referees within their regional society. Meet them here.

Kosie Horn Butibe Elliot Burton Blue Bulls Mtsewu – Hufkie – Griffons Sharks Kosie’s refereeing Butibe’s Burton has career began refereeing career been involved in 1978 after has come a long with refereeing he coached way since he was in KwaZulu- a primary first introduced Natal for school U11 to the whistle some time. side. Before his while working He became appointment on a mine in the a referee in 1998 as the Free State. His reffing career started when when injury forced him to stop first full-time official of the Blue Bulls the mine had nobody to officiate a game playing the game. He’s officiated at a Rugby Referees’ Society, Kosie served and he volunteered. He once refereed a Primary School , an ideal in the SAPS for 26 years, retiring in 1997 friendly between the Griffons and the Italian environment for the former school as a national manager for the Detective national team. teacher to stay involved in the game. and Specialised Training units. Kosie sat Best part of being a referee: Working Best part of being a referee: Fulfilling on the Currie Cup B panel in 1993 and with so many different minds and debating dreams that couldn’t be realised 1994. different issues affecting the game. elsewhere. Best part of being a referee: Meeting Most challenging aspect of being a Most challenging aspect of being a people and exploring places that I never referee: Being insulted by people who referee: Abuse by the ignorant, and would have gone to. don’t know the Laws of the Game. balancing family, work, studies and Most challenging aspect of being a Advice to up-and-coming referees: Listen refereeing. referee: Referee abuse. to the advice so that you can build for the Advice for up-and-coming referees: Advice for up-and-coming referees: future; be friendly but firm. Find the balance in what life and Become a student of the game; be committed, dedicated and prepared at refereeing has to offer. all times. Ivan Ben Theron Ronald – Western David – Pekeur – Province Border Boland

Ben was a Ronald, like As a former policeman many if not all primary who became South African school a referee after rugby fans, principal, injury ended his decided to Ivan was first playing career. explore the introduced to The highest level possibility refereeing at a he’s officiated of refereeing young age by at is provincial because he was passionate about the his uncle Mike Pekeur, a quality referee friendlies, and he’s a regular WP 1st game and wanted to get involved. The in his day, who suggested to Ivan that he League ref. former policeman officiated at the 1996 take up the whistle. Ivan refereed two SA Best part of being a referee: Being able U19 Academy Week, a tough proving Cup [pre-unification] semi-finals before to serve the game. ground for any referee. he began serving the game exclusively Most challenging aspect of refereeing: Best part of being a referee: Making as an administrator. Handling abuse on the field. friends on and off the field. Best part of being a referee: Advice for up-and-coming referees: Most challenging aspect of being a Refereeing the two SA Cup semi-finals. Focus on things between the lines. referee: Funding, transport, and abuse Most challenging aspect of being from spectators. a referee: Staying focused and Advice for up-and-coming referees: Be looking past the abuse by players and calm and take one step at a time. Focus supporters. on your goals Advice to up-and-coming referees: Always aim for the top.

6 in-touch Meet South Africa’s Referee Development Officers

Referee development is an ongoing process in South Africa. When it comes to ensuring that promising referees have the opportunity to put their abilities to the test and grow as match officials, the role of the referee development officer (RDO) within in each region is pivotal. RDOs are responsible for the recruitment, training and retention of referees within their regional society. Meet them here.

