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, 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, 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. Keep in mind that performance review laid bare for public – without having to wait for a couple of months before thinking; the fact that we have five members tests and law examinations. If an individual there is also a referee coach who provides scrutiny? convening a meeting. on IRB duty means we must be doing doesn’t make the grade on these criteria, he additional feedback! On the operational side, the year has commenced at a something right. So as a starting point let’s does not make it on to a panel – finish and True, there have been instances where a frenetic pace with the national and all regional courses already having taken place. We are extremely fortunate agree that we have the correct people on klaar, no exceptions. Armed with all this knowledge, a report is wrong decision made in the heat of the to have a highly dedicated team that freely give of their the panels. prepared and presented personally and moment – or because the referee happened time to travel throughout the country, spending days Next comes on-field performance reviews in writing to the referee within 48hours of to be unsighted – has swung the result of and weekends away from home, conducting these As you can see from the changes to the and, here, there’s no place to hide. SA the game. Positive points are praised and a game, having significant repercussions courses. On behalf of all who attended; our sincerest various panels – read the story on page Rugby makes use of the world-class shortcomings are explained together with for the losing team. But, and I stand to be appreciation goes to Andre Watson, Neville Heilbron, Tappe Henning, Theuns Naude and Dana Eitzen, and eight – getting on, is different from staying Fairplay Rugby Analyst suite which uses proposals for remedial action. The PR’s corrected, I believe that individual players also to all the regional coordinators for their hard work on! It’s only natural that there is movement actual game footage to log every incident report goes on the referee’s record and then making wrong choices, passing wildly or in making these courses successful. on the panels, and it doesn’t mean that relating to the performance or actions of becomes part of the data evaluated when knocking-on have lost more games than Lastly, I wish you all a fantastic season and remember; those moving down are bad referees. Aside the referee. In addition, events flowing from making future appointments. referees’ bad decisions. And when you try to recruit just one new member for your society this from pure on-field performance there are every decision – a missed forward pass consider that a referee typically makes year – it will make a positive difference to the game. other criteria that lead to changes – for which results in a try for example – are also Depending on the severity of the approximately 200 decisions in a game, to example some referees become tired with logged and recorded. Every action of the shortcomings, the referee is removed get even a couple wrong is not out of the Regards the onerous demands of international travel referee is scrutinised for its impact on the from the panel and assigned games at realm of reasonable thinking. Yet, we crucify and prefer to officiate closer to home. game. a lower level where, under less stressful the ref and lay sole responsibility on his

2 in-touch in-touch 3 Looking at the ELVs at the start of the award a penalty and even a yellow card for repeated infringements.

‘I also believe that the quick throw-in, which does not have to be straight unless the lineout is formed, will also encourage quick, counter-attacking rugby. And there will be a lot more kicks downfield now that a direct by Dale Granger kick into touch from a pass into the 22 S14 brings the lineout directly in line from where BEFORE the Super 14 kicked off the ball was kicked. I anticipate that we will see more ball in play and less stoppages and now well into the tournament, now that infringements at the breakdown, the biggest debate has been except for offsides, is a free kick. So there over the new laws, or ELVs, will be a lot more quick taps taken.’ with coaches, players, referees, Jonathan Kaplan: ‘I am positive about the fans and the media all eager to new laws and looking forward with an open comment on the changes. mind, but on initial inspection I think the Gallo Ima g es jury’s still out to some degree. Some are ELVs have upped the pace of the game and fitness has become vital very good and others may need refinement to stand the test of time. I think what could efore a ball was kicked with zeal, become contentious is the offsides (through this is what two of South Africa’s the tackler), as once a player makes a break leading referees and two coaches Bhad to say about the new laws, how they would change the landscape of rugby and where the potential pitfalls might surface. The next edition of In-Touch will carry their thoughts once the Super 14 is over.

