intouch with South African Referees Edition 1, 2010 www.sareferees.co.za Varsity Cup panel Luke Burger in action when TUT Gallo/Getty Images a winning idea travelled to Cape Town to face UCT The third edition of the annual Varsity Cup saw the introduction of a specialised in February refereeing panel to oversee the tournament. In-touch spoke to VC panel members Archie Sehlako, Matt Kemp and Ben Crouse about their experience with what has proven to be a successful first season for the panel.

he Varsity Cup has quickly established believes that a dedicated panel helps itself as the premier university rugby promote consistency in the referee group, Tcompetition in South Africa, filling since fewer games are refereed by different a niche that benefits both supporters and individuals. players. With the tournament’s profile increasing every year, and used as a testing An added feature of this season’s Varsity ground for referee initiatives such as the Cup is the after-match function held for the white card, a 23-man expanded bench and competing teams, their management staff referees acting as TMOs, the next step has and match officials. Blue Bulls referee Ben been the establishment of a specialised Crouse believes the functions are a great referee panel for the nine-week competition. initiative. ‘The after-match functions are how I came to know rugby, where socialising So what have been the major benefits of after the game leads to enemies on the serving on a dedicated panel? referee field becoming lifelong friends off it. It also Archie Sehlako says, ‘The players have seen allows the players to revisit some situations the same guys refereeing every Monday. It’s with the referee and to maybe get his view also allowed the guys to get more game time and reasoning for certain decisions. The during the season, which is quite beneficial.’ players are given the opportunity to realise that we, as referees, are human after all.’ Matt Kemp, his Western Province colleague, looks at it slightly differently. ‘Knowing This year has proven to be a successful one upfront that you have a certain number for the first specialised Varsity Cup panel, of games in the competition helps with with this season’s group of referees setting a preparation for those games.’ He also high standard for future panels to follow.

Stellenbosch. ‘There are some Tiaan has the fantastic referees in the Varsity Cup, final word so it was a huge honour for me to and Provincial Panel have been appointed to referee the referee Tiaan Jonker was appointed to final,’ he says. ‘This is my third year handle the Varsity Cup final between refereeing in a great tournament - it UCT and Maties on 29 March in never fails to live up to expectations.’

The Big 21 Rasta Four years of shows the service way Craig Joubert Craig Joubert Paddy’s Patch Paddy’s

In this issue... pg 4 pg 9 pg 12 SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 1 NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za What’s on my mind? By André Watson It’s scrum time

Dominant scrumming has been a hallmark of South African rugby for decades and yet, while often giving a good account of ourselves, we’ve not always ruled at scrum time as I think we should have. And, in the past, I believe often the referee has been instrumental in negating the power of the pack.

ctivities at scrum time were • The props bind on to the hooker, one of the so-called ‘big four’ with all three getting their issues raised at the Lensbury hips and shoulders square to Aconference in 2009. In the opposition addition to the clearer instructions • At the ‘crouch’ command, the referees have received and are now players should ‘barr up’ – their often ahead of themselves implementing in the Super 14, we’ve bodies should be set and ready, and robbing the attacking team gone one step further by retaining with spines in line and chins off of options. the services of World Cup-winning their chest scrummager and respected forwards • There must be a real ‘touch’ In reality there’s nothing new in coach Balie Swart to shed some between props when the what’s outlined here; it’s about light on what happens in the front command is given implementing what’s already clearly row so that referees can ensure a • There must be consistent laid out in the Law book for everyone fair contest. cadence between commands so to read and understand. It’s early players are able to anticipate the in the season, so let’s get on top of It’s not the referee’s job to coach timing from ‘pause’ to ‘engage’ these aspects and bring dominance players during the game and they • On ‘engage’, both front rows must back to what has been a South can’t be held responsible for poor hit straight and stay straight, get African strong point. player technique, but the man in the a strong grip and stay bound until middle can guide players to ensure the ball is out. they follow the rule of Law. Perhaps In summary then: most important is the question While we’re focusing much effort of safety at scrum time: Balie is on the pre- and post-engagement adamant – and he has our support – processes, there are other scrum- • Stick to the that the referee is like a safety officer related issues for refs to keep an on the field and needs to ensure that eye on: engagement scrums are conducted in a safe way. • Flankers who’re either slipping sequence and There should be zero tolerance shown their bind and moving up on the penalise those teams to those forwards who’re not prepared prop or simply hanging off the to scrum within Law. scrum to get an advantage must jumping the gun be penalised • Spine in line, no Here are some pointers to keep • The scrum-half must keep a in mind. visible distance from other individual angles • Both hookers should position players in the scrum • Binding as per Law, themselves at the mark made by • Let’s maintain the five-metre off- no deviations. the referee side line – the defensive team is

