GO WHISTLE D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 7 B u m p e r C h r ist m a s Issu e

A LA IN R OLLA N D IN TER V IEW

R ea d a b o u t A la n LEWIS a n d h is w o r ld c u p ex p er ien c e

C OM M ISSION ER WEST

GIV ES U S A N IN -C ITE

TOM TU OHY R EP OR TS ON THE SC HOOLS SEM IN A R

TM O STA Y OR GO ? A N D LOTS, LOTS M OR E

Alain Rolland World Cup Final Referee 2007 Go Whistle ISSUE 4 VOLUME 1

A S S O C I A T I O N O F R E F E R E E S L E I N S T E R B R A N C H DECEMBER 2007 E S T . 1 9 0 2

PRESIDENTS CORNER WITH NORMAN CAMIER

On the evening of the 15th of nars and working among our- the question “What attracts you November I had the privilege selves and sharing experiences to refereeing” the four top re- of attending the Past Presidents and most of all always learning sponses were: dinner held in the St. Stephen’s and enjoying. Green Hibernian Club. I have a. Involvement in Rugby If I take that1400 figure it can to say it was a very humbling be assumed that we are making b. Fitness experience as I looked down Inside this issue: an average of over a 100 ap- both sides of the table and I c. Social pointment per week for the Presidents Corner 2 thought to myself what a lot of season so far. The number of Career path. rugby experience here. There d. referees which number around were 19 Former Presidents of Now that we are in December I From the Editor 2 150 and you will always have the ARLB in attendance and I commitments to European Cup would like to wish you all a guess if you added up all the AIB Cup, AIL, Touch Judging peaceful, enjoyable time with Schools Seminar 3 hours they have given to rugby Referees away, Injuries, work your families, great Christmas between playing, refereeing, and success with the board commitment and home com- assessing, watching and in of- games. 4 mitment, we normally end up An Irishman's journey fice it would be between one with a working pool of 120 Norman Camier and two million hours. The average. This clearly shows the ARLB is very proud of what on 5 wonderful contribution you they have moulded and set in You will notice that the number 2007 referees make to Leinster train for us. of matches over Christmas pe- 7 rugby and your commitment is riod are very scarce. Starting I was delighted to report out exemplary. week commencing the 15th of that we have 26 new referees, December through to the first The ARLB has done trojan 8 1400 matches that we have week in January. The Comple- TMO Yay or Nay work in recruiting referees, made appointments for and tions Committee made this deci- now it is important to encour- completed 80 assessments at sion at the beginning of the year age them, provide appoint- New Recruits 9 that moment in time. I did also to reduce fixtures over the three ments, coach and support them stress the challenges we have week period and it is welcome as so that they can enjoy their ahead with the modern game it enables people to prepare for involvement in refereeing. I and the importance of commu- Christmas. Don’t stop the main- remember the questionnaire nication by this Newsletter, tenance of the fitness though!!!! we completed last year and to Website, Area meetings, Semi-

FROM THE EDITOR

GO WHISTLE would like to Alain Rolland refereed the think the knock on effect of with it. this will only make the ARLB extend their warmest con- World Cup Final. This is not This month we are obviously a better association. gratulations to Alain Rolland, only a great honour for Alain ‘bigging them up’ and rightly Alan Lewis and John West on himself, his family but also When we look at the amount so but we hope there is a fantastic for the ARLB. To have two of new recruits coming into something for everyone in 2007. I think you all will referees involved in the final the ARLB this year we can Go Whistles' Bumper Christ- agree that they all did us very was something special and only assume that these two mas Special. proud. unique to a refereeing asso- men have something to do ciation like the ARLB. I Happy Holidays. GO WHISTLE