Andre Watson: ‘The offside line is now Gallo Ima g es through the tackler and spreads across the Referees’ fitness levels will be challenged as much as the players under ELVs field and that is going to change the game quick as possible to have virtually a opportunity to score if the ball can be won dramatically. This puts a high premium on guaranteed chance of scoring a try, or be back quickly and spun wide,’ he said. flyhalves, centres or wings and Australian- awarded a penalty try if any of the offside ‘These changes were trialled for three years type backs running innovative lines who can players make a tackle.’ in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia make line-breaks – a player like (former WP and should make it easier for spectators to prince of wings) Carel du Plessis, who can Andre has welcomed the law changes as understand. step and swerve and accelerate into space positive, predicting that the game would becomes a key weapon in any side’s become faster, more exciting and reward ‘What the new laws will do is create more arsenal. enterprising players equipped with skill and turnovers. They go a long way to removing guile to beat first-line defences. grey areas at the breakdown, which ‘If the player makes a line-break and is became such a bone of contention in recent tackled by the fullback five metres from the ‘The game was becoming a bit tame, lame years as refs were accused by the media line, the defending team’s retreating players and monotonous from a line-break scenario and players of being pedantic and thus are all offsides and cannot be put onside at the tackle where the big forwards tended became reluctant to enforce the laws. But until they are back behind the tackler. The to arrive and then slow it down by now they will be more willing to blow imaginary offside line spreads across the hammering at the gain-line six, seven or infringes at the breakdown as a free kick, Gallo Ima g es Mark Lawrence did an Omega-Alpha act having blown field and it is now in the best interests of the Gallo Ima g es eight times with nothing much happening. instead of a penalty, will be the punishment the final whistle in the and the opening game attacking team to spread the ball wide as There are now offside lines at the tackle Now the line break offers a fantastic for infringements. The ref can, however, still of the S14.

4 in-touch in-touch 5 it might be very difficult for defenders to comply with the law by retreating onsides to come into play. Managers ‘You could have a situation where an attacking player deliberately throws the ball in the into an offside player, and then the ref will decide whether to call penalty and yellow spotlightby Ebrahim Moerat card, just penalty or play on if the players hostel-master along with another lecturer His responsibilities include dealing with did not attempt to play the ball or get in the lured him into attending a function under the referee development and training in WP, way. In many instances, if deliberate, a pretence that they could get intoxicated for managing all games at Newlands rugby penalty or yellow card, as opposed to a free only R2. He soon discovered that he’d been stadium and he also runs the referee kick, is still catered for at the referee’s attending a Referee Society meeting and clubhouse. Ben also coaches and mentors discretion, the context being: Is the sanction the R2 had in fact been his admission fee as promising referees such as Joey Salmans, of free kick adequate for referees to apply a a new member! Roderick Barry and Marc Van Zyl. necessary standard in terms of punitive sanction? As Secretary of the Society, Gabriel has One of Ben’s highlights was to have reffed been fortunate to serve under great Maties against Paris University, a game ‘We don’t live in a perfect world and it’s our chairmen such as Giel Prinsloo, Sampie which included six French international job to apply the laws. I don’t see any Pienaar, Steve Meintjes and Lions CEO players. Ben is passionate about current problem with the scrums, kicks out of the Johan Prinsloo. These men have had a development programmes in Langa and he 22 or the quick throw in. They all seem profound impact on his career through their believes that the standard of refereeing is okay. But the offsides running through the visionary leadership during an important very good with refs like Jonathan Kaplan, tackler across the length of the field could Abe Steenberg – SWD phase within the Union as well as South Marius Jonker and testimony create some problems and I just hope we After playing and coaching club rugby for African Rugby. Among the many milestones to the level of refs being produced. can be consistent throughout the Gallo Ima g es Evergreens in George, Abe soon began to in his career, Gabriel marks his life-long tournament in terms of infringements at the Quick taps have become more frequent and players need to retire 10m at all times develop an interest in refereeing. He has membership awarded to him by the GLRRS He also predicts that the ELVs will be a breakdown. Rassie Erasmus (Stormers