inwith South African-t Referees uchDecember 2008 ELVs – where to from here?

With the global Experimental While statistics are not the sole judge of fact, these (see table) are interesting Law Variations (ELVs) firmly numbers.Perhaps what should be in place until the end of of greater concern is the two issues of consistency and a fair contest for July 2009 and the SANZAR possession? In fact, these were the two primary matters raised at the annual IRB countries continuing to trial High Performance Referee Conference at a hybrid version in the Super Lensbury Club in early November. 14 and Tri-Nations series, it At this conference, referees and managers were reminded of their obligation to certainly looks as if we better operate a zero tolerance policy towards get used to them for the illegal entry, hands in the ruck, sealing off the ball, illegal clearing out and illegal foreseeable future. According to Paddy O’Brien, this is not a scrum feeds. hugely material difference. He adds that ocally, most referees, players and contrary to public perception there is Going into the 2009 season, for the spectators would agree that the in fact less kicking under the ELVs than majority of South African referees, it will L trial has been a bit of a nightmare. previously. He cites the 2007 Rugby World be business as usual. Now that we have This year South Africans have played Cup where an average of 87 kicks took a handle on the ELVs, we need to focus under five different sets of laws and, at place in the semi’s and final whereas in more on consistency and ensuring a fair times, the games have looked like neither top-class rugby at the moment there is an contest. Hopefully we can put the ELV the players nor the referee is 100% sure average of 51 or 52 kicks in a game. bogey to rest. what’s going on! Competition 2007 2008 Next year should be better as the northern hemispheres are now playing the global Super 14 ELVs – last year when they toured to SA Total points in 91 games (average) 4,001 (43.97) 4,000 (43.96) they were under the so-called Old Laws. In Number of tries 426 (4.68) 483 (5.31) addition, the primary differences between the SANZAR version and the Global Laws Tri-Nations are around the penalty and free kick. Total points in six matches (average) 242 (40.33) 386 (42.89) In the Super 14, players are more often Number of tries 19 (3.17) 43 (4.78) likely to see short-arm punishments for (’08 stats not all in) technical infringements over their northern Total points – ’07 56 games / ’08 48 games 3,086 (55.11) 2518 (52.46) hemisphere compatriots who will see a full Number of tries 387 (6.91) 310 (6.46) arm penalty.

How Kaplan The sky’s Neville do we sets the limit joins the measure world for Jason Boks! success? record

In this issue... 2 3 5 11

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 1 2012/02/21 4:23 PM by André Watson Kaplan reaches Chairman’s message believe 2008 has been an outstanding year for South I African referees, not only referee stardom have many achieved individual milestones but as an Association When 42-year old Jonathan Kaplan – SA’s top referee – blew we have made progress on a How do we number of important fronts. the whistle for kick-off in the test between France and Argentina On the international scene we on 8 November he established a new world record for the have had more than 20 people appear in some official capacity in either IRB or CAR number of first-class games blown by an individual referee. events. Included in this, we have four referees on the IRB’s Referees Panel – over 20% of the total from one measure country! Special mention to Jonathan Kaplan on setting a world record for tests blown.

