with South African Referees August 2007 Vol.2 Tappeing into experience... etirement from the international and transparent process that is circuit does not mean feet up and open to scrutiny. Rgazing into the sunset for Tappe Henning, in fact, his latest assignment as ‘Referees are measured against Referee Selector with the IRB probably four categories; law knowledge, means even more travel and rugby fi tness, performance on the fi eld business than before. and ambassadorial qualities. The global spread of the game At 46-years old Tappe is the youngest of combined with the exposure the four IRB Referee Selectors and yet on international television he brings a wealth of experience, having demands that interpersonal, retired from top-class rugby only last year. communication and other And his appointment is due recognition for non-rugby skills are also added the quality of referees produced by South to the measurement mix.’ Africa. Each international game is ‘I cut my teeth as a test referee with viewed by an independent the dawn of the professional era and I selector. A performance report thoroughly understand the pressures and is prepared and forwarded challenges that offi ciating on the world to the IRB. The referee also stage brings,’ says Tappe. is given a copy and has the opportunity to interrogate the The IRB are involved in the appointment selector’s fi ndings. of match officials for all cross-border encounters, with these games then The IRB’s Elite Squad com- subject to the review of the Referee prises 18 referees – three South Selectors. Aside from full-blown tests African – who are all capable of and other international games it handling the most demanding also includes the Super series, NPC, of fixtures. Acting as a feeder Heineken Cup and French league group to the A Panel is the

among others. Touch Judge squad. Pic: Gallo Images Never one to shy away from the tough parts of the job and International appointments are made ‘In competitions the best teams end up with 20 tests under his belt Tappe Henning is SA’s third most- twice a year – six months in advance – playing each other in the fi nals, it makes capped referee, behind Andre Watson and Jonathan Kaplan. allowing match offi cials time to thoroughly sense that the best match offi cials are He was appointed to the Provincial Panel in 1993 and refereed the fi nal in 1995 – his fi rst year on that panel. He prepare for the task ahead. The current there to offi ciate, and it’s our job as also offi ciated in the second Super 12 fi nal in 1997. He lists system of appointments started in 1996 selectors to make sure that happens,’ John Eales’ fi nal game for Australia against New Zealand at and has been refi ned to an accountable concludes Tappe. Stadium Australia as one of the many highlights in his career.

What’s he Meet the RWC Cup, A KZN thinking top nine Vive le Twist! now? provincial France referees