coach): ‘I like the Dick Muir ( coach): ‘Lineouts will be had many inspirational figures throughout as the pinnacle while also highlighting his great marketing tool for the game as it will new ELVs and the game should become vastly reduced and the number of scrums his refereeing career among them the role as referee-liaison during the 1995 result in more running rugby which in turn ‘But there is too much speculation and faster with lineouts likely to decrease as will probably increase, especially when late Carl Spannenberg as well as Harry , 1996 Student RWC and will put bums on seats. His advice to new before we have a firm opinion, let’s move players are forced to kick the ball upfield as teams want to slow the game down by Abrahams, Freek Burger and Neville 2002 IRB U21 RWC. referees is to enjoy it, because if you do, the forward with an open mind. The game will opposed to touch when the ball is passed opting for scrums instead of free kicks. And Heilbron, while his wife Rochelle has given players and fans will too! become faster, but teams still have the into the 22. if you’ve got a dominant pack, you would him unconditional support. His experience Gabriel is concerned about the rate discretion to choose scrums which will slow want to scrum anyway. ranges from having reffed in 10 club rugby of development and feels the Game’s it down to the pace they want.’ ‘I am certain that there will also be a greater finals as well as the U19 World Cup in Italy leadership should devise a career-path to emphasis on fitness as a result. But the ‘Fitness is going to be massive with these in 1996. help referees through the ranks quicker, breakdown could become an issue, with new laws and it’s a case of whoever adapts but also to retain them at lower levels once players holding on or not releasing for four, quickest will reap the rewards. Overall I am His current responsibilities include they have been at the top. These days five or six seconds as the sanction is now very pro the new laws. My disappointment recruitment, development and training of Gabriel oversees the day-to-day running only a free kick as opposed to a penalty. I is in the new scrum law is it negates some black as well as women referees in the of all refereeing matters at the Golden think it will take three or four games for teams of the Sharks play and our ability to score Southern Cape region. Abe is a passionate Lions while also managing all to get used to the ELVs and by the time we tries by generating power momentum close rugby man and believes the South African matches at . get to April we might see a completely to the try-line. referees are the best in the world. different kind of game. I have no fundamental problem with the ELVs. It’s nice that you can ‘No matter what sort of shoulder you get or However he is concerned about the current work around them and that is exciting. how you scrum, you just can’t seem to get development rate of refs in the country. He over the gain-line and I do not think many encourages young referees to use their god ‘The only problem I have is when the ball is tries will be scored off this first phase given talent and go the extra mile to get the being slowed down, instead of sped up as platform. The laws just don’t seem to allow rewards. the laws are designed for. Then everybody that.’ struggles, particularly to get the ball wide Kosie Horn – Blue against rigid defensive lines when you don’t Interesting thoughts from four people close Kosie started his refereeing career back in have many options but to kick up-field, to the coal face, In-touch will chat to the 1978 in after being involved with Gallo Ima g es Players are allowed to contest at ruck-time, provided particularly from your own 22,’ said same commentators in three months time Dirkie Uys Primary as U12 coach. The Natal they remain on their feet Erasmus. to find out their thoughts after the Super 14. Rugby Union played an important role in his development with Graham Corrie playing a valuable mentoring role.

Ben Theron – Western Province Kosie learnt many of his game management Ben took up the whistle in 1986 after skills by watching TV and he still believes hanging up his playing boots at the age of that it is a great way for refs to stay on top 27. Having played club rugby in the Boland of their game. He is currently the referee Region for Malmesbury and Police, he first manager at the Rugby Union Gabriel Pappas – started out as a secretary for referees and and oversees the day-to-day running of all Gabriel’s involvement as a referee in South is currently referees manager at Western referee matters and the Blue Bull Referee’s African rugby started in 1976 after a second Province Rugby. He attests his refereeing Society. He rates his interchange with the concussion effectively put him on the development to various inspirational figures Waikato Rugby Union in 1993 as one of sideline for the remainder of that season. including the likes of the legendary Freek his many highlights, among them being his Barred from playing any rugby that year, his Burger. provincial debut in 1984.