2 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ Referees and TV CHAIRMAN’S match officials MESSAGE Kicking off in 2010 become one With the rugby season under way and the World Cup around the corner, 2010 is shaping up to be a big year for sport in South Africa.

The rugby season has got off to a brisk start and it’s wonderful to see two South African teams vying for honours in the top four of the Super 14. This year’s tournament has been an eye-opener, with a record score achieved between the Lions and Chiefs, and much of the elevation in pace and excitement has been ascribed to changes in the implementation of the existing Laws – particularly at scrums, tackles, mauls and off-sides. There’s more on alliancephoto.com these issues elsewhere in Craig Joubert tries the TMO shoe on during a Super 14 pre-season game. this newsletter. South Africa is experimenting It’s been pleasing to note how successful the Varsity Cup tournament has been, and players, coaches and referees with referees doubling as have all given the thumbs-up to the innovation of a television match officials (TMOs) dedicated team of match officials.

to accompany their on-field duties One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the dedication and commitment shown by referees across the country. Not only do we have people like Mark Lawrence recording their hrough an initiative pioneered by SA Rugby 50th Super game, but we have stories on long service by Referees the duties of the referee and the TMO will Gabriel Pappas, Kosie Horn and Ronald David. Well done be combined into one role, leaving the referee as to them and the countless others who give of their time Tthe sole adjudicator of the Laws. This experiment and energy season after season, often with little in the way was implemented in two warm-up matches for the Super of financial reward. 14 and is being used for all televised Varsity Cup matches. Recently all referees have been asked to read and sign a André Watson, SARU’s referee manager, explains, ‘Instead Code of Conduct. This document outlines the relationship of the referees going ‘‘upstairs’’ to the TMO to query between referees and the South African . As whether a try has been scored, the on-field referee will be most of you already know, referees are voluntary members able to consult a television monitor in the in-goal area and of provincial societies. In turn, these provincial societies decide for himself. It will follow the same protocol as a are members of the South African Rugby Referees’ regular TMO decision, except that the on-field ref will act Association – a not-for-profit entity that’s a member of as the TMO himself.’ the SA Rugby Union. Please ensure you’ve received and acknowledged your copy of the Code. André believes that this will result in fewer referrals ‘because the buck stops with the on-field referee – he’s the The FIFA World Cup is about to hit South Africa and I wish one who’ll make the final decision, whether he calls for the our compatriots in the round-ball code all the very best for TMO or not.’ a fantastic and successful tournament.

Referees have received And with the rugby season just under way, here’s wishing TMO training, with each and every referee in the country a fantastic one. For top TMOs having those aspiring to higher honours, work hard and show developed methods in commitment – this could be your year. their assessment of an incident. Yours in refereeing alliancephoto.com

Referees receive assistance from experienced TMOs.

3 NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za Referees have been instructed to Spotting the pay close attention to what has been deemed the ‘Big Four’ this season: the tackle, the scrum, offside, and Big Four obstruction associated with the maul. nalysis has shown the tackle and the scrum to be the two contact areas that produced the most penalties last season, while offside and obstruction at the maul are also Aareas of concern. These ‘Big Four’ were focal points at the SA Referees course held in Newlands in January and attended by 11 National Panel referees, match assessors and referee selectors. TACKLE

The tackle is the leading contributor to the penalty count (including what follows the tackle and not just the act of tackling itself), and referees are now instructed to pay closer attention to the tackler as well as the tackled player.

The tackled player is required to get rid of the ball immediately, while the tackler must be on his feet to play the ball. However, what has been happening is that the tackler has kept an unbroken grip on the tackled player, thereby slowing down the ball and often being ‘rewarded’ for doing this by winning a penalty.