In this issue... 2 4 6 7

in-touch 1 by Andre Watson Chairman’s message

Dear referee colleagues Wattie’s The season has progressed quickly and we are past the midway point with the Voda- com Cup and National Week Tournaments completed. wonderings We are now feverishly involved with the Currie Cup and preparations for 2007. However, it is also important to refl ect on what SA Referees have nd this desire to maintain con- To me, there is very little more excit- achieved during the last three months: tinuity is changing the shape of ing than when a turnover is achieved • A total of 145 appointments were made for the the game away from Union to and the team that thought they were competition, in comparison only 131 a rugby league format. It may on attack suddenly has to scramble to appointments were made by SANZAR for the A Super 14 Competition sound like harsh words but let me tell create defences. you why. • Our IRB referees handled six test matches during And I’m going to lay a lot of the blame this period Rugby is a unique sport. It caters for for the lack of excitement at the door • At the time of writing this note, 14 Currie Cup people of all shapes and sizes and of our referees: the quest for continuity games have already been refereed has attributes that defi ne it as a game has overridden the concept of a fair • 59 referees – mainly from the Contenders Squad – lineouts, scrums, rucks and mauls. contest. The referee is more lenient to – took part in the various national weeks that My wife’s hairdresser once described the team in possession than he is to included the U18 and U13 Craven Weeks, the a maul as ‘a spider-looking formation, the non ball-carrying players. Grant Khomo Week, the U18 Academy Week and Under the guise of the Special Schools’ Tournament where everybody pushes and the ball Four Western Province referees to have offi ciated at test level include: professionalism and the never bursts’. In fact, it’s the only ball The answer is simple; when refereeing Louis Mzomba, Jenny Bentel, JC Fortuin and Eugene Daniels. • 127 referees completed fi tness tests, arranged by sport where everyone battles to go a game, simply apply the same criteria SA Referees need to create fl ow – and forward at speed and then is forced to to both teams at the breakdown. The • In addition, on the administration side, various pass the ball backwards to keep going current tendency to afford the ball-car- meetings were held involving the executive, supposedly entertaining forward! rying team more leeway has made the council, selectors, performance reviewers and the transformation sub-committee. Several IRB training game boring to watch and the fl ow the rugby – I am increasingly Hier kom die courses were conducted and also attended by our There’s no question that modern play- referee is manipulating is not real – it’s staff and referees. ers are highly skilled. They are more artifi cial. concerned that referees By now all are aware of our referees that have been athletic, fi tter, stronger and with better appointed to offi ciate in the IRB World Cup and I would are not only ignoring ball retention abilities. Defensive sys- These sentiments were carried in a BOKKE! like to congratulate each one of them on behalf of the tems are rock solid and play regularly pre-season briefi ng session at all refereeing community throughout : the ethos of the game goes through 8, 9 or 10 phases before national, provincial and regional courses Locally we have a top 12 panel of referees who handle Super 14, Jonathan Kaplan – referee – I hope that all the games stopping for an infringement. Countless this year and have been re-emphasised in which you offi ciate can be seen, and not misted in Currie Cup and Vodacom matches. contained in the Playing tackles are made, the team moves from recently. Following renewed commit- like the S14 Final left to right across the fi eld with very little ment from our top 12 referees I’m Of these 12, only six have handled Charter but the laws ike every youngster playing test matches and are therefore – referee – hopefully the communica- depth of movement, the game fl ows predicting that we’re going to see a far tion systems work properly in all your games – all very clinical and very BORING. greater contest at the breakdown in rugby, referees also aspire to Springbok referees. Just to give you themselves that promote their . an idea of how exclusive this – touch judge – I hope your dreams are our Currie Cup and, importantly, some L realised in this tournament a fair contest. What’s happened to the turnover ball? exciting rugby. Watch this space. Unfortunately, like for players, the club is, consider this: At the moment road is long and diffi cult and the South Africa has only had 65 test Mark Lawrence – touch judge – enjoy the tourna- refereeing Springbok colours are not referees in the history of rugby i.e. ment, I know you are going to make a great difference dished out easily. It takes a lot of hard Springbok referees. to many work and you have to be the best. Tappe Henning – IRB Selector – good luck in your WP referees’ dinner hits the jackpot So, it must be made clear that even new role. Similar to Springbok players, referees if you make the national panel of top Best wishes to you from all of us back home. This year’s WP referees’ black-tie dinner – the fi fth event of its kind – broke also only get National colours once 12 – it doesn’t make you a Springbok all fundraising records, with almost R95 000 raised for referee development they referee a test match. Let’s referee – as stated, you need to have For the rest of our referees, good luck for the rest of the season. in the Province! The event – scheduled each year before the home test at draw a comparison: Many players handled a test match. Similarly, even – has become a top feature of the local sporting have played for the Springbok team if you make the Provincial panel in calendar and attracted 260 people to the Kelvin Grove Club. Referee greetings to all against provincial sides in a match South Africa it doesn’t make you a – however they do not become a provincial referee, you need to referee Former Prince of Wings, Carel du Plessis, was the guest speaker and other capped Springbok unless they play in two full provincial sides before that dignitaries included SA Rugby CEO Mveleli Ncula, former Springbok a test match. happens. captains Theuns Stoffberg and Nellie Smith, Hempies DuToit – who also acted as auctioneer, Andre Watson and Tappe Henning. Stephen Meintjes Pro-Alliance Photo Pro-Alliance Likewise, a referee may referee for So, next time you see a referee Chairman SA Referees Pictured at the dinner were from back left: , Carel du Plessis, example: England vs. WP, but he wearing a national jacket, stop and Hempies DuToit, MC Eben Niemand, . Centre; Paul Dobson and won’t earn his National colours for show due respect. That person is an Doug Holwill and front; Ben Theron, and James Apollis. the match. achiever and has earned the honour!

2 in-touch in-touch 3 Meet the top nine provincial panel referees

Continuing our profi les of South Francois Veldsman Mtheleli Msileni Age: 30 Age: 30 Age: 35 Africa’s top referees here are the Province: Free State Province: Boland Province: Eastern Province Refereeing since: 1999 Refereeing since: 2000 Refereeing since: 2003