6 in-touch in-touch 7 The lack of development of black and women referees remains one of the challenges that he passionately wants to overcome in the near future and he believes that the Blue Bulls Referee Society has the necessary commitment to do so. Panel-beating during Boland’s on the byUp Ebrahim Moerat However he is not alarmed at the current development rate of referee’s in the country. the off season… Kosie is also optimistic about the impact of the ELVs at all levels as he believes that it will definitely make the game more attractive anels are forever being 1. Marius Bonthuys () to the masses. His advice to young referees restructured, internationally and 2. Petri Bosch () is to work hard but always remember to Pnationally. Five South Africans 3. Richard Ingram (Sharks) enjoy it. are on the International Rugby Board’s 4. Ben Crouse (Blue Bulls) panels - Jonathan Kaplan, Craig Joubert 5. Quinton Immelman (WP) and Marius Jonker as referees, Mark 6. Andries Retief () Lawrence and Willie Roos as touch 7.Rodney Bonaparte (EP) judges/television match officials. The only change is the addition of Willie Roos to Stephan Breytenbach (Pumas) the IRB panel. Heyns Deacon (Golden Lions) François de Bruin (Griquas) National Panel George Duma (Border) The National Panel has been reduced to Bheki Jekubeni (Border) 10 members, in order of merit they are: Sazi Katiya (Border) 1. Jonathan Kaplan (SARU) Martin Lekhanye () 2. Craig Joubert (SARU) Willie Killian () 3. Marius Jonker (SARU) Bongani Maloni (Border) 4. Mark Lawrence (SARU) Theshin Naicker (Sharks) 5. JC Fortuin (SARU) Dilbert November (SWD) 6. Willie Roos (SARU) Sewes Terblanche (Blue Bulls) 7. Deon van Blommestein (SARU) Jan Venter (Blue Bulls) 8. Phillip Bosch (SARU) Heinrich Viljoen (Golden Lions) Some of the Boland members are from left Ridewaan Stanfliedt, Gene Tiras, Hendrik Vosloo, Joseph Julies, Willie 9. Pro Legoete (SARU) Scheepers and back Blackie Swart. Dries Breytenbach – 10. Christie du Preez (SARU) Women’s Panel In the early Nineties the Boland Referees Society (BRS) was In 1977 Dries Breytenbach was convinced Jenny Bentel has retired from active he could do a better job than the existing and Joey Salmans are refereeing, in order of merit: formed following the unification of the SA Rugby Board and the referees on the rugby-fields of the former reserves for the National Panel. 1. Kim Smit (Golden Lions) Boland SA Rugby Union . South Eastern Transvaal. At that point he 2. Eugenia Daniels (Western Province) had just been appointed the head-coach of Provincial Panel 3. Eska Swart (South Western Districts) urrent chairman Keith Hendricks negative publicity surrounding club rugby Witbank Correctional Services’ XV and led The Provincial Panel has also been 4. Sipokazi Njani (Border) and development officer Ivan in the region has influenced recruitment the squad to a Senior League-title two years reduced, from 21 to 16, in order of merit: 5. Roslyn Fortuin (Boland) Pekeur served as executive efforts, leaving an even bigger gap in later after which he turned all his attention to 1. Jaco Peyper (FS) 6. Lize Els (Golden Lions) Cmembers on the first committee establishing and maintaining a healthy flow refereeing. 2. Joey Salmans (WP) 7. Madel Herselman (Golden Lions) of the BRS under Ben Badenhorst and have of candidates. 3. François Veldsman (Bol) done fantastic work since their appointment. ‘It took me three years to convince 4. Gareth Lloyd-Jones (SARU) Contender’s Squad – women In time, difficulties have been overcome and Although technology does play a role in management that I was serious about 5. Tiaan Jonker (GL) Marlize Jordaan (Free State) good friendships were made along with getting more decisions right more often, becoming a referee and not only joking 6. Sindile Mayende (Sharks) adapting to variable circumstances on the the BRS feels that referees might become around. People who made a positive impact 7. (FS) Specialised Touch Judge Panel field of play. Steph Neethling and Keith were too dependent, rather opting for the TMO Shaun Veldsman on my career were Wynand Mans, Cecil 8. (Sharks) (Alphabetical) among the first referees from the Society to instead of making the call themselves. Aside de Jongh and, without him even knowing 9. Matt Kemp (WP) Peet Badenhorst (Golden Lions) serve on the panel of the SA Rugby Football from the continuous task of improving the Age: it, Neville Heilbron. Later on André Watson 10. Mlungiseli Mdashe (EP) Roderick Barry (Western Province) Union and progressed to numbers one and numbers available for matches, the focus 41 played a major role as well,’ he said. 11. Chris Healey (Sharks) Mandla Dakuse (Border) eight respectively on the national panel at of the BRS for now will be on preparing 12. Mtheleli Msileni (EP) Johan Greeff (Blue Bulls) the time. referees and clubs for the ELVs. Provincial debut: In high school Dries played for the South 13. Jerome America (WP) Lappies Labuschagne (Pumas) Blue Bulls vs Pumas (2002) Eastern Transvaal regional team 14. Jason Jaftha (SWD) Louis Mzomba (Western Province) Shaun Veldsman and Jamiel Panday are Ultimately the Society wants to develop, and also represented SA Correctional 15. Silulami Pityoi (WP) Reuben Rossouw (Sharks) some of the names coming through the manage and lead a group of rugby referees Tests: Services U20 and Eastern Free State shortly 