with South African Referees March 2008 the impact of the ELVs really is,’ says Andre. ‘While it’s early days, the indication is that ‘Perhaps the most interesting fact to come the forwards are still very much part of the out of the review so far is that ball-in-play game as before. We need to let the Super time is up more than 10% compared 14 run its full course and then reflect as to to last season – this is good news, as it what worked and did not.’ creates more excitement and adds to the entertainment value of the game.’ Importantly, monitoring of the statistics is not confined to the Super 14 with Provincial, ‘Some commentators have expressed club and school competitions also under concern that the increase in free kicks scrutiny. Another element of the surveillance and quicker pace will lead to a change in is a project by the International Rugby Board the ethos of the game with no place for to complete an in-depth injury audit of about everal weeks into the Super 14 the ‘all shapes and sizes’ philosophy. But 20 clubs and schools which will include and the impact of the Experimental according to the stats there is no change in feedback from players, coaches and referees. SLaw Variations (ELVs) are beginning the number of scrums taking place.’ to show their face, yet it’s still too early ‘The ELVs are here to stay for 2008 whether to make a definitive decision on whether Stats show that lineouts are down – clearly we think they’re good or bad, and my they’re good or bad says SA Referees’ because of not being able to take the expectation is that the majority of them will Manager Andre Watson. ball back into the 22 and kick it directly make it through to the 2009 Law Book. We out – and penalties and free kicks are up may as well embrace them now and we’ll be ‘One must remember the ELVs were not because of an increase in free kicks as a better prepared when the changes go from dreamt up in a secret smoke-filled room by form of censure. experimental to reality,’ concludes Andre. unknown mysterious characters. They were trialled in the Stellenbosch hostel league Number of Scrums Penalties & Free Kicks and also in Australia and New Zealand ELVs: before being adopted in a shortened version 405 in the Super 14, with the full gamut being 351 336 THE FACTS 287 implemented in all South African rugby.’ Stats comparing rounds one Interestingly it would appear that teams and two of 2007 against 2008. 2007 2008 2007 2008 that approach the changes with intelligence and adapt their game plan to the new laws Tackles/Rucks/Maul Line Outs Ball in Play/Match 2268 are having the most on-field success; while 1977 35 min 3 sec those that have stuck to the ‘old way’ of 415 327 31 min 52 sec doing things are in trouble. ‘While perceptions are fine, one really needs 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 to look at the statistics to determine what We Looking Managers New lost ... at the in the thoughts ELVs spotlight on cards In this issue... 2 4 7 11 in-touch 1 >> by Andre Watson shoulders for the wrong result Chairman’s message – ‘Ref, jy het kak geblaas!’ And we’re off... Finally, on the matter of disclosure – and that’s he 2008 Super 14 and not to hide behind this, TVodacom Cup tournaments We lost... are well under way, club and but it’s a reality – there are schools are already playing restrictions in law concerning friendly matches and yet all the the employer/employee talk seems to revolve around relationship that prohibits the introduction of the Experimental Law Variations the ref had a SA Rugby from releasing (ELVs) but there’s more to our role than just that. extensive performance criteria. Our referees officiating at the highest level have a Just imagine if your weekly tough task ahead of them this year as they will be required to implement three sets of laws! Locally, we performance review was obviously have adopted the full scope of the ELVs published on the company while in the Super 14 we’re using about 80% of them. poor game! notice-board for all to see! The challenge comes when these same referees fly to Europe and have to blow the old laws, but we all know The modern game is fast they’re extremely competent and I’ve no doubt they will do us proud. I wish them all the best for the year. and furious, governed by a Some may ask why we adopted these changes before Wattie’s law book that runs into many other countries and there are sound reasons for that. pages. We go to every effort Firstly, a significant number of the ELVs will become wonderings in the selection process to law for the 2009 season – exactly which still remains ensure we have the right to be decided – but we will have a head start on other f there’s one topic that’s trotted out guys at the right level. They countries when it comes to their use. the rugby cupboard with unwavering personally take it seriously and Secondly, South Africa has been at the forefront of regularity; it’s the issue that ‘referees are do everything in their power their development – remember they were trialled a protected species’ and, in the age of to be the best they can. Sure, extensively at Stellenbosch last year – and it made I sense that we be among the first to embrace them and professionalism, not held accountable for the referee is a vital part of the see how they impact at all levels of the game. their on-field performances. game but he is not the only person affecting the outcome; Finally, by having implemented the ELVs across the board we can play a meaningful part in assisting the And, not to be disappointed, I see the there are thirty others on the IRB in deciding which ones should be adopted from beginning of the 2008 Super 14 season is field who, I believe, have an 2009. no different! circumstances, he is afforded the even greater influence on the final result. It is a privilege – and recognition of the leadership role opportunity to improve his performance. that SA rugby plays on the international stage – that I don’t want to – in this article – get into the This is NO difference from the procedures a Clearly we do not advocate a hands off the IRB gave us dispensation to play the full set of specifics of a referee’s performance or the modern-day team coach would employ to approach to the referee, but let’s be ELVs. So let’s see this as an opportunity and do our subsequent actions of players but focus remedy shortcomings in a player. measured and supportive in helping the best to give them the chance they deserve to improve the game we love. more on the process of referee assessment, match officials be the best they can. A screenshot from the fairplay analyst suite. performance monitoring and follow-up In fact, Stormers coach Alistair Coetzee Our recently launched recruitment drive is well under way and the media roll-out is now complete. It’s action. So if we’ve selected the right people to the At the same time theres a performance was quoted in the Cape Times saying that interesting to see the support both television and print panels and we’ve shown a willingness to reviewer (PR) at the stadium who prepares you can’t just dump a player after a couple media are giving the campaign and I’m really hoping In my previous column – December ’07 – move them around, how do we evaluate a report. This is a detailed review including of poor games. Why should a referee be that we will be able to swell our numbers so that every I outlined the exhaustive process that we go them? the ref’s management and technical dropped off the panel after one or two organised game of rugby in South Africa is officiated through to ensure that we do in fact end up competencies. Secondly the performance below-par performances? by a suitably qualified referee. with the very best match officials appointed I can assure every player, sports writer and is evaluated by a selector with the same Recently the Referees’ Executive adopted tele- to the National Panel. It does no-one justice fan that the process of evaluating a referee’s criteria and a recommendation made At the same time, no team coach publicises conferencing technology to function even better and meet more frequently without the need to fly if those referees are not the very best we performance is exhaustive and demands whether the official was up to the task his intimate discussions with players – be to a central location. This will ensure that we play a have. It’s not fair to them, the players or, absolute commitment from the individual, or not. Importantly, this report makes they positive or negative. What reason more interactive role in dealing with matters affecting perhaps more importantly, the paying first to make it to the top and then secondly recommendations on the referee’s suitability therefore, should referees have their detailed referees throughout the country and do it quicker public. And the IRB follows this same line of to stay there. It starts with mandatory fitness for future appointments.