Abe Michael Neville Steenberg Cupido Jonas – – South – Golden Eastern Western Lions Province Districts As a former Neville had what Abe was the policeman and could be vice-chairman of investigator, termed an the SWD Referee Michael’s alternative Society and a refereeing career introduction referee coach began when he to refereeing. The former chairman of before he was appointed as the SWD RDO. was controlling the SA Rugby Union [pre-1992], after He began his career when he was at a game a development game and was spotted by being sent off while playing in a match, and the referee didn’t arrive, leading to Abe André Watson. He was a SARU referee was sentenced to attend referee officiating the match. He’s been properly before moving onto SARU’s specialised meetings for three months. While involved in refereeing since 1984, and has TMO [stands for?] panel, where he’s been doing so he got involved in the game refereed up to Provincial B level and at ranked no 2 for the 2010 season. with the whistle. He’s refereed at both international U19 level. Best part of being a referee: Refereeing national and international level. Best part of being a referee: Having the in the Currie Cup, where I took charge of Best part of being a referee: best seat at the game, and refereeing at the a Blue Bulls-vs-Western Province match Achieving the goal of refereeing a U19 World Cup in Italy. at Loftus. national final. Most challenging aspect of being a Most challenging aspect of being a Most challenging aspect of being a referee: Referee abuse and getting the right referee: Abuse and travelling. referee: Unruly behaviour of teams, opportunities. Advice to up-and-coming referees: Be coaches and spectators. Advice to up-and-coming referees: Believe patient and live the life as a referee to the Advice on up-and-coming referees: in yourself and stay humble. fullest; enjoy what you’re doing; listen to critics and take what you want to use. Focus on your achievements.

Mlungiseleli Thabiso Kat Swanepoel Mdashe Andries – Valke Selemela – – Griquas Leopards Mlungiseleli Kat, who was became a appointed referee to stay Thabiso is a as Griquas’ involved in the former provincial leading referee game he loves referee who administrator – he feels that went through the last year, took refereeing offers various ranks up reffing when the chance to to get to ref at his playing career give back to the the top of end was ended by injury. A former employee community and advance the game. of South Africa’s rugby structures. He’s of the Department for Correctional He’s been ranked no. 3 on SARU’s been an AR [stands for?] at international Services, Kat refereed at first league level 2010 Provincial Panel, which gives him level, running touch when Zambia faced in Griquas. a unique perspective from which he Senegal. He’s also officiated at U21 level. Best part of being a referee: Being part can approach his responsibilities. Best part of being a referee: Refereeing of the game. Best part of being a referee: Meeting and participating in the 2003 Craven Most challenging aspect of being a new people and being involved in the Week. referee: Having to cope with the pressure game. Most challenging aspect of being a from coaches and spectators. Most challenging aspect of being a referee: Abuse from spectators, players Advice for up-and-coming referees: Be referee: The constant travelling. and coaches, plus travelling. patient and believe in yourself. Try to only Advice for up-and-coming referees: Advice for up-and-coming referees: take heed of positive criticism. Be who you are and enjoy what you Commitment and discipline are vital. love most.

7 in-touch Dries Breytenbach – Schubel O’Reilly – Pumas Free State

Dries first got involved with Schubel’s affair with the whistle first refereeing when he was a began in 1993, having been raised in coach, and it was required a rugby household and his father also that attend a refereeing being a referee. He left SAPS as an course as part of his coaching inspector after 18 years of service before qualifications when he was getting involved in refereeing fulltime. He living in Pretoria. A former refereed at club level in the Free State captain in SAPS, Dries’ has leagues. been involved in refereeing full- Best part of being a referee: The time for approximately 13 years. satisfaction one feels from doing the job. It He has officiated at Currie Cup B level. is a test of character and a test of yourself, since you are involved Best part of being a referee: The balance it in the game at a different level. brings to one’s life. It helps keep a person’s Most challenging aspect of being a referee: The excessive temperament in perspective. amount of abuse due to people being ignorant about the Laws of Most challenging aspect of being a referee: the Game. Referee abuse. Advice for up-and-coming referees: Doing the hard work is Advice for up-and-coming referees: It’s hard important, stay humble and approach the game from a 90/10 work once you decide to become a referee. perspective: 10% of what happens you cannot control, but 90% People don’t understand the challenges it of what happens and the consequences that follow from that are poses. in your control. Your reactions will determine the outcome of the situation. Staying fit with BokSmart After a long season, it’s important to take some time off to rest your body and relax. That doesn’t sound like hard advice to take but next season is just around the corner and the road back to full fitness can be a tough one.

A well-planned preseason training programme is key to avoiding injury and burnout during the season. Check out the tips below and visit the BokSmart website (www.sarugby.co.za/boksmart) for the full programme.