16. Archie Sehlako (Sharks) Cobus Wessels (Blue Bulls) ranks in recent years having made their who will in turn reach their full potential 3 after. From 1990 to 1994 he served on the mark at Currie Cup and International level, rendering an effective service to all levels of SARU B panel before deciding to focus Marius Bonthuys and Petri Bosch are TMO panel while female referees like Roslin Fortuin the game. Occupation: more on the coaching of referees. reserves for the Provincial Panel. (Alphabetical) (U16 Grant Khomo Week) are also making Financial Advisor (Old Jenny Bentel (Western Province) huge strides in promoting women’s rugby in Leading this campaign is the current Mutual) ‘One of the main challenges we face is to Contenders Squad Michael Cupido (Golden Lions) the Boland. chairman, Keith, who co-ordinates various make refereeing attractive to individuals There are changes to this squad, Johan Meuwesen (Eastern Province) portfolios within the BRS, maintains contact Career highlights: as a viable option in rugby. The systems in inevitably because it is really a testing Shaun Veldsman (Boland) As with many other Societies, the distance with SA Referees Society and Boland Argentina vs Canada in 2003 place are there to improve on the standard ground. The first six are ranked in order between fixtures and the lack of funding are Rugby Union while keeping an eye on the Currie Cup Final in 2003 of refereeing in general but on provincial of merit, the rest alphabetically. always challenging factors in recruiting new performance reviews and grading for the (Bulls vs Sharks) level we have to maintain current efforts to members. It may even be possible that the improvement of standards. promote the game to all,’ he concludes.

8 in-touch in-touch 9 Leopards’ refs that Another point of view by Gavin Rich made their mark are from left: LJ Swart, Former top referee and Gladwin Sehularo, South African Rugby Craig Joubert (SARU), Union official Freek Burger Andries Selemela, believes that yellow cards Piet van Huyssteen. are having too dramatic an impact on the results of matches and the way rugby is played.

e has drawn up a proposal he feels will ensure that while the individual Hplayers are still punished, perhaps reak more so than they are being under the B current system, the team as a whole will not suffer to quite the same effect. Most importantly, this will ensure that by Jaques Rossouw the product’s entertainment value will be maintained for spectators at stadiums and nd viewers on television. eopardsu radios and SARU’s FairPlay Program is According to Burger’s proposal, which he L immensely important to the game as it forwarded to the International Rugby Board Gro provides referees with valuable input for some time ago, the player who is carded more informed decisions and can prove should leave the field for good, regardless beneficiaries of the involvement of Royal useful in coaching young candidates. of whether the colour flashed at him is red ew Bafokeng Holdings who recently acquired a or yellow. N 49.9 % stake in Leopards Rugby. Plans are Two up-and-coming referees, Oregopotse already in place for the Bafokeng Coaching Rametsi and Tony Correia, received However, the crucial difference is that for On the other hand... Centre where current LRRS Referee bursaries to attend NWU PUK Rugby a yellow card offence, Burger believes the This topic has received quite some air time In spite of the vast distances Manager, Phillip Du Toit, will take on the role Institute to study and receive additional player sent from the field should be replaced in discussions at senior level because of as Rugby Manager in the development of training from the LRRS. from the bench. This, he says, will preserve Should the impact of cards be reduced? between matches and the need to always ensure a fair contest. referees as well as the game. the 15-men against 15-men contest, and After all, that’s what the laws are expressly courses, The Leopards Rugby The relationship between the Society and prevent some of the mismatches that result Stormers having two players off designed for. Referees Society (LRRS) The 29 villages in the Bafokeng area are the Leopards Rugby Union is flourishing from players being sin-binned. the field against the Sharks in the came to life in 1920 out of divided into five regions where various rugby thanks to the involvement of Dr. Eugene second half was massive. There A stumbling block that has always been development initiatives will also be launched Hare. Dr Hare has written many pieces Had Freek had his way, the yellow carding should always be 15 players on difficult to negotiate around, is the possibility a love for the game. Based by Bafokeng Sports, a subsidiary of Royal on the topic of talent identification and of and Dylan des Fountain the field, it should always be a fair that some coaches may be willing to start a in Potchefstroom, officials Bafokeng Holdings. played over 100 games for the old Western in the Stormers clash against the Sharks contest. When Schalk Burger was game with a second-tier player whose prime Transvaal Union. would not have had a dramatic impact on yellow carded last week, he should objective is to target an opposition player back then received little or Some of the new challenges faced by the the result. have been replaced by someone and take them out of the game. Sure, they