International success can only be achieved if programmes at home are functioning well. And I’m pleased to report the various sub-committees have success? done sterling work. My sincere appreciation to them all for the long hours they contribute. The domestic season is now over after a cracker of a Currie Cup The selection committee will shortly be making their Watties final. Hats off to Jonathan, Joey and JC Fortuin on their handling recommendations for the 2009 panels and this is an exciting time for many as they wait to see if their wonderings of the almost-replay of the 2007 Super14 final. efforts of the current season have been fruitful. There are bound to be some disappointments too and I urge anyone who so feels to follow Mark Lawrence’s example: he suffered severe disappointment at being ven though things don’t really also focuses on trying to change flood of emails and other communication dropped from the IRB Panels, but what did he do? slow down much in the referees’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards, from disappointed societies and He set out to prove to all that he deserved a place on department, the end of the year is referees. And I wonder why has this need individuals. Yet, these are often the the IRB Panels, renewed his efforts to lift the standard E of his game and was rightly re-appointed to full always a good time to sit back and reflect come about? Why are so many attitudes self-same societies that are pleased as international status. There’s a perfect example of how on what happened during the season. towards referees negative? Shouldn’t punch with the system when they do to deal with disappointment. people be able to see that referees are have good representation on the panels! A feature of the 2008 season was the introduction How do we know if we were just humans like themselves; with feelings, I can guarantee everyone; we will appoint of the ELVs. Undoubtedly this was cause for much successful? emotions, kids, mortgages and all the the very best referees to the respective confusion among referees, players and spectators One measure of success, I think, is the other things that make life normal? Who panels, there is no value – either for the and it looks as if we will again experience at least number of officials we have on the started these negative attitudes; do individual concerned or the game of rugby two variations in the coming season between SANZAR rugby and our domestic game. A landmark international panels and we are certainly losing teams always blame the referee, – in having people in positions they do not achievement was the publication of the Laws in well represented. There are four referees are coaches so one-eyed that they have deserve or cannot do justice to. Isixhosa. Many thanks to Thuso Mngqibisa for his on the IRB A Panel – Jonathan Kaplan, to make the ref the scapegoat for poor tireless efforts on this project. Mark Lawrence, Craig Joubert and Marius team performance? Or, do we have to My final thought is directed at referees One of the primary reasons for the translation of the Jonker. We have one on the specialist admit, that there are many instances themselves and their expectations of Laws into one of the indigenous languages was to Touch Judge Panel – Cobus Wessels, two where the referee had a bad day and did future success. Refereeing is similar to any assist in transformation and while progress has been on the TMO Panel – Shaun Veldsman and in fact influence the result of the game other sporting endeavour – to achieve at made, much remains to be done. Johan Meuwesen – and an IRB Match negatively? the highest level you have to be absolutely Our AWARE campaign had two objectives; to change Reviewer in Dennis Immelman. Another committed and put in lots of hard work. nd the record of 47 will probably be laws require a whole different approach, negative attitudes towards referees from media, landmark was Pro Legote’s elevation to And this includes fitness, law knowledge, surpassed by the time you read this especially when you have to ref six players and the public while also find new recruits. The ‘Who started these contenders squad is proving to be a valuable tool in Test status this year. player management and communication Anewsletter when he takes charge different types of laws during one season! identifying and grooming referees with potential but we negative attitudes; do skills. of the game between Wales and New rely on each Society to do their utmost and work with On top of that we’ve had several referees losing teams always Zealand on 22 November! ‘But refs are the servants of rugby and the national campaign on recruiting new referees. participate in overseas tournaments, these Most referees would be surprised at just we need to adapt like the players.’ He It is an impossible task to recognise all those who including Joey Salmans, Willie Roos, blame the referee, are how hard our top four referees work at However, he doesn’t want to create too also feels there is more pressure on contributed to our success this year, suffice to say Sindile Mayende and Francois Veldsman coaches so one-eyed that keeping themselves at the peak of their much hype around the feat. ‘Actually players and officials nowadays because of there were many of you. Particular thanks to all those to name a few. game – there’s no resting on laurels. So, if 46 or 47 is just another number. Yes constant analysis, which adds pressure on at SARU and SA Rugby, especially the Presidency. Without your support – moral, financial and advisory they have to make the ref you are ambitious and want to seek higher it’s important to me but It will probably referees to get the calls right. – we would not have achieved what we have. Another indicator of success, in my mind, the scapegoat for poor honours, remember there are no short be passed at some stage anyway,’ he would be the results from our recruitment cuts. This reminds me of the words of one says of the record feat. He is justifiably SA Rugby President Oregon Hoskins A special thank-you to André Watson and his team in the Referees’ Department. They work tirelessly, and awareness campaign. Realistically team performance? of ’s most famous sportsmen, happy that he’s been able to stay at the described Kaplan as a model professional often over weekends and evenings, to ensure that our we have fewer than 20% of the correct Gary Player, ‘The harder you work, the top for so long and feels this has been and an outstanding rugby ambassador programmes are implemented throughout the country. number of referees for our rugby-playing Again I believe we have made progress luckier you get.’ more important then reaching this new for his country: ‘Jonathan deserves all the population but I’m pleased to say that in this regard but maybe we need to look milestone. ‘I am proud of how long I have accolades because he has done a lot to Finally, thank-you to all of you registered at the Provincial Societies. Yes, there are almost 100 people we’ve increased those ranks by 5% this at ourselves a little closer and with more Never lose sight that success comes in been an international referee – more promote the image and career prospects on the various panels and squads, but it’s the thousands season. honest scrutiny. different forms. Not all referees are going so than equalling the record. While we of referees in our country and hopefully of you that are the backbone of refereeing in South to make it to Test status but be the best obviously don’t go through the rigours overseas as well. His conduct both on and Africa. Enjoy what little there is of an off-season and come back rearing to go in 2009. I see this initiative gaining momentum Another measurement of success – for you can and you will be successful in your that players do, it’s still a pretty intense off the field is always impeccable and he in the new year as our campaign enters many Panel refs and those aspiring own right. vocation,’ he added. has always been a credit to his profession, Regards the next stage with advertising in the – is the convening of the Selection and which at best can be described as mainstream media. Grading Committee. They will be making Enjoy the festive season; spend time with Jonathan has seen the laws of the game consistently demanding because of the adjustments for the 2009 season and, your families and return energised for a change over the years and enjoys the close scrutiny of spectators and a wider In addition to recruitment, the campaign to be honest, I am already anticipating a great season in 2009. current innovation of the ELVs. ‘The new television audience.’