SCHOOLS SEMINAR—OCTOBER 17th

Tom Tuohy reports on the "human" aspect of refereeing Action Points schools seminar that took at this level and called on all place on October 17th 2007. to be more patient with this ñ Code of conduct to be age group on law matters. He drawn up between ARLB and Attendance: 52 ARLB and went on to explain that he the Schools Committee re. 30 School Coaches represent- saw the referee as a quasi the increasing incidents of ing 18 Schools. coach on occasion for these "sledging" i.e. abuse directed games. at opposition players during When we started planning schools games. this event the suggested tem- Finally there followed an plate came from feed back at open forum on law applica- ñ Complete intolerance of the School's committee which tion. The attendees were bro- any racial abuse no matter suggested that we needed to ken up into 4 groups compris- how insignificant. re-look at the seminar for- ing a good mix of referees and ñ mat. Also the event should be coaches. The purpose of this Schools to enforce a code held at an earlier date in the was to primarily allow the of conduct for their support- season to facilitate the coach- school coaches to explore ers & parents around referee ing activities of the various some of the intricacies around abuse. schools. Likewise the schools law interpretation with our ñ Call from the coaches for wanted more input on the members on a one-to-one consistency in law application subject matter from their side basis. This was quite success- by the ARLB at all matches. Tom Tuohy reports and a degree of interactivity ful and there was good inter- on the schools between themselves and our action between the coaches members. and our esteemed panel of On a personal note I wish to seminar that took experts (Dudley Philips, Paul acknowledge the help and place on October I think we achieved these Haycock, John Carvill & Ken support of both Denis Collins main goals and objectives Henley-Willis). Thank you to and Anne McInerney for all 17th 2007. with the seminar on October the panel for their valued in- their efforts in getting out the 2007. put. "troops" as the meeting was well attended. A number of suggestions were Again we owe a great deal of forth coming from the schools thanks to the inimitable G.P. Here's to a successful cup around subject matter prior Maher for his chairing and campaign….. to the night and this allowed stewardship of the meeting. the organising committee to His timely wit and organisa- The Leinster Schools Sen- set the agenda for the meeting tional skills ensured the event ior and Junior Cup cam- was a most enjoyable and paigns start in November Following some opening re- effective occasion. 2007 with the Section ‘A’ marks from Norman Camier, Competitions—namely the proceedings got under way A final word of thanks was McMullen and Duff Cups. with Alan Rogan's presenta- expressed on behalf of the Please forward you mid tion which was excellent. His schools by Lorcan Balfe to week availability to Denis use of video footage com- the ARLB for organising this Collins bined with a power point seminar. presentation fully explained the intricacies of the tackle, As with any seminar a great ruck and maul discussion was had and more importantly some action Kevin Beggs then followed points came out of the meet- PAGE 3 with a brief presentation on ing. refereeing "up to JCT". Kevin concentrated on the GO WHISTLE

COMMISSIONER WEST X-CITING

The object of citing is years ago each team had the TV studio, there were up to straight forward. It is to right to cite directly a player of 20 cameras covering a game. eliminate foul play by the opposition. The obvious sanctioning a player who, weakness of this system was Teams had 11 hours after the in the opinion of the Cit- that it led to "tit for tat" cit- end of a match to review the ing Commissioner, de- ings, a clearly unsatisfactory tapes and to bring an incident serves to be sent off for his outcome. Independent Citing to the attention of the Citing actions on the field of Officers were introduced in Commissioner who was the play. This is the Red Card 2000, the year Italy made their sole person with the right to Test, and the system oper- first appearance in the Six Na- cite and who had up to 48 ates independently of the tions Tournament. hours in which to make his Match Official's view of decision. There is no doubt the incident. The Citing Commissioners that the professional game is appointed are of a different increasingly faster and more The discipline procedure nationality to the referee and physical. In my opinion the varies slightly between the to the two competing sides, joint actions of the Referees Six Nations and the and their selection is made in and Citing Commissioners E.R.C. In each case the some cases by the Unions and have made it both cleaner and player is summoned to in others by the I.R.B.. More a better spectacle. appear before either a Ju- recently Citing Officers have dicial Officer or a three been appointed by the E.R.C. My first citing appointment person committee who for all European Cup ties. Of was in 2000. Since then I have decide whether or not he course, the referee has very covered over 40 internationals is guilty of the offence and little time and only one view of in 14 or so countries, and in- the appropriate sanc- an incident before making his cluding two World Cups. It is tion. The player has the decision. both fascinating and stimulat- right to appeal the deci- ing with the bonus of seeing sion. The Citing Officer has the much top class rugby. In fact, DVD of the game and can ask it is almost, if not quite as When citing started at Six for other angles - in the World much fun as refereeing. Nations level about ten Cup which we watched from a

