intouch with South African Referees Edition 2, 2010 www.sareferees.co.za alliancephoto.com

Ground-breaking referee camp a roaring success The Western Province Rugby Referees’ the whistle, attendees ate meals and Salmans, a National Panel and WP referee Society, in association with Western relaxed together, building a camaraderie who was an instructor during the camp. Province and the South African Rugby between the budding officials. ‘I said to the senior boys [Grades 11 and Union, recently hosted the first-ever 12] that I believe one if not two of them specialised referee camp specifically Ben Theron, WP’s Referee Manager, can actually break through and became targeted at schoolgoers in . was the man behind the course. ‘The top referees.’ feedback has been so positive,’ he said. n the June school holidays 140 scholars ‘Everybody enjoyed it and I think if you Nathan Barry, a member of the Iattended the first-ever scholar-specific speak to some of the kids they realised WPRRS and a matric learner at Florida referee camps to be held in South that refereeing isn’t that easy. Most of High School in Ravensmead, did the Africa. Hosted by the Western Province them said they are never going to criticise course. ‘It’s very nice to build up some Rugby Referees’ Society (WPRRS) at Jan referees again!’ experience,’ he said. ‘I’m into my second Kriel School in Kuilsrivier, Cape Town, year of refereeing so it’s great to work attendees spent three days and two nights Dan de Villiers, chairman of the WPRRS, with guys my own age and tell them what learning about what it takes to become a said, ‘In Western Province and all over I have learnt. It’s about participating and referee. The same course was held twice South Africa we need to do this, and passing on knowledge.’ over the space of a week to make the best we’re proud to be the pioneers. We’re very use of the facilities provided. privileged to have a guy like Ben Theron Ben Theron extends thanks to Joey Salmans, and his team to do this and we endorse it Jason Jaftha, JC Fortuin, Wimpie Allandale, Wendy On-field instruction, positioning, the wholeheartedly. It is very important de Kock, Francois Veldsman and everyone else who contributed to the camp, and to sponsors complete IRB Referees’ and Assistant all over South Africa to get youngsters Discovery, Wild Juices, Coca Cola, Spur, Willem Referees’ Level One course, and lectures to referee.’ Nel from Epping Market, Eco Wize for their by top match officials on what it means R10 000 donation, and André Watson from SARU. to be a referee today were all covered over ‘It’s a super initiative, driven by Ben, and A similar camp is being planned for the March school holidays next year. the three days. Apart from learning about it’s been great being involved,’ said Joey

The right Coaches Lions man for agrees intensify the job on Law recruitment applications campaign Craig Joubert Paddy’s Patch Paddy’s

In this issue... pg 4 pg 9 pg 10 SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER 1 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION www.sareferees.co.za What’s on my mind? By André Watson

National Panel referees trailer – the ball carrier must recently met with Currie be in the lead position and accessible to the opposition Cup coaches to workshop • Players leaving the maul must various aspects of how rejoin through the gate games are to be handled • A player on the wrong side of the for the second half of maul is not illegal if he is caught in that position or bound to the the domestic season. player with the ball These activities are important ways of opening Quick taps, line-outs and offsides communication channels • Defenders preventing the quick tap, not retiring 10m and between referees, players interfering must be penalised and coaches, and can • Preventing the quick line-out by be adapted to work at throwing the ball away must be provincial level between penalised • Players in front of the kicker who the referee society and advance must be penalised club coaches. • If the ball is kicked and it ensure we blow the Laws of appears as if it is going out of the the Game. Outcomes from the workshop included: field of play, attackers who were in front of the kicker may not In other developments, Tackles, rucks and mauls advance until the touch judge/AR coaches have been invited to submit a • The tackler has numerous has raised his flag to indicate the ranking of referees during the season. responsibilities and needs to ball is out These submissions will be taken into release the tackled player, roll • Defenders who deliberately account when match officials are away if he is off his feet and be change their running lines to appointed for the business end of the standing on both feet if he wants obstruct the chaser and protect a competition – the semis and final. to play the ball team mate who is attempting to • The same conditions apply to catch a ball must be penalised Also, coaches and referees are the arriving players: the first encouraged to improve their one on his feet has the right of Scrums communication before and after possession • The referee’s engagement calls games. However, we do caution that it • The call ‘ruck’ will only be made must be followed is not good practice to hold a post- once, and players must comply to • All players to push in a straight match evaluation immediately after the relevant Laws from that point line parallel to the touch lines; no the game in the change room, while • No collapsing of the maul will be angle pushing emotions are probably still high. allowed • Binding by all forwards as per the • At the formation of the maul the Law Book Referees are constantly in the news, ball carrier cannot be sealed off • Front-row players who all too often for the wrong reasons. from the opposition consistently do not bind on Each and every one of us who pick • Defenders and attackers not their opposite number must be up a whistle need to ensure that we bound to the maul – pillar – penalised carry out the job to the very best of must be behind the last person’s our ability, whether it be at Test level hindmost foot It’s interesting to note that there’s or for the local primary school. We • If a pod of players break off and nothing new in these pointers. We should always strive to be the best we continue to maul – truck and just need to stick to the basics and can be.