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 2-3 2012/02/21 4:23 PM Valke refs A move inland brings keeping it promotion The sky’s the limit

rovincial panel member Mlungiseli fresh P Mdashe made the move from Eastern Province to Valke to gain Jason Jaftha – at just 23 years The Valke Rugby Referees’ Society (VRRS) is one of the most more experience. It seems to have innovative societies in the country. worked because he was recently appointed as referee manager in the – is on his way to the top. hile the amateur era didn’t pose Alfred says the most common challenges Province. too many challenges according facing the society today is keeping he Prince Albert-born referee was – as he is known to his Wto the society’s chairperson, up with professionalism as well as the Mlungiseli took up the whistle after recently appointed to the IRB World friends – recognised Alfred Ross, professionalism however shortage of sponsorships. He adds that suffering an injury in a school game TSevens Series after spending a year the need for referees has changed the face of refereeing communication with schools and clubs is and in four short years made it to first at Freek Burger’s Referee Academy, where in the South West dramatically. ‘In those days referees were improving. ‘The society meets on a regular league status. In 2004 he was judged his progress has been remarkable. Four District region. Since very much out of the limelight due to the basis with the chairpersons of all the clubs the EP Society’s Referee of the Year. referee hopefuls attended the Academy then he’s made great lack of television coverage. Too many to try and solve any problems that may After a bit of a wobble, where he this year, where they experienced the progress, blowing his referees today rely purely on technology have occurred. And the Union has also considered hanging up the whistle, benefits of full-time involvement with first provincial game in and are afraid to make decisions by started to appreciate the role of referees he was appointed to the Contender’s rugby. the and themselves. Technology has shifted the more than in the past, which is always a Panel and in November 2007 the Final this focus on referees to such an extent that it positive sign,’ he says. Provincial Panel. Jason has been the Academy’s star pupil year. puts them under a lot more pressure,’ and admits the environment has been he says. As part of their new interactive approach, ‘The biggest challenge facing me instrumental in his development. ‘The It’s not often that a the Valke RRS takes pride in being the in my new position is to increase Academy helped a lot with preparation referee gets to officiate Some of the earliest recognised referees only society to appoint officials via the the number of black referees in the as I had time to concentrate on different his first provincial game to come through the Eastern Transvaal internet. ‘We have developed an electronic Society,’ said Mlungiseli. ‘We’ve aspects of the game including the mental at such a young age but Referees’ Society and officiate at the appointment system where clubs can started a programme focused on side which is not easy if you’re working at Freek believes he’s got top level were Piet Robbertze (one Test), book their own referees. We are also one schools and I’m pleased to say that a regular job,’ he explains. what it takes to become Herbert Whooley (four Tests) and Johann of only two referee societies that have our we have recruited three in recent a top referee: ‘Jason is Gouws (one Test). With 27 Tests under own website. In addition, we’ve started an weeks. I see the campaign gaining It was at the tender age of 15 that JJ the best referee I have his belt, André Watson is the Society’s exchange programme with the Midland momentum in the new year.’ coached since André most accomplished member, respected Referee Society in England to swap If you know of someone looking Watson. by his colleagues and peers both locally referees once a year. We are sending to join the Valke Rugby Referees’ and abroad. The current top-rated referee two referees over during November,’ he Society give them Mlungiseli’s details: He’s shown great within the Valke RRS is Mlungiseli Mdashe explains. 011 740 9038, email refsvalke@ promise and it won’t be who serves on the Provincial Panel and global.co.za or visit the website long before he refs at became the first black referee to oversee In 2009, the Valke plan to establish the www.valke.e-refs.net/. Currie Cup and higher,’ the Beeld Final for Macro Schools between Central and Vaal Triangle Sub-Societies says Freek. While Jason Waterkloof and Kempton Park High. to aid development and growth. ‘The has officially completed current goal is to have his course with the more referees on the SARU Academy, he says he still wants to be And it’s on the mental aspect of refereeing national panels. In the long involved in some way during 2009. that two-time World Cup Final referee run the aim is to once again André Watson offers some advice: ‘Jason establish the Valke RRS ‘Jason has the potential has made good progress so far and has as the top society in the the potential to develop into one of the country. We have introduced to develop into one best referees South Africa has produced. refereeing to many previously disadvantaged schools in of the best referees South But we all have to show patience and let our area and also established him gain the necessary life experience a transformation plan with Africa has produced’ and odd scar that it takes to referee at the Gen Smuts High School highest level. Knowledge of the law and in Vereeniging to become He has shown undeniable talent but the fitness are two obvious requirements but the feeder-school of black young whistleman says he’s already had one must never underestimate the mental referees to our Society,’ says to overcome a few mental obstacles in his challenges a referee is exposed to during Alfred. short career. ‘The acceptance from older a game. Make one mistake and the roar of referees has been my biggest challenge so 50,000 furious fans can breakdown even L to R: Derick Horn Chairperson far. It’s difficult to stamp your authority as the toughest-minded individual!’ Valke Central Sub Society; Alfred Ross President Valke Referee a young ref, but I’ve learnt from it and it’s Society; Andre Fourie Deputy getting better. Fortunately I had the help Fortunately Jason is a youngster with his President Valke Refeee Society of experienced hands like Freek and Abe feet firmly on the ground and he realises Back: Jannie Rossouw: Director Mlungiseli in action at the Club Championships Steenberg from SWD. Also my family have the need to gain more life experience in Coaching; Mlungisela Mdashe earlier this year. Manager been hugely supportive.’ his quest for ultimate refereeing honours.