ARLB KIT SURVEY / WAYNE SHERIDAN

A big thank you to the 55 enough the importance of it. Match between Belvedere referees that responded to It is good to see that Wet and Wanderers. A reliable the recent gear survey. Tops, Base Layers and Micro source reports that Mush Over the coming two Fleeces proved popular and flagged a total of 5 times and months we hope to be able we will be looking into these. 3 yellow cards were given as to announce some changes a result. We applaud his love NOT MUSH ROOM FOR to our kit and some more for Touch Judging and keep- ANOTHER FLAG sponsorship details. ing his eye on the finer points Wayne ‘Mush’ Sheridan is a of play. There is no truth in If you have not responded big fan of the Guinness Book the rumour that he wished to to the gear survey sent on of Records, so much so that it patrol both sidelines at once. November 27th please do so seemed he wanted to be in it before this Thursday De- PAGE 4 during a recent AIB Cup cember 6th. I can’t stress GO WHISTLE

AN IRISHMANS JOURNEY TO THE FINAL…..

During the 1996-‘97 season, Coaching and monitoring the then President of the resources that characterise the He played a major role in the ARLB, Mervyn Johnson, took work of the Association. production of a DVD spe- the decision that the Pre- Alain refereed both Junior cially arranged for Leinster season Seminar would take and Senior School Finals and schools to clarify the role of place in Co. Carlow. the only thing missing from the referee in the school game his CV is a Towns Cup Final, and speaks regularly to begin- Both men confirm As ever, that Seminar would which may follow his appoint- ner referees, encouraging that the Training incorporate a daylong Module ment to referee the final of them to consider a fuller in- for what were then termed the World Cup! volvement in the work of the and Development "Foundation Referees". There The delight and satisfaction at Association. Programmes of the was a certain element of sur- Alain’s appointment to refe- He combines all this with prise when a recent Irish ree the World Cup final is family commitments, full ARLB are player with Provincial and two fold for the Association time employment no mean amongst the best in International experience ar- of Referees Leinster Branch feat. rived at the Seminar. where Alain commenced his the world. refereeing. In highlighting these achieve- That ex-player was Alain ments we must also mention Rolland. Firstly to all the referees who the excellent record of Alan officiate week in week out at Lewis in this World Cup. He the glamorous and not so too has always fully engaged glamorous fixtures, this in the Seminars, Laws Meet- shows that within a short ing and Coaching Sessions of space of time and with the the ARLB . right attitude and commit- ment they can make it to the He dutifully listened with all top. the other beginners, as each speaker went through the Secondly in the area of re- elementary outlines of the cruitment and training to have laws of the game. In keeping two Irish referees officiating with the man, he sat atten- at the highest level shows the tively for the day, watching high esteem the Governing and learning. bodies hold our training and coaching structures. Both men confirm that the At the outset, he was available Training and Development for all appointments and he This year, when recruitment Programmes of the ARLB are served his "apprenticeship" in is the number one priority amongst the best in the far off locations like Enniscor- within the Leinster Branch world. The ARLB can confi- thy, Dundalk, Tullamore, and the Association, his ap- dently suggest that it contains Portarlington among many pointment is a massive and within its ranks young men others. timely boost. Since joining who will continue the contri- the ARLB Alain has involved bution of Leinster Referees to From early on, he made him- himself fully in all the activi- the highest echelons of World self available for school games ties of the Association. In Rugby. and did his fair share of particular, he has been a ma- Wednesday and Saturday jor contributor to the Laws friendlies. The Leinster Asso- meetings, an important ele- ciation realised that a special ment in the training pro- talent had appeared and he grammes of the association. PAGE 5 was provided with all the GO WHISTLE

ALAN LEWIS on FRANCE 2007

Well what an experience that call it with friends and over a be refereed were discussed. At was. Being selected for the meal or a drink or two. Others the end of this everyone just RWC 07 was a wonderful hon- don’t share that view but the could not wait to get going. our and in many ways to be great thing about this world France losing the opening game part of what selectors believe is cup was that everyone was left set the tone and off we went. the best 12 referees in the to their own devices. The over- My first game was in be- world makes you pinch your- all objective for any elite per- tween Australia and Japan. self a little. former is to perform when Great weather, full house, car- asked. What one does in be- nival atmosphere what more

tween is irrelevant really as could you want. These mis- I was determined France 2007 long as what you do on the matches can be difficult to was going to be a real thrill for pitch is up to the required manage but thankfully apart me after the disappointment of level. That is where you are from some early scrum difficul- 2003. I suppose when I look judged. ties which could have been back on it now those four years handled better we were off and