2 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION A Golden Lion CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

The successful hosting of one in Zimbabwe of the world’s largest sporting events has been a wonderful Referee development officer Michael boost for the global image of Cupido was invited to Zimbabwe South Africa – and also for the personal confidence of each recently on a fact-finding and and every one of us. On behalf observation tour. He says rugby is alive of all rugby referees, I extend our congratulations to all who and well in that country. were involved in making the Soccer World Cup a success. On a side note, though, I am glad that our Test referees do not experience the verbal abuse and on-field intimidation tactics that our soccer colleagues had to endure!

Once again, this newsletter highlights the many activities and achievements involving South African referees.

On the recruitment front, Western Province hosted two school referee camps during the extended midyear holidays. These were a resounding success, with 143 boys and girls attending. The have also been active and are planning their first Golf Day to raise funds for referee Getty/Gallo Images development. With these kinds of activities our numbers Rugby in Zimbabwe can only benefit from the assistance offered by their South will soon begin to rise. African counterparts. BokSmart continues to gain traction as more and more ‘Is there hunger for the game? Most definitely!’ This is the referees across the country become certified. We need to considered opinion of Michael Cupido, Golden Lions referee lead the charge in this initiative and encourage all those we development officer, who was invited to visit Zimbabwe in come across to get accredited – remember, from 2011 you June, in the name of referee education. will not be allowed to referee or coach without BokSmart accreditation. Michael said this hunger for rugby in Zimbabwe was most evident at the Cottcco Rugby Festival, hosted at Prince On a broader scale, we take our development role seriously Edward High School in . ‘This tournament has been and initiatives like Michael Cupido’s fact-finding mission sponsored for several years by Cottcco. Even when the to Zimbabwe are important to help raise the standard of economy was in a bad state, this tournament was and refereeing throughout the continent. still is played every year. One hundred and fifty-seven schools participated during the week, making it the The success of any organisation is totally dependent on the biggest school tournament in Africa and one of the people involved, and I am proud to be at the helm of an biggest in the southern hemisphere.’ association that includes the likes of Paul Dobson. This is a man who has given selflessly to referees spanning several Michael also attended the first Independent School Festival generations and who has been involved in helping develop in Bulawayo. ‘There are some competitive schools in the careers of many past and present whistlemen. Paul’s Zimbabwe that played the game at a high standard,’ award of Honorary Life Membership of the South African he said afterwards. ‘The schools that played the best Rugby Referees’ Association is a fitting tribute to the leadership role he has played over many decades. were those that attended the Easter rugby festivals in Gauteng, plus elsewhere.’ As we head to the end of the domestic season, I encourage all referees to continue to give of their best and serve Michael was asked by the Zimbabwean U20 side to host a the game. Thanks again for your efforts, from grassroots law discussion with them. He discussed the Big Four (see In- to Test level. touch, ed 1, 2010), passing on critical officiating knowledge that has recently been under the spotlight within refereeing Yours in refereeing structures across South Africa.