fi rst set of Provincial Referees. Lourens’s main aim for his refereeing With mentors like Ben Theron, André Even though Mthleleli only joined the career is to be recognised as a consist- Watson and Freek Burger, it’s no refereeing fraternity four years ago, ent and fair referee who is able to make wonder that Francois is sitting on the he has already developed a deep pas- a difference to the game for players. The provincial panel today. Age: 25 sion for the discipline. best part of his refereeing career hap- Province: KZN pened earlier this year, in January, when He aspires to one day become a test Refereeing since: 1999 ‘I love that the competitiveness of the he blew the S14 warm-up game between referee and says his ultimate achieve- game demands fi tness, law application the and Samoans. ment would be blowing the whistle and mental toughness from me,’ says Stuart started refereeing in high at a world cup fi nal. His refereeing highlights include the U13 school and has grown an im- Mthleleli. Some of Lourens’s fondest memories in life are of moments spent and U18 fi nals at the 2005 , as well as a Loftus mense respect for the discipline on the fi eld. ‘Our home crowd never fails to entertain me, especially curtain raiser. over the last eight years. ‘Since His highlight to date has been blowing the whistle at the students at the local hostel derby. At one such game, a supporter joining the refereeing fraternity I quarter fi nal between Western Province and the shouted to the other team’s prop: “Spoeg uit jou kemermaat”, due While Francois has been caught in a few rucks in the past have been given so many . ‘I enjoyed that game most because I was well pre- to the player’s rather large physique.’ A science teacher at Grey and lost his whistle during a scrum, he also enjoys the lighter amazing opportunities,’ he says. pared and handled the obstacles thrown at me during the game College, Lourens enjoys playing squash in his free time and also side of refereeing. ‘The funniest moment I can remember as well. Most importantly, the players enjoyed the game as it was likes dabbling in a bit of set design every now and then for his a referee is watching the facial expressions of one our top Stuart’s refereeing goals are already well entrenched – he played in good spirit and within the law.’ wife’s drama production company. referees when he accidentally handed out a red card instead wants to make it to the top – and he’s got the right role of a yellow card. What he didn’t know is that we had switched As a full-time educator, Mthleleli hopes to become a competent model to learn from. Jonathan Kaplan has been a strong the cards before the game.’ When he’s not playing practical Sindile Mayende test referee one day soon, and his main aim is to contribute infl uence in Stuarts’s refereeing career since he took up jokes or ensuring the rules are followed on the fi eld, you’ll fi nd Age: 24 largely to the game. the whistle as a fresh-faced 17-year old. Francois at Paarl Gymnasium where he is a teacher. Province: KZN It’s not all rules and red cards for Stuart though; he knows Refereeing since: 2003 how to take comments thrown at him on the fi eld with a Marc van Zyl Age: 27 pinch of salt. ‘One of the funniest was a game in Vryheid Despite his short carer so far, Sindile has Age: 35 Province: Free State and a spectator shouted to me at a lineout: “Ref, you already proven himself worthy of blowing Province: Western Province Refereeing since: 2000 should open up a caravan park”. I had no clue what he the whistle at such noteworthy events as Refereeing since: 2000 meant until fi ve minutes later, at the next lineout, when the 2005 Grant Khomo Week fi nal and Jaco says his refereeing highlight, with- he yelled: “because the backline are camping on the the 2006 Vodacom Cup semi-fi nal. And A self-proclaimed fi tness fanatic, out doubt, was at the 2007 Vodacom offside line”.’ he has set himself very clear goals for the Marc loves anything sports related future: by 2009 Sindile hopes to be one of and adrenalin inducing, and what he Cup fi nal. ‘The winning try was scored almost two minutes after the hooter. With a good sense of humour, and a healthy portion of the top 12 referees in the country and eventually hopes to makes it enjoys most is being in the middle of What a cracker!’ ambition, we’re sure to be hearing more about this young onto the IRB panel. the action on a rugby fi eld. ‘There’s referee. no better seat in the house as the A true rugby fanatic – one that eats, sleeps and breathes the sport spot you have when you’re reffi ng a His short-term goals include reffi ng – Sindile is lucky enough to have a full-time job in which he can game,’ Marc explains. He aspires to one day make it to the at the Currie Cup one day soon and pulling out all the stops to Jerome America focus on his passion as well, as the KZN ’s develop- A panel of SA refs and also secure a spot on the IRB panel. become a full-time pro. Age: 35 ment coordinator. He does, however, fi nd a little spare time to Marc’s highlights to date have been offi ciating the 2006 U18 Province: Western Province pursue other sports, namely social soccer and squash. Craven week fi nal and breaking into the provincial panel. ‘Ultimately, though, my goals are to be respected by all players, Refereeing since: 1996 coaches and fellow referees, and to be known as a referee who Refereeing is not without its special moments for Marc. While practices integrity and accurate decision making on the fi eld,’ Describing himself as a positive Chris Healey he admits that most of the funny stuff happens off the fi eld, says Jaco. steward for the game, Jerome Age: 25 he has found some joy on the fi eld in setting players straight. enjoys the opportunities that Province: KZN ‘I remember during one game a player thought he was being When asked what his funniest moments as a referee have been, refereeing allows him. ‘One of my Refereeing since: 1999 clever and dipped into me using his shoulder while running Jaco sharply responds: ‘If you’ve ever refereed a game where greatest experiences has been past. That wasn’t too funny, but showing him the colour of the one of the coaches is Dr Phil Pretorius or Helgard Muller, you will refereeing the opener for the 2005 Chris is another ref who started out at a card in my pocket was.’ During the week Marc keeps himself know that there are a lot of funnies that happen at the post- Currie Cup. young age, and already has a colourful busy as an accountant – not the typical type, he assures us match procedures.’ When he’s not hailing the red card or laying refereeing history to show for it. ‘My reffi ng – and in his spare time he enjoys going to the gym, running, down the law of the fi eld, Jaco is the logistics managers for the I will never forget that game.’ Jerome also considers him- career has been full of many highlights so mountain biking, reading a good book and trading shares. Cheetahs and also helps out at his family’s law practice. self lucky for having such a positive refereeing mentor to far, for which I’m really grateful. From my look up to and whose footsteps he can follow in. ‘Neville fi rst trip on a plane to referee in Zimbabwe Heilbron has provided me with excellent advice over the to later trips to ref in England, but then my years, the type of advice that can only be gained from fi rst Currie Cup game between the and Province at a packed years of experience.’ Loftus Stadium was absolutely brilliant as well.’

