with South African Referees April 2007 Vol.1 Law changes are working weaks to the laws introduced at only natural that it will take a settling-in George Gregan’s refereeing during the the beginning of the 2007 Super period to get used to the new process.’ Brumbies- match is a good T14 and Six Nations’ competitions example of the referee quickly have produced the desired results An important point to keep in mind stopping all unnecessary chatter and and are set to remain in place for the is that this new procedure applies to interference. season, says SA Rugby’s manager of rugby at all levels – including schools. referees André Watson. ‘We do need to be careful that we do Another wrinkle this year has been not punish players who are merely ‘The change to a four-step scrum en- the outlawing of boots on players. showing disappointment at their own, gagement procedure has dramatically However, raking of the ball remains or their team-mate’s, indiscretions,’ reduced the number of re-sets and permitted. says André. ‘But if a player is clearly brought greater stability because the abusing a match offi cial or constantly entire process is more structured and ‘Stepping on a player’s body is an au- questioning decisions, he must be organised,’ says André. tomatic yellow card, with boots on any censured.’ joint – ankle, knee or hand – or head a IRB statistics indicate that in the 2006 mandatory red. This is a massive step- ‘The changes are achieving the desired Super 14 about 45% of scrums were up in player safety and no-one can results. The scrum is safer and easier re-set, by the third week of this year’s show evidence that we’ve lost any of to police while the clampdown on tournament that number had dropped the traditional toughness of the game.’ stomping and dissent will improve the to a low of 24%! game from a spectator’s point of view Another change is the clampdown – the sight of players squabbling and ‘In addition to the obvious safety on player dissent. The IRB has been unnecessarily raking players on the benefi ts arising from a more disciplined worried for some time that the deplor- ground is clearly not palatable for approach to the moment of impact, it able on-fi eld activities of the soccer many sections of the viewing public. has also given referees better insight fraternity – where intimidation and And after all, we have a responsibility into transgressions that may be abuse of match offi cials is a com- as referees and administrators to keep occurring. We have seen an increase mon occurrence – not be replicated the game an interesting spectator in penalties and a drop in free kicks – a in . The clampdown on sport.’ clear indication that referees are guess- ing less and can pinpoint individuals who are violating the laws.’

The change benefi ts strong scrum- magers. In the short term there has been an increase in binding problems but, as players become more accus- tomed and revise their techniques, this problem should diminish. According to André, the old method of engagement had been in place for ten years; ‘It’s

Australian referee Paul Marks was clearly not in the mood for input from any of the players. Referees are urged to keep a lid on player dissent. Constant player commentary must

be censured. Pic: Pro-Alliance

Harry Abrahams, one of two Meet the In-touch takes Honorary country’s top a look at Members referees Griquas 3 4 7 In this issue... 1 Visiting Offi cials Welcome to our FFocusocus onon fi rst edition of Gallo Images/Getty Images.com