On the refereeing front, Michael believes there is a lot of raw talent in Zimbabwe, with three Zimbabwean officials set to participate in Confederation of African rugby matches in the near future.

3 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION www.sareferees.co.za The right man for the job Craig Joubert refereed his first Super 14 final when the and the clashed in May. For this National Panel referee, it was a stamp of approval on a career that’s been on the up since he was 14.

n 29 May, after a match filled with tension, big hits and immense pressure at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Craig Joubert walked off the field with Ohis head held high. It was a performance that confirmed he was the right man to blow the whistle for the last-ever Super 14 final.

Craig’s refereeing career began 17 years ago when, as a veteran U13 flyhalf, he took charge of an U14 E match at his then high school . It was a move inspired by his father, Des, a provincial referee. ‘He taught me that refereeing is mostly about man management and having respect for the players,’ Craig says. ‘It’s advice that was as valuable in the Super 14 final as it was at 8:30 on a Saturday morning at Maritzburg College.’

Craig has progressed through the ranks to become of the world’s 20 best referees, and one of the top four in South Africa. ‘It’s a huge honour,’ he said of officiating the Super 14 final - his 50th appearance as a referee in . ‘I’ve been an assistant referee in three Super 14 finals, so it’s a proud moment for me to be out in the middle.’

With over 50 appearances at Currie Cup level, the KwaZulu- Natal-based referee hasn’t officiated a game between Western Province (Stormers) and the (Bulls) at domestic level but did control last year’s Super 14 league match at a sold-out Loftus. He described that match and the atmosphere as one of his career highlights, along with refereeing a 2009 Six Nations match at Ireland’s famous 84 000-seater Croke Park in Dublin.

Craig began training this year on 1 January, and continued his work throughout the season. It’s this dedication to the game that has proven to be an asset as he has carved himself a niche in international refereeing circles. With colleague Jonathan Kaplan showing no signs of slowing down as he marches impressively through his 40s, Craig has many years left at the top.

In-touch congratulates Craig on his achievement. Gallo/Getty Images For all the game stats, go to www.sarefeees.co.za Craig Joubert’s handling of the Super 14 proved once again that South Africa is home to some of the world’s best referees.

44 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION The possibility of injuries like these is exactly why matches can’t proceed unless the minimum safety requirements are met. Gallo/Getty Images

Thumbs-up to ref who called off game A referee who abandoned a club rugby match before a ball had been kicked has been commended by South African president Oregan Hoskins for setting a positive example for the future of the game in South Africa.

hen Border referee out on their pleasure and enjoyment they meet the minimum Raymond Buys realised in the game,’ said Oregan Hoskins, necessary requirements for a that insufficient medical South African Rugby Union president, safe match environment. Wequipment and personnel ‘but if minimum medical support Visiting teams, management and had been supplied for a club rugby standards can’t be met for managing referees should stand their ground if match between Dowu Village and Old a potential catastrophic injury, then these minimum requirements are not Collegians in May, he called it off. so be it.’ met.’ And Old Collegians, who had driven more than two hours to fulfil the Dr Wayne Viljoen, manager of SARU’s ‘The pressures on referees in fixture, backed his decision. BokSmart rugby safety programme, these circumstances are enormous,’ also supported Buys’s decision. ‘It’s Hoskins said, ‘but we commend ‘No one wants to see rugby matches important all clubs, schools and Mr Buys for his strong action and being called off and players missing teams involved in rugby ensure that the example he has set.’