of reshaping things made me a running. much better official at this We were all together for the

level. Going to France I felt I first four weeks and it was busy had a real chance of progressing between refereeing and doing England Samoa was a different to the knock out stages. I was other duties for others when it kettle of fish with both needing also determined to leave noth- was their turn. There was a victory to progress in any ing behind as it were. I trained real sense of team if you can meaningful sense. What a game really hard over the summer have such a thing in refereeing it was and it began the renais- and left for France in very good but the buzz with the touch sance of England in the tourna- “I came with shape. judges there was great. This ment. The match went very atmosphere was generated on a well and at this point I really ambition to go team building weekend in Tig- felt in the teeth of the tourna- as far as I There was a real sense of ex- nes, a ski resort in the French ment. Sometimes coming citement arriving in on Alps. Very little skiing and a lot down from a high can be a diffi- could” the 30th of August. I was going of drinking!!!! No better way cult thing but not when Owen to referee in a country I love, to bring a group of men to- Doyle is your boss. He cer- where I have many friends, and gether. However this was the tainly focuses the mind and his where the love and passion for ice breaker and there was no input into my ongoing progress Alan Lewis the game is unique. My first looking back. has been invaluable. I have told objective was to ensure that I him so and as a result it makes

enjoyed myself and I was deter- lunches much easier!!! How- mined that would be the case. I Meeting followed the following ever Georgia France was next need balance when I am away week where all aspects of the and England Samoa had to be like this. I enjoy down time as I tournament and how it would cleared from the mind.

That game was a tough affair in its own way with plenty of refereeing in it. My only disap- pointment was my identity crisis of a player I should have sent off. Sometimes you see things differently but once I saw the TV replay I knew my actions should have been differ- ent. Identifying the wrong player didn’t make me feel any better either. The overall per- PAGE 6 formance was very good again but that little blemish stuck in my throat a bit. Contd over... ISSUEG 4O V OWLHUISMTEL E1

ALAN LEWIS contd...

Selections for quarter finals is given the Saturday game be- man and justified all that has always a tricky business and cause we know how much he been good in Irish and Leinster when the 12 refs are brought loves to party and I was left to refereeing over the years. I into a room together to hear go to bed in preparation for know it thrilled so many peo- the announcements – it is a the Sunday!!! ple over here and justifiably strange and arkward place to so. It was a wonderful achieve- be. However from an Irish ment for Alain and all that is perspective is was great as two were fabulous and the good about Irish refereeing. names came out of the hat. game itself will live long in the We are on top of the world Both Alain and myself went off memory for me. I came with and rightly so. The challenge is to for what would ambition to go as far as I now to keep it that way. If you prove two very contrasting could. The overall aim was to think that Irish referees did 5 games. It didn’t affect the ex- participate in the knock out of the 7 available knock out citement of either and the city stages but of course I would games in the Heineken Cup itself was hopping after France have loved the final. However last season and 3 of the 7 in the had toppled the mighty AB’s what could have been better RWC, it’s not bad really. the night before. Alain was for Ireland. It went to an Irish-

SPONSORSHIP UPDATE—EDEN PARK /

Eden Park will be the official be emailed to members in the are the official store of the Off Field Clothing Supplier coming weeks. Leinster rugby team. They to the Association of Referees have agreed to provide a 10% Felipe Contemponi will be in Leinster Branch for 2008. discount on purchases to all the Powerscourt store on They will supply Blazers, members of the ARLB on Saturday December 8th and Jumpers, Shirts and Chinos at production of their member- members are invited to come greatly discounted prices to ship booklet. along and bring their kids to our members from their meet Felipe. They have a wide range of Powerscourt Store in . Canterbury, Adidias, Nike, The Association is delighted and Kooga rugby gear and with this sponsorship given THE LEINSTER RUGBY boots. Drop in and see for Eden Parks huge involvement STORE situated beside Bec- yourself. in rugby and their top quality tive Rangers in Donnybrook products. More details will

SEMINAR ON SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY

A Sports Psychology Seminar Teams were then asked to give describe them. These were was held on Novemeber 15th terms relating to Preparing for separated into Skills and At- in Old Belvedere RFC. A good a Game and What can go tributes. Kieran define them attendance was recorded. wrong in the game. Kieran all as both. He left the group Kieran Cosgrove, a leading then explained the term with a phrase that Ben Hogan sports psychologist, lead the ‘support’ to the group and used daily—’If it is to be it is session and introduced the illustrated this by using the up to me’ something that we attendees to BELIEF—belief ‘Power of 1%’. can all think about for our own in ones own capabilities and careers and refereeing. A Kieran asked the group to how far one can go. This was good, entertaining and infor- think about a icon or someone demonstrated in a group ses- mative evening was had by all. PAGE 7 they admire and give a word to sion.