The most important change this season is that the tackler must Gallo/Getty Images exhibit a clear break in contact (for instance, by clapping his The new application at the tackle has meant quicker ball for hands) and prove the ball has been released, even if he’s on his attacking teams. feet. The tackler must also ensure that his body doesn’t obstruct the release of the ball. SCRUM Twelve percent of rugby matches at the top level last year were spent resetting scrums. Referees should, while the scrum is set up, ensure the props are square to one another and aligned to go into the engagement straight, with spines in line. The hooker’s feet must be parallel to the side-lines. In the engagement sequence, the ref must clearly and loudly give the ‘crouch, touch, pause, engage’ command. SARU Communications

Balie Swart, SA Referees’ scrumming coach, shows how it’s done at the referees’ scrumming workshop at Hartebeesthoek earlier this year. Gallo/Getty Images

44 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ André’s take on the Big Four OFFSIDE thus far… The focus on this aspect of SA Referees manager André Watson the Law specifically has to has been monitoring the Big Four do with players being in front since the start of this season. His of the kicker as the ball is report card is as follows: struck. Referees need to be very strict applying the TACKLE Law and penalise players • The tackler must release who do not retire behind the immediately once the tackle is kicker and stay clear of the complete and roll away from the 10-metre line. attacking player. • All other players who enter the ruck legally should be allowed to play the ball. OBSTRUCTION • A tackler who ends up on the wrong side should be penalised AT THE MAUL only if he doesn’t release or obstructs the release of the ball. • A player getting back on his Last season attacking feet should be allowed to play teams often used a the ball. player as a buffer while • Tackled players should not be setting up a maul, by allowed to get up and crawl or run doing so obstructing the

Gallo/Getty Images with the ball once they’ve been defending team from brought to ground. legally stopping the maul. Referees must SCRUM

ensure they penalise Gallo/Getty Images • The cadence (quick or measured) teams that infringe at scrum time is important. in this manner, as it Offside in front of the kicker is an area referees will • The front rows must crouch and police with added attention in 2010. doesn’t allow for a fair touch when asked to, and the contest. ‘engage’ call must follow ‘pause’ without too long a delay. Calls must be made loudly and clearly. • Refs shouldn’t follow the front rows; they should engage on his call. • Allow no individual angles by players but do allow the forwards to scrum once the engagement is deemed legal.

OFFSIDE • Keep an eye on this facet of play as this season has already seen an increased amount of running, increased space and quicker ball through the new tackle interpretation.

OBSTRUCTION AT THE MAUL • This is well refereed in general play but it needs attention at kick-off and at the formation of Gallo/Getty Images mauls at line-outs. Attacking players who obstruct defenders reaching the ball carrier as the maul is formed will be penalised vigorously this season.

5 NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za Gomolemo Rametsi Bulls refs awarded first-ever referee colour it for bursary in South Africa cancer The PUK Rugby Institute is a The Blue Bulls Rugby Referee finishing school for Society hosted their annual rugby players who’re Cancer Shave-a-thon in the seen to have the second week of March, when talent to progress to members dyed or shaved their hair higher levels. Usually in support of cancer awareness. players are the focus, Hair-raising moments on the but the Leopards’ Gomolemo Rametsi field are reported to have already has set a precedent decreased in number as a result. by becoming the first person to join the institute specifically Gomolemo is the first person in South African to be for refereeing. awarded a bursary for refereeing.

‘There’s never a dull moment at the office,’ says 24-year-old Gomolemo Rametsi, who was awarded a refereeing bursary by the PUK Rugby Institute of North West University, where he’s doing a Diploma in Sport.

Gomolemo’s relationship with the whistle began in 2005, when Philip du Toit, who works with the PUK Rugby Institute in his capacity as Leopards referee manager, asked him to ref an U14 game. Phillip watched his performance and told the young student that he believed he had potential with the whistle.

Two seasons later, ‘Oom Philip’, as Gomolemo calls the referees’ manager, invited him to join the Leopards Referee Society. ‘I ended up refereeing a number of games, and as 2007 became 2008, I was offered a refereeing bursary via by the PUK Rugby Institute,’ says Gomolemo, who first joined the Institute as a player, after earning provincial colours as a loose forward. In exchange for the bursary, Ben Crouse feels the full force of the razor as he sees Gomolemo must referee on a consistent basis for the Leopards Rugby his locks disappear. Union, with the bursary being reassessed on an annual basis. Two other candidates are being assessed for the bursary this year.