5 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION www.sareferees.co.za the South African Rugby Union. It is responsible for formulating all Changes at SARRA policies affecting rugby refereeing in the country. There have been two changes to he reffed various SA Cup matches. He was the South African Rugby Referees’ appointed as a provincial ref after 1992 and The executive is elected for a Association (SARRA) executive, with continued in this capacity through to 1995. four-year term – normally directly the appointment of Eastern Province’s after the – and Mninimzi Plaatjie as vice chairperson Both Keith and Mninimzi view the comprises five members: the chair, the deputy chair, the vice and Boland’s Keith Hendricks as the professionalism of refereeing as one of the chair, the additional member and additional member. most urgent challenges.They agree that the national referees’ manager. wrong decisions at crucial moments can Recent changes to the constitution ninimzi have huge impacts on individual players, allow for the chairperson to serve Plaatjie teams and sponsorships. And, crucially, multiple four-year terms. these decisions may not only cost a player Mstarted The annual general meeting is refereeing in 1979 his career but often come with substantial held on the Friday before the and on unification financial implications. Currie Cup final each year and continued to officiate is attended by all provincial at first-league level SARRA executives are planning to visit and chairpersons, the SARRA executive and referee manager. until he retired in meet with each provincial society in the 2001. In 1996 he months ahead to find out the issues and One of SARRA’s main was appointed to the SA B Panel, where concerns affecting them. Please make responsibilities is the appointment he blew in President Cup games and was time to meet with them when they are to and management of panel privileged to spend 21 days in the UK on an in your region. referees. And parallel with this is the need to ensure that exchange programme appointments reflect the playing in 1999. What is SARRA? demographics of the game. Keith Hendricks SARRA’s mission is to provide has an equally SARRA is the overarching fraternity of referees the best rugby refereeing service in South Africa, representing all 14 provincial in the world through excellence, distinguished career. referee societies, and is an associate member of honesty and accountability. Prior to unification

6 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION Stuart and Jason to do their part for the Games

wo of South Africa’s up-and-coming referees, and Jason Jaftha, have been invited to participate in the XIX TCommonwealth Games in India. Stuart and Jason will be involved in the Sevens Rugby competition at the Games, which take place in New Delhi, India, on 11 and 12 October this year.

Stuart has been included in the panel for referees, while Jason has been selected as an Assistant Referee. André Watson, manager of referees at SARU, was very pleased with these appointments. ‘We rate both Stuart and Jason very highly – they are without doubt two of the best young referees in South Africa and are on our National Panel,’ he said.

‘Stuart and Jason have also been involved in this season’s

IRB Sevens World Series, where they gained valuable Getty/Gallo Images experience. Some of our best referees, like Craig Joubert Jason Jaftha (pictured) and Stuart Berry will be heading to India to officiate and , cut their teeth in Sevens Rugby.’ at the Commonwealth Games. BokSmart soars through the 10 000 mark BokSmart, the South African trained its 10 000th person. * For all the information you Rugby Union’s flagship rugby ‘A year ago no rugby coach or need about the new regulations safety programme, has reached referee had been formally trained for 2011 and BokSmart, go to in the safe application of the Laws the 10 000 mark since being and of training techniques, injury www.sarugby.co.za/boksmart launched at the 2009 Craven prevention and injury-management Week in East London. strategies, so to have come so far so fast is a major achievement,’ said okSmart, the national rugby Oregan Hoskins, president SARU. safety programme launched Bin June 2009, prioritises The milestone places BokSmart on keeping players safe through the track to realise its ambitious target correct application of basic rugby of certifying a minimum of 20 000 techniques, providing match officials coaches and referees by end of and coaches with the know-how November. It’s especially important to react to potentially career- Keeping players safe with major new rugby safety ‘These new regulations are planned ending situations, and supplying regulations set to come into force to ensure the safety of all rugby the necessary medical resources at all levels of the game in 2011. players at all levels of play within to ensure that if a player does South Africa. The primary focus is suffer a catastrophic injury, their ‘We’re immensely proud of our not to soften the game of rugby, wellbeing is of the utmost concern. BokSmart project and the new but to eliminate unnecessary and regulations to promote safer rugby avoidable serious or catastrophic It is with this mandate in mind – some of which have already head, neck and spine injuries.’ - Dr that the Absa-sponsored, SARU- been implemented,’ says Hoskins. Wayne Viljoen, SARU’s BokSmart driven programme has criss- ‘Next year no coach or referee project manager. crossed the country, educating will be able to operate in rugby referees and coaches, and unless they have been certified at the end of June BokSmart by the BokSmart programme.’ 7 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION www.sareferees.co.za Phillip Bosch – keeping it in balance A former National Panel referee and now a member of SARU’s Specialised Assistant Referee Panel, Phillip Bosch has been involved in the rugby scene for two decades. We caught up with him to find out about his rugby journey.