GO WHISTLE

ALAIN ROLLAND INTERVIEW

Ireland might not have had good enough. Those structures leading up to kick off? been playing the Rugby World are still around today. It was an amazing feeling when Cup Final on that Saturday my name was announced and it night in Paris, but we did have was also very emotional. one representative on the field. At what point did referee- Leinster’s very own Alain Rol- ing a Rugby World Cup My nerves were fine in the lead land was selected to become Final stop being a dream up to it as I don’t get nervous only the fifth man ever to refe- and start becoming a goal? before matches, I get excited ree the Rugby World Cup Final about doing them and I was After the 2003 RWC in Aus- between England and South going to enjoy every moment tralia my goal was to ref the Africa. of it. next RWC final. I would have thought about it before that but I did not change my routine it became a realistic goal after that week, except for training Alain, firstly, a massive my Eng v Wales QF. one day less than normal, and I congratulations from eve- got a good sleep that afternoon ryone here in the ARLB. It so I knew by the time I arrived must have been a huge So how where the referees at the ground, I was ready. honour to take charge of for the 2007 Rugby World Cup selected, and how Final? were you selected from The big talking point of It was a tremendous honour the other referees to refe- the match was the TMO and one I will remember for- ree the final? decision for Cueto’s dive. ever more. What where you thinking “At 1720 my name There is a selection committee standing there waiting for that picks the refs. At RWC 07 was announced as the decision? there were 12 referees and 13 You had a very successful the one to do the touch judges. When the pool As I looked at the replays on playing career, playing for matches had finished, all the the big screen my initial final” Leinster and being capped TJ’s went home and that left thoughts were, it was very for Ireland three times. the 12 refs to do the knock out close. Alain Rolland How did an ex interna- matches. tional player involved in When I saw the reverse angle, refereeing? The selectors had told us that for the 2nd time, I said to Joel they would select the refs for Jutge it was touch and he It happened by chance as I was the knock out matches on agreed with me and that’s what asked to ref a junior match in form. Stuart came back with. Rock one Sunday when the ref did not show. I went down to At 1700 on Monday 8th Octo- the bottom pitch and I really ber all the referees had a meet- Regarded as the biggest enjoyed it. When Owen Doyle ing as the semi final referees game in , found out about it we met up were to be announced. Paddy what will you remember to discuss what would be re- O’Brien announced at the be- most about it? quired and as they say…the ginning of this meeting that rest is history they had decided to also an- There was so much to remem- nounce the refs for the 3rd v 4th ber about it.

playoff and the final. All the emails, text messages, Your rise up through the letters, phone calls of well refereeing ranks was wishes from when it was an- rapid, how did you pro- At 1720 my name was an- nounced and they are still com- gress so quickly? nounced as the one to do the ing through…and I was also final When I made the decision to surprised with the amount of take up refereeing, it was media attention it got. around the time Owen took up What were your emotions But the best thing about it was PAGE 8 his position within the IRFU. when you heard it was my wife Liz and my eldest son New structures were put in you, and how where the Mark and my mother were place where it allowed referees nerves during the week over for it – my 2 girls were a to progress faster if they were

GO WHISTLE

ALAIN ROLLAND INTERVIEW contd

bit young – and I took Mark future and not about the past the game. Most people who down to the pitch when for the take it up will not be refereeing

presentations. a RWC final, but its not and And finally, a word for all should not be the reason to get

those out there who are into it. Ireland need referees So what is next for the thinking of following in and the game cannot exist Irish referee who has refe- your footsteps and taking without them. It’s a great way reed it all? up the whistle… to stay involved in a game that I love and I would encourage Another 4 year cycle begins As a player I always said I anyone to give it a go. and I’m looking forward to would never be a ref and a lot reffing Mary’s v Clontarf this of players say the exact same Thanks to David Wilkinson weekend and then it’s back into thing. When I feel across it I USRFR for allowing us to re- Heineken Cup. Every weekend was so surprised as to how produce this interview. is taken up now until the end of good it was and what a great

January so it’s now about the way it is to stay involved with

MORE TMO OR NONE AT ALL

Our recent survey asked if the favourites home early. The said it would be a waste of TMO was over relied on dur- coincident in question was a money and technology if the “Ireland needs ing the World Cup and 60% of palpable forward pass from TV match official's roles were- referees and the you said yes. Then Paddy Damien Traille to Frdric n't increased. O’Brien pipes up (does he read Michalak which ended in a try game cannot exist Go Whistle?) for , the last He said: "It is all about accu- score in a match which France racy. In today's day and age, without them. “ won 20-18, fuelling much New with so much at stake, we have Alain Rolland Zealand rage. had the much-talked about forward pass in the France/ Earlier this year there were New Zealand game. suggestions that the TMO's area of adjudication would be "Those sorts of things we could increased. At present it is con- extend it to, if that is what the Paddy O'Brien, the IRB's man fined to scoring and incidents rugby world wants. We spend in charge of referees is in fa- of foul play in in-goal. In the a lot of money on technology. I vour of extending the scope of past the SANZAR countries think it would be great if we the television match official. In were allowed to use the TMO could use it to its utmost. fact he would not like the to help in identifying the guilty "Certainly, I think in the fu- status quo to remain. party when foul play occurred ture, we will see an extension anywhere on the field but that of the TMO. How far it is go- O'Brien said: "Let's hope we has been scrapped. That may ing to be will be up to the can take the TMO a bit further well return. council members." - either that or get rid of it and live by referee's decisions." The TMO may well be re- Before the World Cup O'Brien O'Brien, a New Zealander, is quired to be called on to assist apparently suggested an exten- only too aware of his country- in any action in a movement sion of the TMO's scope to the men's upset with a non- that ends in a try. In the quar- IRB's Rugby Committee who decision during the World Cup ter-final, the TMO may well did not want any such change. PAGE 9 which, they claim, "cost" them have been able to suggest that The rugby league experience the match against France in the the pass from Traille to Micha- may have discouraged them quarter-finals and sent the hot lak be investigated. O'Brien from extending the use of the GO WHISTLE

MORE TMO OR NONE AT ALL contd

TMO. In rugby league the issues of foul play." though he out." video referee has been used for could continue to tip the refe- more than a decade and more ree off and help in making deci- In speaking about the TMO on extensively than in union. Its sions. an IRB podcast, O'Brien scope can include, apart from praised 's deci- the actual scoring of a try, The NRL's chief operating offi- sion in ruling that knock-ons, off-side, foul play cer Graham Annesley said: had put a foot on the touch-line and obstruction but not the "The video referee has been in attempting to score a try in forward pass because of prob- one of the most important in- the corner. "It was an outstanding lems with camera angles. The novations of the modern era. call by Stuart Dickinson" scope was broadened for a He can play an active role in O'Brien said: "It was an out- Paddy O’Brien while in Australia's National supporting the on-field officials standing call by Stuart Dickin- Rugby League but has since but it has never been the inten- son. "We had the benefit when been reduced somewhat as the tion that he should be seen as we went back to the team hotel process became drawn-out and undermining the authority of by able to go frame by frame. tedious. the on-field referee. And he was proved to be abso- lutely correct. In rugby league the video refe- "Video referees will remain ree was entitled to act off his involved in the game but they "How he did that live is beyond own bat until referees were will not be used to overturn me. It was an outstanding piece instructed not to " reverse on decisions the referee has made of TMO work and full credit to field decisions on the basis of in general play, other than Stuart. replays unless these involve those areas we have clearly set

ARLB RECEPTION EVENING ONE FOR THE DIARY

What a year it has been and the cember Citywest Hotel season is only a few months Dress: Business Casual For directions on how to get to old. We have a number of refe- CityWest log on to http:// December 12th This invitation is for all refe- rees officiating in the Heineken www.citywesthotel.com/ and rees, assessors, members and 8pm Cup and Magners League, go to the location section or their partners. It is of course a David Keane is off on the Sev- use the splendid map below. good excuse to get your other All welcome (including ens circuit in December and Please advise us if you are ar- half on your good side and keep Rollers and Lewi did it in style riving by helicopter. partners) her happy. at the Rugby World Cup 2007. John West, still one of the great referees assessed the very best in France. In order to celebrate all our achievements as an Association and it being the season of good will to all (even assessors) a wine and cheese celebration has been organised by the Presi- dent Norman Camier.

Venue: City West Hotel PAGE 10 Time: 8pm Date: Wednesday 12th De- GO WHISTLE

NEW RECRUITS READY TO SHINE

What a few months it has been. cruitment of referees is an im- Marcus Lynch Dublin The recruitment group lead by portant issue so if you know Dale McAuley North East Wayne Sheridan, David Keane anyone thinking of taking up and President Norman Camier the whistle contact Wayne David Moreau Dublin have been working hard and Sheridan. Retaining referees is Niall Murphy North Midlands already 26 new recruits have equally as important so do your passed their trial and are al- best to welcome the new guys Barry Neary North Midlands ready out refereeing in Lein- and help them out. Martin Nunan Dublin ster. We of course welcome Welcome to the Association: Carol Tracey our second fe- Mark Power North East male referee to the association. Scott Broughton North East David Randall Dublin A recruits evening is due to be Richard Carson Dublin Chris Reynolds North Midlands held in the final week of No- John Crowley Dublin vember to introduce the re- Martin Savage South East cruits to the support staff and Paddy Curran Midlands Chris Tavender Dublin each other, kit them out and Ian Duffy Dublin Johan Taylor North Midlands give them a few words of en- couragement. A report will Tom Evans Dublin Jason Teehan North Midlands follow in February’s Go Whis- Eamonn Gibney North Midland Carol Tracey North Midlands tle. Eoin Halpin Dublin Tomas Tracey Dublin If you see the new recruits out and about please give them all Tom Keating Dublin Jean Claude Van Der Mescht the support you can. The re- Stephen Keating Dublin Dublin

RECRUITS RETENTION EVENING

Another first for the Association Games Administrator) process- exams. International referee of Referees Leinster Branch took ing team cards and transmitting Alan Lewis was in attendance place in the Burlington Hotel on match results. Jerome Counihan and he wished everyone the best the 28th November with the first trial and assessment matches. of luck in their refereeing career. Recruitment and Retention fo- Danny Wallace refereeing gear He gave an account of his Inter- rum. The purpose of the forum and ARLB newsletter. national career and he said had is to inform new referees of the taken the same enjoyment and Paul Haycock (Senior AIL Refe- day to day working of the ARLB satisfaction from a junior schools ree) on the Pitfalls and Delights and the people behind the match up to the World cup of a refereeing career. Paul scenes. The following people match. He said he had been one started his refereeing career at gave presentations of the lucky ones to attain the the age of 19 and attained pro- highest level. Alan presented Norman Camier (President motion to the A.I.L. panel in his ARLB ties to all the new refe- ARLB) selection and education. second year. His first A.I.L. rees. All the attendees expressed Brian Pender (Snr Vic Pres) ca- match was Ballinahinch with their thanks for the very infor- reer path and abuse of match Andy Ward Former Irish Inter- mative evening. officials. Alfie Acheson (Hon national V Ards Dave Secretary) The structure of the Tweed former Irish inter- ARLB. player discipline and national and as he said he ARLB child welfare document. was daunting task trying to Denis Collins (Branch Referees tell these players he was in Administrator) on match ap- charge. He took time off pointments and availability. from his exam studies to P Brendan Lynch (Hon. Treas- attend the forum and we urer) on travel expenses and are grateful to him for that international tickets. Dermot and wish him the best in O'Mahony, (Leinster Branch his upcoming accountancy GO WHISTLE

PHOTO GALLERY

Pictured at the recent Sports Psychology Meeting were Alfie Acheson Honorary Secretary ARLB, David Ross Provincial Game Domestic Officer Leinster Rugby, David Keane IRFU Development Office, Alain Rolland Super Ref, Kieran Cosgrove Sports Psychologist and Norman Camier President ARLB.