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 4-5 2012/02/21 4:23 PM prepared physically as well and mentally. might be a new-fangled concept; but He adds that referees have to do their Cobus says he’s been involved in the homework and study games attentively adjustment for some time. ‘My career as Meet the IRB officials to minimise mistakes. ‘A well-prepared assistant referee started when I was referee will be successful. The saying that removed from the national refereeing SA Rugby provides a number of IRB-approved match officials. Here we take a look at a fit referee is not always a good referee panel. André Watson spoke to me and but a good referee will always be fit, said that he wanted to start a specialised four non-field representatives on the international panels: speaks for itself,’ he says. touch judge panel. I agreed to be available for this as I didn’t want to stop – about an issue or incident in the game, criticism. ‘If TMOs make decisions quickly Johan says he’s an easy traveller but refereeing.’While some might think his the referee should always get the benefit.’ and get the call wrong, we are blamed admits the many days on the road shift to the sidelines may have taken him for not taking our time. But, if we take too away from home often take its toll. ‘We away from the action, Cobus maintains What it takes to be a good referee: long, trying to get the call right, we get travel on our own mostly, so it gets that it not that much different from blowing ‘Have a good feel for the game, know the blamed for ‘wasting time’ – so we never lonely sometimes. Luckily, I have a very the whistle. laws and stay fit and mentally tough.’ win,’ he laughs. supportive family and when I get back home, we spend lots of time together,’ He added that he still needs to be in good While he often cycles to stay in shape, he says. shape ‘Fitness is non-negotiable. I still Shaun admits that not too much physical referee in my local society – a requirement training is needed to be a TMO. When Cobus Wessels set by the IRB and SARU – and, in fact, he’s not spending time in front of the TV, Society: SWD judges have received a name change. I’m in better shape now than when I reffed he loves having a family braai at home in IRB Duty: Specialist referee’s assistant However, not all TJs are assistant referees full time.’ Robertson. (AR) but all ARs are touch judges as Cobus has shown how being a dedicated Cobus explains: ‘The name change from Some of his recent highlights include the touch judge can greatly enhance touch judge has not really changed the Super 14 Final this year, Currie Cup final in officiating at matches. nature of the job. The duties have just 2007 and five tests to date with two more been updated a bit and its also been in November when Ireland and Wales take Since the introduction of the ELVs, touch defined within law.’ Assistant referees on the All Blacks.