t is truly an honour to be able to address this PPaulaul HHonissoniss Iwelcoming note to all Listing the opening of the 2003 as refereeing offi cials registered throughout one of the many highlights in his refereeing career and to all other interested readers. – where, in RWC tradition, he used a whistle that was During the 2006 season we investigated various almost 100-years old to start the game – Paul Honiss Pic courtsey of Pro-Alliance methods of communicating to members of the is now the most capped New Zealand Test referee Following a rugby career spanning almost 60 years, Harry Abrahams (right) was awarded Honorary various refereeing societies and bodies throughout Membership of the SA Rugby Referees’ Association by Chairman Steve Meintjes – one of only two the country, as well as to the broader interested such lifetime achievements in the country. with 39 appointments. public. This included the various media offerings of television, radio, internet, newspaper and direct channels such as email and newsletters – this nown to South African rugby Looking in on the newsletter is the result. fans for the controversial try scored by the Irish in You may have noticed the increased frequency with November 2004, Paul is the which our top referees appear on television and K radio programmes. Unfortunately, due to the short ultimate professional. In towards the end of a four-week lead time we receive we are not always able to let all STRUCTURES know when these interviews take place but urge you Tri-Nations assignment – which saw he fi rst edition of In-touch is codes of conduct, marketing, to watch or listen to these rugby shows. him traverse the country several times from his base – he an ideal opportunity to provide directing training and other vision- Last year, Carte Blanche did a feature on Tappe’s last was at pains to emphasise the role Tinsight into how the various ary or strategic functions that may senior game and profi led the intense pressure that a of the referee as the 31st player on Size doesn’t matter. Getting it right is what refereeing is all about maintains Paul. referee societies operate and fi t arise. It is also has the authority to referee faces on the day of a big game. The feedback we received was extremely positive with the Carte the fi eld. Here Victor Matfi eld doesn’t look to be in total agreement! within the national body. award honorary and life member- ships where it deems appropriate. Blanche presenters acknowledging that they had no Meal planning is dependant on the game start-time inkling of how involved refereeing was. ‘You are only a forward pass away from but includes a good breakfast and light lunch with South Africa’s refereeing structure To date, only four individuals have a bad performance,’ says Paul. ‘There is plenty of fl uid intake, especially in the fi nal lead-up. comprises 14 provincial societies been recognised with these prestig- Add to this the radio talk show in the Western Cape – each affi liated to their respective ious awards: Life Membership to the during which Thuso Mngqibisa appealed to listeners Pic: Pro-Alliance huge focus on the referee and you have to continually learn from your experiences. If you Paul makes use of a coach and mentor to help Provincial Union – and a national late Steve Strydom, as well as Freek to get involved in refereeing and the reported success of this appeal, the profi ling of the appointed make a mistake, you need to analyse it and improve his on-fi eld performance. ‘My coach guides body operated under the auspices of Burger, and Honorary Membership SA Rugby. to Dr Louis Wessels and Harry Super 14 referees before kick-off, the various articles then park it. There’s no point in carrying it me with my communication techniques, body and media releases that appear in the press and you and letting it haunt you going forward.’ language and on-fi eld image. My mentor is more Abrahams. can see how much marketing is being done. focused on the technical aspects. In this regard we At national level the Chairmen’s Preparation is key to top performances use sophisticated analysis software to break down Council of the South African Rugby An executive committee is respon- Then, of course, we can add the launch of our website. This site, if you have not already visited it, is maintains Paul. ‘The demands of an every aspect for closer inspection.’ Referees’ Association is the over- sible for the day-to-day operational arching governing body regulating activities of SARRA and the current a world fi rst. It offers the opportunity to discuss law international referee – particularly from and any related issues with our top panel referees the southern hemisphere – are oner- As a full-time referee Paul has additional responsi- policy on referee matters. In terms of members are Steve Meintjes on-line. Any interesting decisions occurring in ous. You not only have the prospect bilities when he’s not on the road offi ciating. He is the Constitution, the Council is made (chairman), the two deputy chairmen previous games are discussed with video footage of crossing several time zones, but responsible for referee training, presenting courses up of a chairperson, two deputy Doug Holwill and Stephanus Dogh, often provided. I would urge all to visit this site at coming to South Africa also brings in to coaches, media interviews and he also writes a chairpersons and 14 primary as well as co-opted member www.sareferees.co.za