Six tips to avoid preseason injury

1. Warm up for 10 minutes and stretch for five before training. Never leave this out 2. Complete a warm-up set of 10 reps 50% of normal weight. It doesn’t count as a working set 3. Forget no-pain-no-gain. If an exercise hurts, decrease the amount of weight. Still in pain? Lay off the exercise for one week before trying again 4. Don’t hold your breath while performing any exercise. Breathe out as you lift the weight and breathe in when lowering it 5. Remember to use a spotter when 0performing heavy lifts 6. Always use good form and technique (check out the BokSmart site for details)

8 in-touch New panels for 2010 SA Referees released its panels of referees for 2010, following its recent meetings in towards the end of November. Jonathan Kaplan remains the top-ranked referee in South Africa. The National Panel has been reduced to 11 referees from New on the provincial panel are Quinton Immelman, 12, with two referees dropping out and Lourens van der Pieter de Villiers, Rasta Rashivenga, François Merwe, the Grey College schoolmaster, coming up from Groenewald and Lusanda Jam. the Provincial Panel. Of the specialised assistant referees’ panel, Cobus The referee to make the most progress on the Provincial Wessels is on the IRB’s panel and Reuben Rossouw has Panel is the Waterkloof schoolmaster Ben Crouse, who been proposed for it. Phillip Bosch is a new arrival on has gone from tenth to first, with Ben also being the that panel, swapping the whistle for the flag. reserve for the National Panel. National Panel Jocelyn Tucker (BB) 5. Reuben Rossouw (Sharks) Marius van der Westhuizen (WP) 6. Cobus Wessels (SWD) Jan Venter (BB) 7. Fumanekile Yamile (EP) (Merit order) Candidates to be confirmed 8. Marc van Zyl (WP) 1. Jonathan Kaplan (SARU) 2. (SARU) 3. Mark Lawrence (SARU) Primary School Panel National Panel of 4. Craig Joubert (SARU) Television Match 5. Pro Legoete (SARU) (Alphabetical order) 6. (SARU) Sakkie Meyer (FS) Officials 7. Jason Jaftha (SARU) 8. Stuart Berry (SARU) Mtheleli Msileni (EP) (Alphabetical order) 9. Sindile Mayende (SARU) Remainder to be confirmed in 2010 1. Gerrie Coetzee (FS) 10. Joey Salmans (SARU) 2. Michael Cupido (Lions) 11. (SARU) Women’s Panel 3. JC Fortuin (WP) 4. Johann Meuwesen (EP) Provincial Panel (Merit order) 5. Shaun Veldsman (Boland) 1. Roslyn Fortuin (Boland) (Merit order) 2. Madel Herselman (Lions) National Selectors 1. Ben Crouse (BB)(National Panel Res.) 3. Eugenia Daniels (WP) 2. Archie Sehlako (Sharks) 4. Kim Smit (Lions) (Alphabetical order) 3. Mlungiseli Mdashe (Valke) 5 Sipokazi Njani (Border) 1. Hulet Billett (SWD) 4. Matt Kemp (WP) 6. Marlize Jordaan (FS) 2. Dennis Immelman (WP) 5. Tiaan Jonker (Lions) 7. Eska Claasen (SWD) 3. Thuso Mngqibisa (WP) 6. François Veldsman (Boland) 8. Magda van der Heever (Pumas) 4. Arrie Schoonwinkel (FS) 7 Bongani Maloni (Border) 9. Sanet Ludick (Leopards) 5. Yantolo Banks (Border) 8. Luke Burger (BB) 6. Balie Swart (SARU - coaches/players 9. Dilbert November (SWD) 10. Quinton Immelman (WP) Contenders’/Academy representative) 11. Pieter De Villiers (Lions) Squad - women 12. Rasta Rashivenga (Lions) National Coaches 13. François Groenewald (WP) (Alphabetical order) 14. Lusanda Jam (Border) Renee Daniell (BB) (Alphabetical order) Duthie Melany (Boland) 1. Hulet Billett (SWD) Contenders Squad Henchalla Hoffman (SWD) 2. Hendrik Greyvenstein (WP) Ilana Scholtz (Lions) 3. Tappe Henning (SARU) Lize van Biljon (Lions) (Top two ranked, thereafter in 4. Theuns Naudé (SARU) alphabetical order) 1. Sewes Terblanche (BB) Specialised National 2. François De Bruin (Griquas) Jimmy Aphane (BB) Assistant Referees Rodney Bonaparte (EP) panel Petri Bosch (Griquas) André Botha (BB) (Alphabetical order) Martin Lekhanye (FS) 1. Phillip Bosch (EP) Willie Killian (Leopards) 2. Stefan Breytenbach (Pumas) François Pretorius (WP) 3. Christie du Preez (EP) Andries Retief (Pumas) 4. Linston Manuels (Boland)

9 in-touch Tap n’ Go News from around the country

BBRRS hosts IRB Leopards change their Level Two course spots An IRB Refereeing Level Two course was presented to 15 referees of the Limpopo Christopher van Heerden was unopposed Region of the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees’ in being retained as chairman at the Society on 3 and 10 October. Leopards Rugby Referees’ Society’s annual general meeting in November.

One significant change that did take place, however, was in the Society’s constitution, which will see the Leopards region divided into five sub-regions to streamline administration. Each sub-region will have a representative on the Society’s committee, which includes Leopards referee manager Phillip du Toit, Andries Selemela and Berlinda Britz.

Kaplan BBRS

Limpopo First League Referees (from left to right): Danie Pita, Jean Aucamp, honoured Sampie Bezuidenhout (chairperson), Johan van Huyssteen and Attie Buitendag, at awards who all attended the course. dinner Jonathan Kaplan received the Referee Long-serving chairman of the Year award and for the first time calls it the Referees’ Referee of the Year award, which is decided on a day Gallo Images Duif Du Toit/ votes cast by fellow Dr Oscar Somers, referees, at SARU’s Jonathan Kaplan, with Rautie annual awards dinner chairperson of the Rautenbach of SA Rugby and held in Midrand in Blue Bulls Rugby Bronwen Barclay of Marriott, is presented with the Marriott November. Referees’ Society Refereeing Achievement of the Year. (BBRRS) for the past Then Jonathan six years, announced received a unique award, when he was presented his retirement at the with painting by the renowned sports artist Richie BBRRS annual general meeting held in Pretora in Ryall which contained a list of all his 50 Tests, the November. Dr Somers joined the BBRRS in 1982 and only referee to have done so within the international has been on the executive committee for 11 years, with game. six of those as chairman. The BBRRS salutes him for his valuable contributions towards the objectives and aims The award, the Marriott Refereeing Achievement of the Year, was a fine tribute to one of South Africa’s of the Society, which he served with distinction. most consistent performers on the rugby field over the last decade.

10 in-touch Top Boland referees Lions end Tap n’ Go successful year honoured The The Boland Rugby Referees’ Society awarded Rugby Referees’ their outstanding referees at their AGM, held in Society ended Malmesbury on Saturday the 7th of November. the 2009 season Roslyn Fortuin was named Boland’s Referee of the with their annual Year, with the other award winners as follows: awards evening on 5 November. • Most Loyal Referee – Wimpie Nortje • Most improved Referee – Carlton Isaacs Winners included: • Newcommer of the Year – Peter-John Siljeur Michiel Koekemoer (Most Valuable Contribution), • Administrator of the Year – Jacobus Vergotini Dana Eitzen (Women’s Candidate Referee), Desmond Smit (Candidate Referee and Assistant Referee), No changes were made to the BRRS committee, Talita Kriel (Grade 4 Referee), Michael Joubert (Grade with the committee only moving into the second 3 Referee), Jaco Lesch (Grade 2 Referee), Mzamo year of their two year term. Mbelle (Grade 1 Referee), Eddie van Greuning (Pirates Reserve Referee and Fittest Referee), Madel Herselman (Women’s Referee), Theuns Janse van Vuuren (Best Reviewer), D van Wyk (Best Referee Coach), (Highest Law Marks and Most Promising Referee), Lihan Pretorius (Pirates Referee), PD van der Merwe (Ambassador of the Year), Lesego Legoete (SA Panel Referee) and Willie Roos (Special Award: Chairman’s Award).

Wimpie Nortjie Roslyn Fortuin

SWD hosts IRB Level 2 Course in Waboomskraal Valley

(From left to right) Jacobus Vergotine, Peter-John Siljeur, Roslyn Fortuin, and Carlton Isaacs. Eastern Province Rugby Referees Society award SWDRRS winners The presenters and participants at Highlands Lodge for the IRB Level 2 course On November 22, the Eastern Province Rugby The South Western Districts Rugby Referees’ Referees Society held their annual prize giving. Society hosted a very informative IRB Level 2 course Ian Smit was named EP’s Referee of the Year. Congratulations to Ian and the Society’s other between 6 and 8 November at the Highlands Lodge, winners: Johan Black (Best performance in the 1st located in the picturesque Waboomskraal Valley, League), Schalk Rossouw (Best performance in halfway between Oudtshoorn and George. The the 1st Reserve League), Sonwabile Mkhona (Best course was presented by Hulet Billet (SWD), Abe performance in the 2nd League), Fernando Uithaler Steenberg (SWD referee manager), Burton Hufkie (Best performance as a beginner), and Johan van der (Sharks referee manager) and Rene Berndt (SWD). Merwe (Referee always prepared to travel, even at the 11th hour).

11 in-touch New chairman for NZ ref Western manager Province Lyndon referees Bray speaks at GLRRS Dan de Villiers was

elected as the new meeting GLRRS chairman at the Western Province Lyndon Bray, the New Lyndon Bray, the NZRU referees Rugby Referees' Zealand Rugby Union manager, listens attentively during Society’s annual referees’ manager, was the GLRRS meeting he attended when in South Africa. general meeting at the the guest speaker at a end of October. meeting of the Golden Lions Rugby Referees’ Society in Johannesburg at the beginning of The constitution of November. Dan de Villiers, the new chairman of the Western

the Western Province alliancephoto.com Bray spoke about the how the elite referee Province Rugby Referees' Society Rugby Referees' Society structures in New Zealand were organised and provides for elections to functioned, especially in relation to referee be held every two years. Chairman Dennis Immelman, coaching. who’d served only one term, indicated that he wouldn’t be available to stand for re-election because of his national and international commitments as an assessor. Important Dates: 2010 January 5: SA Referees Management meeting So Dan de Villiers, a top Currie Cup referee in his day, was January 13 – 15: National/Sel/TMO/MR Course elected at the first ballot, with Arthur Southgate retained as January 18 – 22: Prov/Women Camp vice-chairman. Other new committee members are Ronnie (Hartebeeshoek) Bourbon-Leftley, Roderick Barry, James Apollis and Johan January 28 – 30: Cont/Ar/Coach Camp + 1 unrep. Pieterse, while Alan Becker was re-elected. Union Coachc February 2: RDO/RM/Chairmen Course In his farewell speech Immelman thanked all those who’d February 4: SA Referees Management meeting helped him during his term of office and in his career. In his March 18: SA Referees Management meeting acceptance speech, De Villiers thanked the members for March 29 -31: Easter Tour Camp their faith in him and expressed the hope that the society April 1 – 4: Easter Tournament would continue to go from strength to strength. *Note: These dates are subject to change WP recognises top referees

At the end of October, the Western Province Rugby Referees’ Society held their annual Awards Evening in Cape Town to close out season and to honour the achievements of the season just completed where Marc van Zyl was named Referee of the Year and Referees’ Referee of the Year. Other award winners included:

Ernest Macwilli (Most Improved Referee), Matt Kemp (Most Promising Referee) and Charles Wynaard (Referee Merit Award). alliancephoto.com Marc van Zyl (right), the WPRRS Referee of the Year, with outgoing WPPRS chairman Dennis Immelman

12 in-touch