PAGE 12 Pictured at the recent Recruits Retention meeting were Back row L-R Denis Collins, Dermot O’Mahony, Brendan Lynch, Ian Duffy, John Crowley, Stephen Keating, Richard Carson, Richie English, Eoin Halpin, David Moreau, Alfie Acheson, Middle row L-R Mark Power, Eamon Gibney, Paddy Curran, Jerome Counihan, Norman Camier, Brian Pender, Barry Neary, Niall Murphy, Front Row L-R Tom Evans, Chris Reynolds, Paul Haycock, Jason Tehan, Marcus Lynch, Chris Tavender ARLB RECEPTION EVENING INVITE

PAGE 13 GO WHISTLE

REFEREE PROFILE—PAUL HAYCOCK

Name: Paul Haycock – That summer I was invited to start of December in Queens Hitchy the IRFU youth development University. From there I have conference held on the same moved up through the divi- Date of Birth: 24/10/1982 weekend as the AIL confer- sions and this season’s Club and School: Terenure ence. A great experience apart matches have been a mix of College from the 150’s!!! divisions 1 and 2. The following sea- Started refereeing: son I refereed a 2002 good mix of J1, J2 I have also touch-judged a I started refereeing and Under 20 and number of times in the after I heard about at the end was sur- Magners league and the Hei- a schoolboy course prised and obvi- neken Cup of the past four by David ously delighted to seasons all of which have Keane that meant missing be promoted to the AIL panel. been an experience. Includ- double maths class on a Tues- ing the time I got stuck for

day while in 6th year. Under words while reporting an the watchful eye of Fr Rich- At the start of the 2003/4 incident of foul play to Donal ard Byrne I refereed schools season I refereed my first sen- Courtney in Bourgoin v Bath. games for about a year before ior game – Ballinahinch and (Sorry again Donal!!) I also joining the branch in March Ards. The Hinch team in- was fortunate to be a touch of 2002 cluded Andy Ward and Ards judge at the 2004 under 21 included David Tweed – world cup in Glasgow. Apart My trial game was a J2 daunting to say the least!!!. I from the weather it was a friendly in Seapoint watched refereed my first AIL at the great experience. by Michael O’Donohoe.

PADDY POWER FOR BINGHAM CUP

Paddy Power bookmakers has working with the lads to en- fast becoming one of the larg- stepped up to the plate to be- sure that the 2008 Bingham est international amateur 15- come title sponsor of The will be biggest and most suc- a-side rugby tournaments in Bingham Cup, Dublin 2008. cessful yet. the world. The Tournament The bid to host the cup was Director and Organising won last year by Dublin team, The Bingham Cup is the sec- Committee are to be con- The Emerald Warriors against ond largest biennial amateur gratulated on bringing this competition from Paris and 15s rugby tournament in the tournament to Ireland and Cup Holders, Sydney. world. The 2006 cup which also on securing an interna- took place in New York was tional brand, Paddy Power, At an event in The Front the biggest yet. Thirty teams as the title sponsor for the Lounge in Dublin hosted by drawn from clubs around the tournament. Given the pro- Paddy Power and MC’d by world competed in the three fessional manner in which Barry Murphy of ‘Apres day tournament. The Dublin they have approached the Match’, Paddy Power ex- tournament is expected to Tournament to date, the pressed his delight with the exceed these figures with over event is sure to be a big suc- partnership: “It’s a real honour 600 participants already regis- cess." to associate ourselves with tered for the competition. what will be the biggest sports Chief Executive of the Irish The competition will take event to be held in Ireland next , Philip place at the DCU Sports year. It is also the biggest ever Browne said: "The IRFU are Complex, Dublin in June commercial sponsorship of an delighted to be associated with 12th – 15th 2008. Irish gay-focused event and we the Emerald Warriors in host- PAGE 14 are really looking forward to ing the Bingham Cup, which is A S S O C I A T I O N O F R E F E R E E S L E I N S T E R B R A N C H E S T . 1 9 0 2

55 Main Street Donnybrook Dublin 4 Ireland

Association of Referees Leinster Branch Proudly sponsored by Subaru, Ireland. Kukri - Official Kit suppliers to the ARLB. Eden Park – Official off Field Clothing Sponsor to the ARLB. Also Sponsored by Dubliner Irish Cheese and Dubliner Irish Cheese by Carbery Association of Referees Leinster Branch Online @ www.arlb.net

Many of the articles included in this publication are open for discussion on the ARLB Message Board available at ARLB.net

If you have any queries, articles or photos for inclusion in Go Whistle please contact one of the following: Alfie Acheson [email protected] Danny Wallace [email protected] Robert Doyle [email protected]