the element of altitude – there are few monthly column for a rugby magazine. members comprising the respective Johannes Plaatjie and André Watson. chairperson of the provincial referee The aim of this newsletter is to provide our readers other rugby cities where that is such with interesting articles, viewpoints and information a factor.’ ‘While the image of an international referee appears societies and SA Rugby’s manager of Two further working groups – on refereeing and the administration of refereeing glamorous, it is hard work and extremely demanding. referees, in our case Andre Watson. National Selectors and National under the broad control of the South African Rugby Thorough preparation before I am lucky that I have terrifi c support from home – my The 14 provincial chairpersons elect Performance Reviewers – have Referees’ Association. I trust you will enjoy it and departing for an international wife still wakes up and watches every game, even if a national chairperson who must re- begun to work a lot closer in the use the various methods of communication to your sign as chair of their provincial society performance evaluation of panel benefi t. assignment leaves time for it is three in the morning! My only advice to aspiring in order to take up the national post. and up-and-coming referees. recuperation and acclimatisation refs is to ensure that you have a solid understanding Please provide us with your feedback, letters to the on arrival. A typical programme and base of rugby to work from and are passionate That society provides editor and interesting articles so that we can share the national association Selection Performance Review includes on-fi eld training on Mon- about the game – not the career opportunities. While Members Members these with your colleagues throughout the country. day and Wednesday, gym ses- there is no harm in being ambitious and wanting to with its new chairperson Carel du Plessis (convenor) Fransie Muller (convenor) Referee greetings to all to ensure that each Freek Burger James Apollis sions on Tuesday and Thursday, progress as quickly as possible, there is no substitute with a light run on Friday – prefer- for experience and that only comes with time on province is represented. Eugene Daniels Keith Hendricks ably at the fi eld if it is a fi rst-time the fi eld.’ Neville Heilbron Jacques Hugo The Chairmen’s Council Thuso Mngqibisa Dennis Immelman venue. Banks Yantolo Lusando Menze With only 12 referees to be appointed to this year’s is responsible for policy André Watson Richard Nash Stephen Meintjes Match day is all about relaxation, be Rugby World Cup in , here’s wishing Paul our and procedure Pierre Oelofse Chairman SA Referees comfortable that you’ve done the work. very best. formulation, developing Louis Wessels (auditor)

2 in-touch in-touch 3 MMeeteet thethe newnew nationalnational panelpanel South Africa’s top group of referees – the National Panel – are among some of Phillip Bosch Gareth Lloyd-Jones the best match offi cials in world rugby, a benchmark that demands constant Age: 37 Age: 34 Province: Eastern Province Province: Western Province attention. Here’s a quick glimpse of the 12 members – the fi rst six are in order Refereeing since: 1999 Refereeing since: 1995 of merit, with the second page in alphabetical order. This primary-school teacher Gareth describes himself as a fair, describes himself as a referee who is composed and calm referee. This Jonathan Kaplan Mark Lawrence fi rm, friendly and whose decisions on will be his fi rst year on the national Age: 41 Age: 42 the fi eld are easy to live with. Phillip’s panel after serving on the provincial Province: SARU Province: SARU refereeing highlights include Craven panel for the last two years. Referee- Refereeing since: 1984 Refereeing since: 1990 Week, Club Champs and the ing highlights for Gareth include the Under-19 World Cup. Vodacom Cup, Craven Week, Club Currently ranked top in the country, On top of being described as one of Champs and IRB sevens. Jonathan is SA’s most-capped inter- the best referees in the world, Mark national referee with 34 Tests and 263 is also known as one of the most Christian du Preez Linston Manuels fi rst-class matches to his name. He thoughtful. After a rugby injury sent Age: 37 Age: 40 was still a schoolboy when he started him to the sidelines he decided to Province: Eastern Cape Province: Boland refereeing – at the tender age of 17 start refereeing in 1990. A mere four Refereeing since: 2000 Refereeing since: 1997 – and his highlights to-date include years after he began he made it onto the fi nals of the 2006 and 2006 Super 14. For the the SARU panel, the national panel in 1997 and fi nally the inter- Another school teacher, Christian Linston has been on the national last two years Jonathan has received the Marriott Refereeing national panel in 1999. He has an extensive number of games sees himself as a fair, consistent panel since last year and he hopes Achievement of the Year Award – SA Rugby’s highest honour under his belt, comprising 14 Tests, 57 Currie Cup matches and fi t referee. With a role model like that through his refereeing he can for a referee. and 119 fi rst-class games. Jonathan Kaplan, he defi nitely takes be a positive role-model to everyone his refereeing very seriously. High- playing and watching the game. lights on the fi eld for Christian include Career highlights for Linston include Jerome Fortuin blowing the whistle in the 2006 the 2005 Under-19 World Cup, Age: 39 Age: 44 Currie Cup, as well as the Super 14 in the same year. as well as refereeing Currie Cup games for the last Province: KwaZulu Natal Province: Western Province two years. Refereeing since: 2000 Refereeing since: 1994 Lesego Legoete Deon van Blommestein Marius’s progress in refereeing has This ex-schoolmaster, known by Age: 31 Age: 38 been exceptionally fast, but then he many as JC, is unlike most referees in Province: Gauteng Province: Western Province did come to the job after a distin- that he didn’t play rugby, get injured Refereeing since: 2001 Refereeing since: 1994 guished rugby career as a Fly Half. and then decide to referee. Instead, The big jump came last July when he Jerome gave up playing fi rst-league Lesego is affectionately known as Pro Deon began his refereeing career refereed his fi rst Test between Fiji and rugby at the age of 27 and two years to most people on the sports fi eld, during his university days, after Italy in Suva, followed quickly by two later decided to try out refereeing. for his utter determination to excel at receiving a few injuries playing. He more international games abroad. This year Marius travelled to He was awarded Springbok colours in 2005, has been sport. A superb rugby player himself, takes after his dad, Paul, who was palatial Twickenham for the prestigious Calcutta Cup. His aims refereeing Super Rugby since 2005 and has refereed six Tests, Pro played on the South African a long-standing provincial referee include refereeing at the World Cup, as well as in a Currie Cup all in Africa. Students’ team in 2000 at the for WPRU. His refereeing highlights Final. Students’ World Cup in Italy. He include the Club Champs in 2002 decided to swap playing the game for refereeing in 2001 and and 2004, the 2002 Under-19 World Cup fi nal in Italy, as well as Willie Roos his highlight thus far has been offi ciating at the IRB sevens. Vodacom and Currie Cup matches. Age: 30 Age: 33 Province: KwaZulu Natal Province: Gauteng Refereeing since: 1992 Refereeing since: 1994 Ref’s now just a click away outh African referees have their own Africa. The questions are quickly answered in South Africa and abroad, law discussions, Following in the footsteps of his late Willie started refereeing after Swebsite: www.sareferees.co.za. Already and vary from intricate bits of law to eye South African and International Rugby Board father, Des, Craig started refereeing losing a bet with a friend when he it has special features and has received warm exercises. They often relate to matches just panels, articles of historic interest, information as a schoolboy and his passion for response from several parts of the world. The played. on how to become a referee, the structures was 20-years old. He’s never looked site is a part of André Watson’s initiative to of South African referees and appointments the activity has grown over the years. back since taking up the occupation. make referees and refereeing more transpar- Another is the use of clips for law discussion to matches in South Africa and around the Refereeing highlights of Craig’s career Currently the sports administrator ent to referee, player and supporter alike. taken from the weekend’s matches. The clips world. There is also space for news from include his involvement in the IRB for the GLRU, Willie was ranked as are live action and are accompanied by an the societies and three of the societies have One of the special features is the Duty Ref explanation of the decision made. already sent in useful information. sevens – especially the fi nal between the sixth-best referee in South Africa – one of South Africa’s top referees to answer New Zealand and Fiji in Hong Kong – his fi rst Super 12 game earlier this year. He says his main aim in refereeing is to serve readers’ questions. And questions have come The laws are on the site, including the varia- The site changes every day and is lively and and his fi rst IRB . Since Nelson Mandela declared the game and its players in the best way he can – without any in from England, the USA, Australia, New tions for sevens, Under-19 rugby and kaalvoet entertaining. Why not make it your home the 1995 Rugby World Cup open, it has been Craig’s biggest controversy. Zealand and Cyprus - as well as from South rugby. In addition there are profi les of referees page? dream to one day referee at the rugby spectacle. www.sareferees.co.za.

4 in-touch in-touch 5 7 in-touch : Gerhard Marais, Gerhard : : Kat Swanepoel Kat : ce bearers: ce fi : Melven Horn Melven : : Deon Marais Deon : : Oubaas Wagner Oubaas : : Marius Franken Marius : Rudel du Preez, Preez, du Hendricks GWRRS of Chairperson chair Vice Rudel Secretary Treasurer Johan Regional reps Manager van Niekerk, Wouter Hans Coetzee and love to hear from colleagues visiting the re- love to hear from gion and perhaps your visit might coincide Society meetings. with one of their regular Griquas is producing some exciting young refereeing some exciting young refereeing Griquas is producing (left) is making fast talent. While Lee-Allen Cronje both Petrie Bosch and Francois de Bruin progress, (insert) have been appointed to the Contenders Panel. Griquas go the extra mile rst and second-league whis- fi including 12 is good racial representation tlers. There and one female. shape in the region ‘Rugby is in reasonable with almost 60 active clubs but, as most other amateur sports, the question of funding is always a major challenge,’ says not paid by the are Marius. ‘Our referees a basic mileage GWRRS but do receive allowance. Fortunately some of the sub- local sponsors to unions have secured help with the cost of kit but for most it’s a question of blowing for the love ever in the Northern Cape game!’ If you’re to give Kat or Marius a call. They’d feel free Griquas executive members, from left: Oubaas Wagner, Gerhard Marais, Kat Swanepoel and Marius Franken. Gerhard left: Oubaas Wagner, Griquas executive members, from ciate at the fi rst referee society in rst referee fi nance and sport manage- fi ith distances up to 1400kms between clubs the Griqualand Society Rugby Referees’ West (GWRRS) faces challenges not experi- enced by some of the urban societies says chairperson Kat Swanepoel. ‘Because of our geographic footprint into six we have divided the region sub-unions. It makes management a whole lot easier and the guys can control says effectively,’ their local activities more to Kat. ‘But we make a concerted effort and through visit each sub-union regularly the use of video technology conduct a form of distance-learning.’ GWRRS is the W South Africa to offer two promising two promising South Africa to offer – Lee-Allen Cronje young referees and Petrie Bosch – a full-time, one- year bursary to attend the rugby the North- academy operated from College. Along ern Cape Technical with 25 players, the youngsters on a host of subjects attend lectures such as ment. When the players go to rugby receive training the two referees manager of specialised tuition from Marius Franken. referees, ‘It is quite intensive, but the two have In the recent achieved a lot already. testing phase they SA Rugby regional well and Petrie performed extremely has been selected to of Schools’ Easter Festival in Johan- nesburg,’ says Marius Franken. GWRRS has 70 active members comprising 55 league referees rst African fi by André Watson knowledge of laws. This approach is now knowledge of laws. This approach success. also used by the IRB with great selection panel com- The SA Referees’ du Plessis (chairman), Banks prises: Carel Thuso Mnqibisa, Eugene Daniels, Yantolo, and myself. Neville Heilbron Burger, Freek Henning and Theuns Naude – both Tappe coaches – also contribute. national referee comprehensive The move to a more evaluation system should not be viewed as to the traditional PR function. The a threat elements PR and Selector bring different to the equation – both equally important. balanced approach is a more The result performance to evaluating total referee better for – better for us and, importantly, the game. tness fi rst, the two South African editions – Afrikaans fi rst time ever, this rst time ever, fi and English – will be supplemented by the very Law books available The IRB 2007 edition of the Laws Game is now available society at a nominal charge. Contact your each provincial from manager for information. local referee In another language version. Thanks largely to the efforts of WP referee of WP referee language version. Thanks largely to the efforts Thuso Mnqibisi the law book will soon be available in Xhosa. each May through These publications should be available from Society. It is hoped this form of interactive evaluation can be extended with training opportunities remotely referees to provide via an internet connection. anywhere accessible from Carel du Plessis, introduced a perform- du Plessis, introduced Carel ance-driven evaluation system. combines the approach This two-pronged by the PR together information recorded a a Selector to create with input from of overall performance. Typically measure law application and man- the PR measures the selector measures agement whereas to the game. the contribution of referee and for the Interestingly, the coaches! includes feedback from pie, comprising; The measurement - 10%, exams tackle/ruck/maul - 15%, management PR selectors - 25% and coaches 10%, rather holistic approach a more ensures a focus on the application and than merely rst for referees, this year’s this year’s rst for referees, fi rst for law exams fi c and auditable fi c – often the assessor made fi GETTING IT RIGHT rior to rugby professionalism in 1995, rior to rugby professionalism was not very the evaluation of referees scienti n what is believed to be a world- national exam will be live – with no paper-based question- national exam will be live – with no paper-based and all questions asked after candidates view naires in-touch

World- electronic clips of actual game footage. electronic ‘It has been ‘This is very exciting for us,’ says André Watson. and have had to read a concern for many years that referees in their home not presented answer questions that were translations could result language. Minor nuances or incorrect no answer – through the correct in the person not providing fault of their own.’ exam – to be held nationally on 24 May candi- At this year’s with a video clip of passage play, dates will be presented followed by a question in Afrikaans, English or Xhosa. I 6 Changes introduced during the 2006 season to assessment, selection Changes introduced successful and will be have proven and ranking of panel referees continued for 2007. P process was required, hence the introduc- was required, process tion of the Performance Reviewer (PR). to 2005 continued through The PR role every and it was based on recording incident that happened during the game for was no room on a factual basis – there discussion. Thankfully in 2006, Paddy O’Brien – the – together with manager of referees IRB’s head selector, SANZAR and SA Referee notes on the referee’s performance on the notes on the referee’s box and had an infor- back of a cigarette mal chat after the game. Post 1995 it was scienti clear that a more Referee evaluation – News WP Golf Day he annual WP Referees’ Golf Day has become Tone of the highlights on the local sporting calendar. Set to coincide with the presence of visiting referees doing Super 14 duty in Cape Pic courtsey of Pro-Alliance Town, the event provides an opportunity for local referees and rugby fans to spend time with some of the top whistlemen in the world.

According to Ben Theron, WP’s manager of referees, the event raised almost R32 000 to be ploughed back into referee development in the Province. Relaxing after the WP Golf Day were from left: James Apollis, André Watson, Lyndon Bray, Marc van Zyl, Paul Marks, Deon van Blommestein, Brett Bowden, Ben Theron Infront: Matt Kemp

P also held their annual indaba for Super League, 1A and W1B referees in March. The event is a place for referees to have meaningful input into the way their Society operates. Topics included referee discipline, club liaison, mentoring, fi nance, marketing and monthly meetings.

Ref chairman Doug Holwill said: ‘The two-day meeting is a great way for the executive to receive feedback from the membership. We strive for transparency in the way we conduct our affairs and this serves as a valuable tool in that.’ Pic courtsey of Pro-Alliance

Rugby World Cup spots up for grabs total of 12 referee and 16 touch judge spots are up for grabs at this year’s Rugby World Cup to be held in France A during September. For the fi rst time, individuals from among the world’s best whistleblowers will be selected either as referees or touch judges. Selfi shly – from a referee’s point of view – SA’s poor performance at the ’99 and ’03 World Cups was a blessing for the match offi cials, as our very own André Watson become the only person to take charge of two Finals. Here’s backing our test referees to do us proud at this year’s spectacle. (www.rugbyworldcup.com) Caption competition Tools to referee better computer- A based software program – Know the Game. (KTG) – is an innovative and interactive approach to understanding the complex laws of rugby better. André Watson acts as technical adviser to the producers of the program. It is a valuable resource for referees, players, coaches and spectators.

To order your own copy – at R130 – contact Gabriel Pappas at the Gallo Images/Getty Images.com Gauteng Lions Rugby Referees’ Society, A bad day at the offi ce… Ellis Park, on 011 402 2960 or email If you have any idea what may have been going through Tony Blair’s mind when this [email protected] happened drop us a line. If you are judged to have the funniest credit you could win a R400 gift voucher for a meal at your local Spur. Email [email protected] or fax 021 465 8512 before 31 May 2007.

All material published in is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the South African Rugby Referees’ Association. is a newsletter for referees throughout South Africa, if you have any information that may be of interest to your colleagues, email [email protected] or fax 021 465 8512.

8 in-touch in-touch