Gomolemo’s friends and family have helped and supported him all the way, as have ‘Oom Philip’, Leopards referee development officer Andries Selemela, and Leopards committee members Mervin Taylor and Theuns Janse van Vuuren, who’s also a national assessor.

‘I love rugby and the challenge the whistle offers,’ says Gomolemo. ‘Every single time you walk on to the pitch you don’t know what to expect. All that you can do is paint a perfect picture in your mind before each game. No two games are the same, so your decision- making is put to the test all the time.’

And Gomolemo intends both moving upwards and giving back. ‘Within the next five years I want to be on the National Panel, be a role model Those who wanted to keep their crowning glory could opt to future referees and help others achieve their dreams and goals’. to brighten it up.

6 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ Ref’s-eye view One way for folk off the field to see exactly what the referee does is by way of a camera mounted into a headband worn by the ref during the match. uring two pre-season The headband-camera may also be matches at Newlands, used as a training tool in future, Jonathan Kaplan and Mark for simulated refereeing during DLawrence could be seen match-official training. The referee wearing headbands. These weren’t sits watching a match on a screen a fashion statement: mounted into and then makes his decisions, all of each headband was a small camera, which can be monitored and tested. facing forward to see and record exactly what Kaplan and Lawrence For armchair fans, another possible did. The data was uploaded to a future use for the camera is to act hard drive worn on their backs, as another option for the TV viewer alliancephoto.com which could then be downloaded to see the match from the referee’s for assessment purposes after viewpoint. Mark Lawrence sports the latest in referee designer-wear the match. Pumas website Referee websites goes online Looking for information about refereeing in other regions? Here are a he Mpumalanga Rugby Referees’ Society recently re-launched their few addresses to get you started. Twebsite, www.pumarefs.co.za. If you’re a referee in Mpumalanga, this is Western Province – www.wprugbyrefs.co.za the place to go for news, updates, Law Blue Bulls – www.bullrefs.co.za discussions and event information. The Pumas are back prowling the web. Golden Lions - www.lionsrugby.co.za

STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS BokSmart becomes the standard in South Africa Organised rugby matches in South Africa schools must comply with these • Only players who have been identified will not be allowed to take place next regulations and ensure that they inform within the provincial or national year unless the participating coaches and all their members of the regulations structures with the potential to play at match officials are BokSmart certified. and their obligation. elite provincial level or above can apply The ruling was one of several decisions • Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and for a waiver. ratified by the provincial unions at the schools must ensure that all affiliated SARU Annual General Meeting on Friday. match officials and coaches are “These regulations have the potential to The impact of the new rules will be to BokSmart certified and their details radically change the landscape of injury recorded. prevention in South African rugby for improve rugby’s safety record as part of • As of 1 April this year, players younger the rest of time,” said Dr Wayne Viljoen, the wide-ranging BokSmart national rugby than 18 years old shall not be allowed SARU’s BokSmart project manager. safety programme. to play senior rugby in any position, at any level of rugby under the auspices BokSmart has conducted more than The key regulations approved of SARU or any of its provincial unions, 208 workshops across the 14 South by the provinces include: without special waiver. African rugby unions, certifying a • As of 1 April this year, players younger total of 5493 referees and coaches • Provinces, clubs, rugby bodies and than 19 years old shall not be allowed since its launch in July 2009. schools shall not be allowed to host any to play senior rugby in the front row match without ensuring that all match at any level of rugby under the auspices For more information about the officials and participating coaches are of SARU or any of its provincial unions, new regulations and BokSmart, BokSmart certified. without special waiver. log onto www.boksmart.com. 7 NEWSLETTER• Provinces, clubs, OF rugby SOUTH bodies AFRICAN and RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za Referees Academy Squad expands South African Referees rugby development officers, with Pumas, Valke, Leopards): Michael some referees having come through Cupido are expanding the the system to reach the Contenders 2. Coastal Region (Western Province, scope of their academy Squad and Provincial Panel. Rasta Boland, Eagles, Sharks): Louis Rashivenga (page 12) is but only one Mzomba programme, aimed at example.’ 3. Southern Kings (Eastern Province, producing more top Border): Mandla Dakuse Michael Cupido and Mandla Dakuse 4. Central Region (Cheetahs, referees. have volunteered to become coaches Griffons, Griquas): Eugene Daniels for two of the new regions, and André he Academy Squad was says he’s delighted to have people of introduced a couple of seasons their calibre and experience involved. back to act as an additional Tlevel so promising referees The responsibilities of the four have the opportunity to refine their Academy Squad regional coaches are skills and push for higher honours. scouting, talent identification and fast- The success of this initiative meant tracking referees from disadvantaged the squad had to be divided into two areas to the next level. Daniels as regions (Coastal and Inland) to make head coach will be responsible for administration and coaching more overseeing the overall structure of the efficient. Now, a further division has Academy squad and ensuring that it become necessary, and the squad will operates in accordance with SA Rugby consist of four regions. Referees’ guidelines and procedures. The reporting channel for Mzomba, Speaking of the academy’s Cupido and Dakuse will be through achievements, André Watson, manager Daniels to SARRA. of SA Referees, says, ‘Eugene Daniels and Louis Mzomba did sterling REGIONS AND COACHES work in tandem with the provincial 1. Vaal Region (Blue Bulls, Lions, The Golden Lions’ RDO Michael Cupido is one of the newly appointed coaches. Restarts can no longer end a match uring the Wales-France Six • does not kick the ball 10 metres, Nations encounter, with the • kicks the ball directly into touch Dgame having reached full or time, Wales were 26-20 down after • kicks the ball dead on or over scoring. French flyhalf Frédéric the opponents’ touch-in-goal or Michalak took the restart and kicked dead-ball line, the ball along the ground in front of • then the referee will offer the the 10-metre line into touch, and the non-offending team the options referee ended provided by Laws 13.7, 13.8 the game. and 13.9.

After the issue was raised by Wales, The non-offending team can either the designated members of the ask for the kick to be re-taken, be IRB’s Rugby Committee ruled that if awarded a scrum in the centre of the there’s been a score towards the end pitch, or be awarded a line-out on of the game and there’s time for the the halfway line if the ball goes out kick-off to take place, but time will on the full. Once the ball goes dead Gallo/Getty Images expire immediately after the kick, after the restart, but not including Frédéric Michalak’s actions instigated the and the kicker: the restart, the match is over. ruling change

8 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ RONALD DAVID Ronald David began his 21st year as a member of the East London Rugby 21 years of service Referees’ Society in 2010. In-touch spoke to him about his long career onald David, referee manager at the Border Rugby Union, with the whistle. grew up in Chalumna, a rural area outside East London, where he played rugby and refereed friendly matches. When Rhe finished school he moved to East London itself, where he became increasingly involved with the whistle.

‘I joined the EL Rugby Referees’ Society in 1989 while I was playing rugby for EL Police,’ he says, and it wasn’t long before he realised that he needed to choose between playing the game or becoming more involved with refereeing.

In 1996 Ronald was appointed to officiate during the U19 Coca-Cola Academy Week in Port Elizabeth. ‘I learnt a lot from other referees and the atmosphere was good. In 1998 I was again appointed to the U19 Coca-Cola Academy Week, in Durban. In 2000 I officiated in the U16 Academy Week in Sasolburg.’ He also officiated at the 2001 Eastern Coastal Academy Week in Durban.

‘Every possible step you take is a seed that brings you closer to your dream’

In 2009 the EL Rugby Referees’ Society recognised his service, awarding him the 20 Years of Faithful Service Certificate.

Ronald enjoys meeting people involved in the game and introducing new faces to rugby through refereeing. ‘I give thanks to God, who enabled me to use this wonderful talent that He has given me,’ he says, adding that he uses his talent daily.

His advice to people involved in the game and refereeing? ‘Success is a race in which everyone can be a winner. Every positive step you take is a seed that brings you closer to your dream, no matter how small the step is. So, if you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. Whatever you’re doing, just keep moving forward. Those who want to win the prize must be willing to pay the price.’ Ronald David has been involved with refereeing in the Border region for over two decades.