hillip Bosch’s rugby career began at the beginning of the 1990s in Port Elizabeth, Pwhere he played at flyhalf for St Marks Rugby Football Club and Eastern Province under the old SARU banner. Colleague and captain at that time was one Allister Coetzee, now the Vodacom Stormers head coach.

After 1992, when SARU and SARB merged into the then SARFU, Phillip continued his career playing at flyhalf, fullback and inside centre for PE Harlequins – a strong side if his alliancephoto.com colleagues there were anything go to by. ‘I played with the likes of Allister, Ricardo Laubscher, Deon Kayser [both ‘The best thing former Springboks], Christie Nobel Phillip in action during last year’s Absa Currie Cup about being a and many others,’ Philip recalls. referee is making Philip joined the Eastern Province Rugby Referees’ Society in 2000. decision making. Lastly, you must new friends, ‘Becoming a teacher introduced me to mentally be very strong.’ refereeing.’ he explains. ‘As a young learning new things teacher entering the profession, I had Helping with these checks and about the game to referee all the age-group games.’ balances is Philip’s family: his wife Marvine and sons Praveen (10) and and seeing the Now, having refereed at all levels of Berwyn (7). He also cites the support the game, from club to Super rugby of his friends and school staff, world if you are level, Philip feels he has a handle especially the school principal. fortunate enough.’ on what makes a good whistleman. ‘You must have a feel, or sense of It’s a lot to juggle and it’s taught anticipation, for the game. Players Philip excellent decision-making If you are interested in becoming must respect you but you must be skills. Ask him what he’d grab if his a referee, you can email referee@ friendly and be willing to learn about house was burning down, he says, sarugby.co.za, sms ‘referee’ to the game all the time. You must work ‘My wallet. It can become quite a 082 328 4878 or log onto the extremely hard on your fitness and story to cancel and replace all those www.sareferees.co.za and scroll always try to be accurate in your cards at one time!’ down for the online recruitment form.

8 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION Coaches agree on Law applications

The International Rugby Board recently hosted the world’s top coaches for a meeting to discuss the application of

Law in key areas of Getty/Gallo Images

the game. was among those present to discuss the application of the Laws, ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in .

ondon was the venue as the and scrum feeds; world’s top rugby coaches • The referee to slow down the Who attended? and the International engagement sequence; and LRugby Board (IRB) met • consistency in the application Coaches: Santiago Phelan in the middle of May to discuss of the tackle Law. (Argentina), David Nucifora all aspects of refereeing practice (Australia), Martin Johnson and global playing trends, and to IRB referee manager Paddy (England), Marc Lièvremont address the most pressing concerns O’Brien said, ‘The meeting and Didier Retiere (), about the way the Laws of the game was extremely constructive and (Ireland), Nick are applied at international level. productive, the first of its kind Mallett (Italy), between the IRB and the world’s (New Zealand), It was established that there is a top coaches. Everyone found it very (Scotland), Peter de Villiers need for consistency in ensuring beneficial and it was encouraging (South Africa) and Warren strict application of the Laws in to see universal support for strict Gatland (). key areas: application of the Laws in these five key areas of the Game. All parties Representing the IRB: Bill • strict refereeing of offside at have bought into this process and Beaumont (IRB vice-chairman), the breakdown; this meeting will become a regular Mike Miller (IRB CEO/secretary- • strict refereeing of offside from fixture ahead of the June and general), Mark Egan (IRB head of kicks; November Tests.’ development and performance), • strict refereeing of illegal maul Paddy O’Brien (IRB referee formation causing obstruction; The coaches’ meeting is in addition manager), Graham Mourie (IRB • strict refereeing of the clear to three annual meetings between council member), and Corris and obvious at the scrum, the world’s top referees and Thomas and Rhys Jones (game including front-row binding national referee managers. analysts).