Dennis Immelman Society: Western Province (Chairman) IRB duty: Match Reviewer Prof Heyns makes WP ref’s dinner After a serious neck injury prematurely boosts development ended his playing career, Dennis decided to stay involved by taking up the whistle. it three he Western Province Referees’ Society In 1989 he joined the WP Rugby Referees Shaun Veldsman T(WPRRS) raised almost R85,000 in aid of Society and eventually made it to the Society: Boland rof’ Tinkie Heyns has referee development at their annual Black Tie SARU Provincial Panel aged 39. ‘I was the IRB duty: Specialist TMO ‘P been awarded Life Dinner. oldest referee to join the panel in those Membership of the South days,’ he laughs. ‘Those were the years As a financial advisor for one of the African Rugby Referees’ The event – which has become a landmark when it was advocated that the younger country’s leading companies, Shaun is Association in recognition occasion on the WP Rugby calendar –included you are, the better.’ used to offering people clear-cut advice. of his service to rugby over an auction of rugby memorabilia and signed This skill is particularly significant in his Johan Meeuwesen many years. At the annual vintage bottles of wine. His first international appointment was role as an IRB Television Match Official Society: Eastern Province Western Province Black-Tie in Argentina for the two-test series (TMO), where he has to advise referees in IRB Duty: Specialist TMO Dinner, chairman of South Project Hair Aware – initiated and supported between Argentina and Scotland, where the best possible way when called upon. African referees, Steve by the National Panel – also came under the he assessed Alan Lewis and Allain ‘The primary role for me as TMO is to A physical science teacher by profession, Meintjes, honoured Western spotlight with a number of whistlemen opting to Rolland. His next appointment will be at assist the referee with in-goal referrals. Johan got into refereeing while helping Province’s long-serving have their heads shaved in visible support of the Twickenham in November when England Refs can get away with a bad call, but not out in a few local school games. The member. This is Prof’s third campaign to raise safety issues and the role of takes on the Pacific Islands followed by a us, so it’s critical to get the calls right!’ refereeing bug certainly bit, as Johan went life membership; Western referees. second game in Paris a week later. on to officiate in five tests, 10 Province Rugby Referees’ With Super 12 and Currie Cup rugby and 149 provincial matches. Society, Western Province Funds raised from this dinner – and other events He believes the most rewarding element experience behind him, Shaun lists the Rugby Football Union and – will be used to send two promising referees on of being an assessor is seeing a referee Currie Cup final in 2003 as the pinnacle After doing TMO duty during the Super now SA Referees. a three-week thrive and knowing his input has played a on-field achievement – where he also 14, Johan got his first international TMO more years than most people can exchange to role in their development. When he’s not became the first black referee to control appointment for the Australia-Ireland Tinkie refereed Currie Cup matches remember! This is no mean feat England in on IRB business, Dennis enjoys restoring a final. game earlier this year. Like Shaun, he also for over 30 years and from 1959 when you consider there are 86 November. antique furniture and listening to music. believes there’s added pressure on TMOs till 2003 served on the Executive clubs and more than 160 games This year’s And when he really wants to have a break, While the role of the TMO has changed these days. ‘TMOs need to focus on little Committee of the WPRRS – at one over 22 weekends! candidates his daughter’s farm in Rawsonville helps somewhat recently, Shaun admits that it’s details which could have a huge effect at stage as its vice-chairman. are Quinton him get away from everything. added a lot more pressure to his job. ‘The the end of the game. If we make a mistake ‘Prof’ has truly been a remarkable Immelman and pressure is enormous. People expect the it comes back to haunt us. Our decisions, He was especially interested in servant, putting the game ahead of Gareth Lloyd- The pressures of an IRB Assessor’s job: TMO to get every call right. And there’s no right or wrong, are often talked about after the laws of the game and edited any personal needs or comforts. In Jones. ‘My inputs have an impact on a referee’s place for human error.’ the game, so we just have to absorb the the SA Rugby Law Book for over fact, you’ll still see him active at any career and therefore I have a huge pressure that comes with it.’ 40 years including the Afrikaans /WP home game as he A bit of a close shave for Deon van responsibility to report honestly, correctly, While TMOs may have the benefit of version. He has also single- chivvies the ball-boys into carrying Blommestein at to the point and to the best of my ability. technology; as opposed to referees, Johan stressed that the most important handedly compiled the annual out their duties to his exacting this year’s Black Tie If there’s any doubt – no matter how slight Shaun is still concerned about recent characteristic of any referee is to be well fixtures list for WP Rugby for standards! Dinner.