9 NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za News from around Tap ‘n Go the country Mark Lawrence hits Super 14 half-century ark Lawrence refereed his 50th Super rugby match in the middle of March when the Crusaders clashed with the Chiefs at Hamilton. In-touch congratulates Mark on his achievement, and wishes him the Mbest for the rest of the season. Blue Bulls Refs’ Society elects new executive

t the general meeting at the end The Society has two sections, one based of November last year, the Blue in Pretoria and the other covering the vast Bulls Rugby Referees’ Society expanse of Limpopo. The Society started the Aelected Gerhard Roodt as its new year with 121 active members in Pretoria chairman to replace Oscar Somers, who was and 26 in Limpopo, and ended it with no longer available. 101 active referees in Pretoria and 31 in Limpopo. Somers served the society with distinction, and he, along with the incredibly hard- EXECUTIVE FOR 2010/2011 working Kosie Horn, former referee manager at the Blue Bulls and now manager of Chairperson: Gerhard Roodt training and education at the Pretoria based Vice-chairperson: Johan union, were elected as Life Members of the Makkink Society. Assessment and Coaching: Kobus Beukes Gerhard Roodt joined the Society in 1982 Finances: Gerhard van and was appointed vice-chair in 2004. He’s Niekerk also held the match appointments secretary Members and Social: portfolio for many seasons. Joppie Kunz Kosie Horn Technical zone change The International Rugby Board has produced a slightly changed protocol for the technical zone, the area where non-playing team officials must be if they are within the playing enclosure. he protocol now specifies that the head coach is not allowed to run onto the field with water. Other coaching staff are allowed to be water- alliancephoto.com carriers, such as doctors and physios. A team’s medical staff are allowed to enter the playing area when necessary. T

10 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ News from Gabriel Pappas moves position around at the Golden Lions Gabriel Pappas, South Africa’s Career highlights for Gabriel include the country first official and longest-serving the in South referee manager, has shifted Africa, the 1996 Students World position within the Golden Cup and the 2002 IRB U21 World Lions Rugby Union after being Championship, and he cites being appointed divisional manager for able to associate with referees from supported services. all over the world as a favourite part of his job. abriel became a referee in 1976, and has served on the In his new position, the former to develop the union’s archives and Gcommittee of the Golden Lions Golden Lions referee manager will get a museum going. Rugby Referees’ Society since 1992. deal mainly with the union’s corporate In 1996 he became the first referee governance in relation statutory Gabriel has been replaced as referee manager in South Africa who was a compliance, operational risk manager by Theuns Naudé. In-touch full-time employee of his respective management and the implementation wishes Gabriel and Theuns the best union. of strategic initiatives.. He also hopes for the future.

EVENT DATE Easter Tournament Camp 29 – 31 March Easter Schools Tournaments 3 – 6 April Referees management meeting 15 April Referees management meeting 14 May National/Prov/CC coaches meeting 8 June Provincial & Women’s course 10 June U16 Week (Kimberley) 14 – 17 June Special Schools Week (George) 14 – 17 June U13 Week (Graaff Reniet) 14 – 18 June Academy Week (Vryheid) 22 – 25 June U18 (Welkom) 29 June – 3 July Important dates – 2010 *Please note that these dates are subject to change SANZAR refines citing process SANZAR is taking steps to achieve greater citing consistency and to eliminate the ongoing suspicion that nationality leads to citing bias.