9 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION www.sareferees.co.za Another record for Kaplan

eferee Jonathan Kaplan recently milestone will take him clear of Welsh added another record to his growing referee (16 Tests – New Rcollection after refereeing the second Zealand) and (16 Tests – Test between New Zealand and Wales in Australia). Hamilton in June. His 17 Tests as a referee when the All Blacks have played is the most ‘Being involved in any is special. Getty/Gallo Images. by any official with any team in the history of I wouldn’t want to put one over any other Test rugby. although this will mean something on a personal level,’ said the -born referee. Already the world’s most capped Test referee In-touch congratulates Jonathan on another with over 50 appearances, Jonathan’s great achievement. It’s not about the money as Lions intensify recruitment campaign The Golden Lions Rugby fledged members of the Society. Referees’ Society recently The Society have committed themselves to ensuring that all new intensified their recruitment referees are retained in the system, drive for new referees. This with one of the events geared towards has been done to help address this ideal being the Society Golf Day. Specifically planned to boost the shortage of referees in the referee development in the region, province. Theuns said he hoped the Golf Day participants would include persons ‘During our first meeting we discussed of high profile from the rugby world. the importance of referees to the Theuns says, ‘It’s only in the planning game, and that being a referee isn’t stage but several ex-players have about the money but rather having already indicated their willingness to an appreciation and love of rugby,’ participate. We are looking at early says Theuns Naude, Golden Lions September as an event date.’ Referee Manager. The Lions are seeking referees to emulate the likes of Pro Legote, a National Panel referee. Apart from aiming to boost numbers, He was speaking of a new-recruits- the Society have been busy on downwards. ‘The purpose was to only meeting held by the Golden another important front. Coaches at strengthen the Society as well as Lions Rugby Referees Society in club rugby level recently attended the clubs. It will make a significant on 25 May. Thirty and completed an Assistant Referee difference to our numbers and we new referee recruits attended the course. Those who completed the are already planning a second meeting, and afterwards completed course can now utilise their new- course as the demand from clubs a registration form to become fully found skills from 2nd team level increases,’ said Thuens.

he International Rugby South Africans on IRB panels Board has named its panels for international matches: International Panel of Referees TReferees, Assistant Referees Marius Jonker and Television Match Officials. Craig Joubert Jonathan Kaplan Of the International Panel of Mark Lawrence Referees, 21% are South African. Eastern Province’s Christie du Preez International Panel of Assistant is a new face on the International Referees Panel of Assistant Referees. Christie du Preez Cobus Wessels Congratulations to Christie, and to his fellow South African officials International Panel of Television Match who all retained their places on Officials

IRB panels selected their respective panels for the Johann Meuwesen Eastern Province’s Christie du Preez is the coming season. Shaun Veldsman latest South African official to make the step up to international level. 10 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION News from around Tap ’n Go the country