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 6-7 2012/02/21 4:23 PM Focus to improve delivery Referees’ Management Committee One of the new members to the team is, in diagram below, but he is also assisted in A has been established to facilitate the fact, an old Rugby Referees’ his duties by other personnel. day-to-day running of referee matters Society stalwart – Theuns Naude. within SA Rugby and this is expected to In-touch will provide more information speed-up delivery and ensure clear lines His responsibilities include a number on each of the personnel and their of responsibility. of operational matters as listed in the responsibilities in future editions.

SA REFEREES’ management committee

andré watson steve meintjes dana eitzen tappe henning Neville heilbron theuns naude general manager

Strategy Admin LAW Training & operations elite referees Education EXCO payments LAW Books appointments selection & grading transformation data records Law national clarification weeks media & sanzar liaison manco kit panel submission courses IRB Liaison council Travel & of law accommodation changes and suggestions scouting Nat & Prov newsletter to rm panels REF Comms recruitment & Website awareness strategy measurement pie prof refs ensuring School standards festival PA to RM budget correction contenders of facts fairplay

interactive ref app’ts

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 8-9 2012/02/21 4:23 PM news news news news news news news news news news news news news news news news news news news news New spots for ’ news news news news news news news news news news development news news newsTap news news ’n news go... news news news news Province to introduce rugby to forward in the North West Province and Kat’s the new chief at Border refs grassroots level with emphasis on the the Provincial Government is committed rural communities and schools where to help with transport, equipment and going wild rugby was not previously played. finances. Following Marius Franken’s departure, Kat As part of their preparation for next year, the The development of referees will be one We are in a win-win situation and the Swanepoel has been named the new referees’ Border Referees’ Society will host a referees’ of the main features with former referees’ Coaching Centres are the perfect vehicle manager of the Griquas . And Kat is no camp at Elizweni Resort from 28 - 30 November. manager Philip du Toit heading to drive demographic change in the stranger to the game! he Leopards’ Rugby Union has up the centre as well as the referee profile of South African rugby,’ said The 15 candidates – comprising both panel revitalised their development development arm. Referee recruitment Phillip. He started refereeing after being seriously injured and fast tracks – will be attending the camp in Tprogramme with the launch of and development will be directly linked and after two years was promoted to 1st League. He East London where they will undergo fitness coaching centres in the Province. to the coaching centres with 100 new For further information please contact has serves as chair of the Griqualand West Rugby testing and law interpretation workshops Centres were established in each referees having already gone into Philip du Toit on 018 297 5304 or Referees’ Society and sees the recruitment of young over the weekend. Saru’s Theuns Naude and Government District in the Northwest training. ‘We believe this is the way [email protected]. referees – particularly from black communities – one Neville Heilbron will be facilitating the various of the Society’s priorities for 2009. workshops. It’s family business for the Lions Neville joins the Boks take referee recruitment by the horns In 1987, Gert Bezuidenhout – a Golden Lions Referees’ Society Former test referee Neville Heilbron Life Member – and his wife Marietjie became the first ever has been appointed to the Springbok The referee shortage he programme was extensively followed by the IRB Level One course,’ husband and wife to serve on any Society. Gert – who refereed management team to ensure the Boks play promoted in the local media as explains Kosie. ‘Those still in the mix will three Tests and Currie Cup Finals – was chairman while his within the law and reduce the number of affecting most provinces Twell as educational institutions and appear before a selection committee and wife was the secretary of the former Transvaal Rugby Referees’ penalties in a game. is not a problem for the resulted in 150 applications. What’s more the successful candidates – after all that Society at the time. interesting is the fact that prospects must – will complete an induction course on Neville’s job includes attending practices Rugby Referees’ be between the ages of 16 and 30 years old. how our Society operates.’ Springboks reach for the stars where he referees match situations. He is Society thanks to a also expected to provide advice for players ‘During November we will take the first ‘We have had a successful outreach The Bok team on the end of year tour to the United Kingdom in and after the game, where his analysis recruitment drive taken up by batch of 90 candidates and put them project in and Tshwane and wore stars – an acronym for Stand Together Against Racism – on can be used by the coaching staff at half time.Neville will also assist in preparing the coach for his pre-match meeting with referee manager Kosie Horn. through a course on the laws, bring them I’m especially proud to say that 48 of the the sleeve of their playing kit in a public show of unity against back for an examination and fitness test first batch of 90 candidates are black. elements of racism that continue to plague, not only rugby but, the referee by analysing the match-day official’s strengths and This is a great achievement and most other sports in South Africa. weaknesses. of them have already been involved in rugby in their communities so I’m The initiative was a follow-on from the ‘No to Racism’ campaign Merit-based appointments for expecting pretty good results from them.’ that appeared during the ABSA Currie Cup season. Super14 ‘We need between 180 to 200 active Referees are often victims of racial abuse – both black and white referees in the Tshwane and Limpopo – and any programme to increase tolerance levels among players The 2009 Super14 will see referees appointed from a panel regions and have about 130 on the and the viewing public should be supported by all. founded on merit before nationality, meaning that match officials books already. Once we’ve worked will no longer be barred from blowing in games involving their through this batch of applications I’m countrymen. confident that we will be at – or above – our immediate requirement. We will ‘This is a significant step to ensure that we have the best referees then be able to focus on improving the blowing the best games. It should create a more competitive abilities of our refs while maintaining a environment for the referees and lead to greater accountability,’ continuous recruitment programme,’ said Andy Marinos, managing director of SANZAR. concluded Kosie. Applicants not making it onto the initial programme Match referees will be appointed from a pilot merit panel that will will be accommodated at a subsequent be named before the competition and a second time before the session to be held in March 2009. semi-finals. Referees will have the opportunity to move up in the pecking order as the season progresses, providing them with The Carlton League is the premier club competition in Blue Bulls country. Here the tangible performance incentives. Provincial and Carlton League referees line up with chairperson Gerhard Roodt.

From front left: Ben Crouse, Cobus Wessels, EP stalwart laid to rest Gerhard Roodt, Muller van der Nest and Jimmy Ernest Avery, life member of the Eastern Province Referees Society Kruger passed away on 17 October. Ernst was an active Provincial and Back row: Jimmy Aphane, Gerrie de Bruin, Luke SA Cup referee from 1968 to 1991 and served as President and Burger, Jocelyn Tucker and Jan Venter. Inset: Sewes Terblanche Chairman of EP Referees’ Association for many years. He is survived by his wife Lorraine, daughter Charmaine and son Donovan.

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 10-11 2012/02/21 4:23 PM JC hangs up his international whistle Test and Super14 referee JC Fortuin has decided to stop refereeing on the international stage but still hopes to stay involved in club and school games.

– as he’s known to his 12 years in the classroom before colleagues – started co-founding an organisation JC refereeing when he focused on changing negative finished playing in 1994 after a leadership styles within school- useful role as flyhalf and fullback going children. This programme at club level. By 1995 he made his has been an outstanding first referee appearance at the U19 success with more than 120,000 Academy Week and a year later youngsters passing through – with officiated at Craven Week. several complete turnarounds recorded. ‘Following injury to Shaun Veldsman, JC was elevated to ‘JC has served South African Super 12 – as it was then – and rugby proudly at Currie Cup, had to quickly make the jump Super14 and Test level for many to the most demanding rugby years, however I personally believe competition in the world,’ says that he was not rewarded early André Watson. ‘I told him that it in his career in accordance with would be war and he would be his abilities. I want to thank him eaten up by Australia and New for his contribution so far. We Zealand if he didn’t impress from look forward to his continued the opening whistle – and in true involvement in other aspects of JC fashion he never disappointed!’ the game and him building on the status he already enjoys,’ JC is a qualified teacher and spent concludes André.

Referee training calendar for Referees on the National and Provincial Panels will be hitting the ground running in January. Here are the courses scheduled for early next year. Provincial & Women’s camp 15-18 January 2009 – Hartbeeshoek National course 20–22 January 2009 – Regional courses 23-24 January 2009 – WP/Boland, Cape Town 23-24 January 2009 – , 27-28 January 2009 – Lions/Valke/Leopards, 27-28 January 2009 – FS/Griquas/, 30-31 January 2009 – SWD/EP/Border, George , 30-31 January 2009 – Bulls/, . Imbongi Communications Tel 021 671 9143 Imbongi Communications Tel

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Intouch Vol 6.indd 12 2012/02/21 4:23 PM