no compensation and had LRRS today are the recruitment of new He has been at the forefront of many from the bench and that should may receive a card but the first-tier player to travel far and wide for members while sustaining transformation ground breaking projects in SA Rugby and Instead Burger and Des Fountain would have been it for him, he should not then comes on as a substitute while the and making the game accessible to all. his expertise in talent identification was have had to leave the field for good, with have been allowed back on. opposition team stands a chance of losing a training. However, thanks to the involvement of instrumental in the realization of SARFU’s two other players coming onto the field as key member of their team through injury. Bafokeng Holdings the LRRS will now be “Green” and “Gold” squads in 2003. replacements so that the game remained a ‘Obviously this system does It’s not to say the idea doesn’t have merit, vercoming many challenges, Piet able to address these shortfalls. fair contest of 15 men against 15 men. ultimately have an impact on the but when we tinker with the laws there are Bosman and Andrew Bird were The long term goal of the LRRS is to expand team, and will ensure that discipline often unexpected repercussions. Oamong the first provincial and Since the recent departure of provincial their recruitment efforts by getting the ‘The problem is that yellow cards are is maintained, because you international referees to come out of the referee Lammie Rahl, the LRRS have different regions to operate independently sometimes dished out these days for such wouldn’t be allowed to add players What are your thoughts? Why not email Society while Max Cramer, a provincial redirected their efforts to train and coach as sub-societies. Currently each sub-society minor, technical infractions, and yet it can to your bench during the game. So any ideas you have on the matter to referee, served on the management of the individuals at a lower level while also only has a coordinator, but structures are in have a dramatic effect on the way a game is if you have a player carded in the [email protected] and we’ll update SA Referees Society at the time. ensuring transformation. In taking on place to expand these societies in order for played,’ said Burger. first minute, you are faced with 79 you on the feedback received in a future these challenges, the LRRS believes that them to play a meaningful role at grassroots minutes of rugby with a reduced edition of In-touch? The LRRS will be one of the many technology such as the use of two-way level also. ‘The impact on the match in Durban of the bench, and it limits your options.’

10 in-touch in-touch 11 News E-Refs a first SWD grips ELVs The Valke Referees’ Society has developed an Electronic Booking SWD referees have implemented several projects to improve System where clubs and schools can book referees online. Clubs the understanding of the ELVs. and schools access the system and notify the Society of their pending fixture. Once the referee is appointed he/she is then notified Clubs and schools in the region have been kept busy during via SMS of the fixture. This system also doubles as a website for the practice sessions under the guidance of provincial referees. Valke Referees’ Society. Hits on the site have already increased. 40 referees have been implementing their knowledge of the new laws and hopefully it rubs off. The project also plays an This innovative system important role in the development of rugby in the region. The serves as a valuable Referees Society is also strengthening their recruitment efforts communications tool with an introduction course for potential referees which will in ensuring fast and take place in coming months. open communication channels between the Valke Rugby Union, referees Society, clubs WP holds indaba and schools in the region. WP will host an IRB Coaches/Assessors indaba at Goudini Spa on 16 – 18 March. The course, presented by Neville Heilbron of SA Rugby, will give WP members an opportunity to get together before the various regional club and schools’ leagues kick off. The three-day indaba Whistle while you work will include a written exam upon arrival as well as a The campaign to recruit referees was practical evaluation at the end of the course. launched to media throughout South Africa at the beginning of the 2008 Super 14 with a series of presentations in , , and Durban. Marius gets stamp of Using the first S14 home games in the approval respective venues as a drawcard, media were invited to a presentation by Andre Watson Griquas Referee Manager explaining the rationale behind the programme. As reported in the Marius Franken is one previous edition of In-Touch, there are approximately 1 500 referees in of the few individuals the country while there should be at least 8 300 to adequately cater for who successfully the number of players! According to Andre, if nothing is done soon to completed the three day bring newcomers into the system the game will be facing a dire shortage IRB Educator’s Course. of referees in the next five years or so. Congratulations to Marius and the rest of If you know of anyone interested in taking up the whistle contact the group for their latest Neville Heilbron of SA Rugby on 021 659 6900. achievement!

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