iting and citing inconsistency seen as a proactive measure against

has been an issue of concern foul play. Gallo/Getty Images throughout the rugby world Cfor some time. To try to Nowland and Hinds are both as possible after matches, and the alleviate this problem, SANZAR has experienced citing commissioners, final decision of whether or not to cite appointed a citing commissioner and Burger, once a representative will rest with the citing commissioner in each country – Scott Nowland player and a Test referee who oversaw in whose country the incident for Australia, Steve Hinds for New two Super rugby finals and a former occurred. Zealand and Freek Burger for South manager of South African referees, Africa. has been involved in citing over the Referral to the respective judicial last two years. officer must take place within 24 Citing is generally regarded as the hours of the match, and the actual result of an offence worthy of a red Each of the commissioners is required hearing may take place in a country card. Under the new system, citing to watch every Super 14 match on in which the incident did not occur. commissioners could also examine television, to ensure a standardised If a player is cited for an incident what would probably have been a view. The three commissioners will in Johannesburg, for example, the yellow-card offence and notify discuss incidents – the process is hearing may take place in Perth if the player’s team accordingly. This is referred to as ‘calibration’ – as soon that is his home city. 111 NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za Rasta shows the way for Academy graduates Fhatuwani Rasivhenga became the first referee to graduate from the Academy Squad to the Provincial Panel with the naming of the SARU referee panels for 2010. hatuwani Rasivhenge, or act as a nursery for up-and-coming ‘Rasta’ to his colleagues, has referees. It was, says Rasta, a great been a match official for four experience and certainly improved Fyears, but had an interesting his refereeing. ‘It’s a phase I believe introduction to the whiste. ‘It all every referee should go through, as started when I went to play rugby at you’re afforded opportunities that Wits after I left school. I ran on as a open doors for you.’ Rasta praised the Fhatuwani ‘Rasta’ Ravishenga is the first substitute for the U19s when we were administrative staff and the coaches, graduate from the Academy Squad to be placed on the Provincial Panel. playing Randfontein. As the game who he says ‘strive for perfection ended, one of my team mates told which helps each referee strive capabilities. I don’t think there the referee that he was an idiot and I for excellence’, and made special are substitutes for the experiences confronted him about what he’d said. mention of former Golden Lions refereeing offers.’ Through referring, I later went up to the referee while referee manager Gabriel Pappas, Rasta says, ‘You’ll learn more we were having some refreshments Theuns Naude, Tappe Henning, Andrè about yourself, serve a hobby that’s and he advised me to join the Golden Watson and academy coaches Eugene fruitful and worthwhile, build Lions Rugby Referees’ Society.’ Daniels, Phillip du Toit and Thuso relationships and become a champion Rasta signed up at the next society Mngqibisa. in many rights.’ meeting. The Johannesburg resident enjoys the And his future ambitions? ‘I want Rasta, who teaches at Jeppe High educational aspect that refereeing to be the best in the world and get School for Boys, was included in last offers. ‘Each game and moment give married five minutes before I blow the year’s Academy Squad. This squad different satisfactions, emotions and whistle for the kick-off of the Rugby was introduced three seasons ago to the opportunity to stretch my World Cup Final.’ A rose among the thorns

Boland referee Roslyn Fortuin was voted Boland’s Referee of the Year last season, beating out several men to the title. Having just returned from Hong Kong where she was refereeing at the Women’s Hong Kong Sevens, Roslyn spoke to In-touch to find out more about SA’s top- ranked female referee. oslyn Fortuin, the number- years, and in her third year was chosen one women’s referee in the for the Women’s Contenders Panel. country, recently took her She now heads up SARU’s Women’s talents overseas, following National Panel. R BRU in the footsteps of South African colleagues Jenny Bentel, Kim Smit and Originally from Paarl and now a Roslyn Fortuin was voted as Boland’s Referee of Eugenia Daniels, when she officiated teacher in Worcester, Roslyn refereed the Year last year at the Women’s Hong Kong Sevens, the at the Sub-union tournament in advanced as far as it has today. And top event on the IRB Sevens circuit. Vredenberg in 2008, and in 2009 she makes special mention of her ‘The assessors were happy with my she controlled the Women’s A League late father, Simon. ‘My father, while performance, and I’m proud to say final in Port Elizabeth. In the same not involved in rugby, was extremely that I refereed at the right standard. It year, she became the first woman to supportive, giving me advice and tips was really enjoyable,’ she says. referee a men’s Premier League match whenever I needed them.’ in Boland, and today she officiates Roslyn had spent four years playing men’s matches on a regular basis for A large part of refereeing is controlling the game when she decided to switch the Boland Rugby Union. the game environment, and that’s one to blowing the whistle. She was of the aspects Roslyn enjoys the most, approached by Ivan Pekeur, Boland’s Roslyn says that without the assistance along with ‘being introduced to new referee manager, who saw in her the of Pekeur and SA Referees’ coach people and cultures, giving back to potential to be a good referee. She Neville Heilbron, among others, the community, and being given the refereed in the Boland region for two her refereeing career wouldn’t have opportunity to referee big games’. 2 12 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’