Marshall Jansen passes away Kat Swanepoel Marshall Jansen, a Marshall became an assessor and committed referee television match official, including from South Western acting as an assessor in the World becomes IRB Districts, passed U21 Championship in Sydney in away in June at the age of 56 at his 2003. At the time of his death from Educator home in . a heart attack, Marshall was the vice-chairman of the South Western A teacher by profession, Marshall, Districts Referees’ Society, where which was his second name – his younger officials benefited from his first name was Uzendt – played club vast experience. rugby in Mossel Bay. But it was with the whistle that he made his mark. Marshall is survived by his wife Marion He officiated in the former SA Cup and his two children, son Mario and competition before reunification in the daughter Marcheline. In-touch extends early 90s, even taking charge of several its condolences to Marshall’s family, matches in South West Africa (now friends and the South Western ) while there on teaching duty. Districts refereeing community. He After he retired from active refereeing, will be sorely missed. Stefan Geldenhuys named top official at U13 Craven Week tefan Geldenhuys of the Rugby Referees’ Society was named the top Sofficial at the U13 Craven Week in Graaff-Reinet in June. riquas referee manager The Laerskool Brits teacher refereed Kat Swanepoel attended the final match at the Week between the IRB Educators the Blue Bulls and Western Province course that was at the Botanics on 18 June. This G presented in Kimberley towards year saw the introduction of referees the end of April. Kat passed the who were also primary school 20-hour course, and is now a teachers - not a requirement in fully accredited IRB Educator. previous years - and the move has been met with great approval from The role of an educator is to parents and officials. enable the development and enhancement of skills that will The top four referees elected by their The were also support their role in delivering fellow whistlemen and coaches at the presented with the Craven Week IRB courses, working one-on-one Week were: Spirit Award by the referees. The East with individual unions. London-based outfit’s discipline and 1. Stefan Geldenhuys (Leopards) cooperation earned them the accolade. In-touch congratulates Kat on his 2. Pieter Janse van Vuuren (Free State) Congrats to the Bulldogs, Stefan and achievement. 3. Hentie Nel (Leopards) his fellow referees for a great U13 4. Sakkie Meyer (Free State) Craven Week.

111 NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION www.sareferees.co.za Paul Dobson honoured Paul Dobson was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the South African Rugby Referees’ Association at a black-tie dinner hosted by the Western Province Rugby Referees’ Society in

alliancephoto.com June. It was deserved Paul Dobson (centre) was recently awarded Honorary Life Membership of SARRA for his contribution recognition for a true to refereeing. He’s flanked by Steve Meintjes (left), chairperson of SARRA, and André Watson, SARU’s manager of referees. refereeing great.

aul Dobson has been in love Freek Burger, Dr Louis Wessels and ‘He was instrumental, in the early with rugby ever since he went the late Prof ‘Tienkie’ Heyns. ‘90s when the sport was in the to Cape Town’s Newlands process of unification, in bringing PStadium for the first time ‘Paul was awarded this honour in together rugby organisations from in 1945 as a 10 year old. A decade recognition of his service to rugby disparate pasts into one cohesive later he refereed his first game as a refereeing,’ said Meintjes. ‘Not only group. In fact, Western Province student in , and he did he serve on the field, he’s used Referees, under his leadership, were would eventually handle more than his calm and purposeful manner to the first in South Africa to achieve 40 first-class games, a significant cultivate harmony and unity among unity across racial groups.’ number in those days. referees from all walks of life. He’s played a significant role in developing A school teacher by profession, Paul ‘Today, rugby at top level is highly the careers of many aspirant referees, is one of the most respected rugby professional and players and some of whom have gone on to writers in the country, providing a administrators are well compensated achieve at the highest level, André constant stream of insightful content for their contributions. In Paul’s era Watson and Jonathan Kaplan for rugby365.com and managing the this wasn’t the case. Those involved among them. content for the www.sareferees.co.za did it for the love of the game,’ website. He’s also written several said Steve Meintjes, chairperson of books, including biographies of the South African Rugby Referees’ ‘Paul was a huge influence Nick Mallet and André Watson, Association (SARRA). ‘Paul Dobson on my own career and plus an investigation of the special is a shining example of someone who he deserves as much rivalry between the Springboks and contributed tirelessly and with the of the accolades for my the All Blacks. good of the game at heart.’ achievements as I do. Thank Also the Honorary Life President of There have been only four previous you, Paul; you were like my the Western Province Rugby Referees’ recipients of the Honorary Life rugby father.’ André Watson Society (WPRRS), Paul served as its Membership: the late Steve Strijdom, chairman from 1978 to 1992.

2 12 www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION