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-Stormers 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 rugby union. 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 oonn 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 Rugby World Cup as refereeing offi cials registered throughout one of the many highlights in his refereeing career South Africa 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 Following a rugby career spanning almost 60 years, Harry Abrahams (right) was awarded Honorary is now the most capped New Zealand Test referee Membership of the SA Rugby Referees’ Association by Chairman Steve Meintjes – one of only two various refereeing societies and bodies throughout such lifetime achievements in the country. the country, as well as to the broader interested with 39 appointments. public. This included the various media offerings of television, radio, internet, newspaper and direct nown to South African rugby channels such as email and newsletters – this fans for the controversial Looking in on the newsletter is the result. try scored by the Irish in You may have noticed the increased frequency with KNovember 2004, Paul is the which our top referees appear on television and ultimate professional. In Cape Town radio programmes. Unfortunately, due to the short towards the end of a four-week STRUCTURES lead time we receive we are not always able to let all Tri-Nations assignment – which saw know when these interviews take place but urge you him traverse the country several he fi rst edition of In-touch is codes of conduct, marketing, to watch or listen to these rugby shows. times from his Pretoria base – he an ideal opportunity to provide directing training and other vision- insight into how the various ary or strategic functions that may Last year, Carte Blanche did a feature on Tappe’s last was at pains to emphasise the role T senior game and profi led the intense pressure that a referee societies operate and fi t arise. It is also has the authority to of the referee as the 31st player on Size doesn’t matter. Getting it right is what refereeing is all about maintains Paul. referee faces on the day of a big game. The feedback the fi eld. Here Victor Matfi eld doesn’t look to be in total agreement! within the national body. award honorary and life member- we received was extremely positive with the Carte Meal planning is dependant on the game start-time ships where it deems appropriate. Blanche presenters acknowledging that they had no ‘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 inkling of how involved refereeing was. 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- – each affi liated to their respective ious awards: Life Membership to the Add to this the radio talk show in the Western Cape Pic: Pro-Alliance huge focus on the referee and you have to Provincial Union – and a national late Steve Strydom, as well as Freek during which Thuso Mngqibisa appealed to listeners continually learn from your experiences. If you Paul makes use of a coach and mentor to help to get involved in refereeing and the reported 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 success of this appeal, the profi ling of the appointed then park it. There’s no point in carrying it me with my communication techniques, body SA Rugby. to Dr Louis Wessels and Harry Super 14 referees before kick-off, the various articles and letting it haunt you going forward.’ language and on-fi eld image. My mentor is more Abrahams. and media releases that appear in the press and you 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- Referees’ Association is the over- sible for the day-to-day operational Then, of course, we can add the launch of our maintains Paul. ‘The demands of an every aspect for closer inspection.’ website. This site, if you have not already visited it, is arching governing body regulating activities of SARRA and the current international referee – particularly from a world fi rst. It offers the opportunity to discuss law 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 and any related issues with our top panel referees 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 on-line. Any interesting decisions occurring in of crossing several time zones, but responsible for referee training, presenting courses up of a chairperson, two deputy Doug Holwill and Stephanus Dogh, previous games are discussed with video footage 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 often provided. I would urge all to visit this site at 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 other rugby cities where that is such The aim of this newsletter is to provide our readers a factor.’ ‘While the image of an international referee appears societies and SA Rugby’s manager of Two further working groups – with interesting articles, viewpoints and information glamorous, it is hard work and extremely demanding.