With such a fond attitude towards the discipline, it wasn’t Chris has also been fortunate to have had two leading referees as diffi cult for Jerome to dig up some funny moments from his guides along his refereeing path. ‘Being a Natal boy, Craig the past. ‘There have been many over the past 11 years, Joubert has had a great impact on my career. In my early referee- but perhaps the funniest was when a player asked to be ing days, and still today, the famous Roger Hay has really got me excused to go to the “gents” in the middle of a game.’ An going and is still someone whose opinion I can really count on,’ educator by day, Jerome also coaches rugby at the school says Chris. It’s not just refereeing that keeps him fi t, Chris also where he teaches, and provides technical support to local enjoys cycling and entering triathlons – he completed the 2005 clubs in his community on an ongoing basis. Iron man competition – as well as canoeing down the Dusi.

4 in-touch in-touch 5 RECRUITMENT WITH A KZN TWIST

Pictures courtesy of Gallo Images If you are a struggling rugby With only 25 match offi cials selected to attend Rugby World Cup 2007 – 12 referees player in KwaZulu-Natal, the and 13 touch judges – it’s a measure of the stature that SA referees hold on the chances are good that you world stage that four of our own will be jetting to France for this year’s gala event. might fall victim to Burton In-touch spoke to them. Hufki’s unique recruitment JONATHAN KAPLAN remains the ultimate achievement,’ says on the cake: ‘But,’ Ranked as SA’s top and most-capped Craig. he adds, ‘don’t for- referee – and internationally regarded as get to enjoy every policy for the KZN Referee’s among the top three – Jonathan was South Africa has followed the IRB’s exam- moment you have expecting the call-up for this year’s tourna- ple with specialist TJs and Craig will be on the journey to the top.’ Sound advice Society. ment having attended the 2003 event. running touch in a number of Currie Cup indeed from someone who has achieved ‘Even so, it is still a huge honour to be games in the lead-up to RWC in prepara- at the highest level. ake Sandile Mayende, for example, selected to represent my country and I tion for the mind-shift required for this who had come from Alice in the see it as a privilege each and every time it function. MARIUS JONKER Eastern Cape to join the happens.’ Marius’ refereeing career has been on a Academy and follow his dream of At 30-years old, Craig is still a laatjie in meteoric rise since he fi rst started in 2000, T becoming a professional rugby player. In addition to a busy international season refereeing terms and has a great career progressing onto Currie Cup and Super for Jonathan so far in 2007, he has a full ahead. ‘It was in 2003 that I made a 12 in 2005 and closely followed by his fi rst “I watched Sandile play club rugby for Currie Cup schedule to help him pre- break onto the international scene with test – Fiji vs Italy in 2006. Jaguars and thought ‘now here’s a kid pare for RWC. ‘Young referees aspiring the IRB World Sevens, since then I’ve had that has a very good understanding of the to higher honours should take heart and numerous highlights. Back then RWC ‘07 Appointment as referee to the 2007 RWC game but he looks a bit unsure!’ So I took understand it takes time and commitment seemed a long way off, but application and is no small achievement and Marius was him aside and said ‘son you are going to to get to the top. I’ve been refereeing for consistency can mean that goals which in Sydney on S14 duty when he received make a very good referee.’ He agreed.” 24 years now and I try to prepare for every seem like pipe dreams can become reality the news: I was in the company of fellow The next weekend Burton took Sandile game no matter the level; whether it’s a in relatively short time.’ referee Willie Roos. I had been fi lled with to Pongola in Northern Natal, gave him a school game or Currie Cup match, the anxiety and nervousness leading up to the whistle and threw him into a school’s fi rst players, management and spectators de- MARK LAWRENCE announcement, but nothing can prepare team game. Nobody guessed it was his mand for you to perform to the very best This is Mark’s second World Cup and with you for the excitement when you hear that fi rst taste of refereeing, he was that good. of your ability.’ 13 tests under his belt is probably a bit you’ve been selected ofr rugby’s show- Less than two years later he refereed the unlucky not to be appointed as a referee, piece event. I was particularly pleased that Vodacom Cup semi-fi nals and in early ‘My personal goal is to be involved in the but as he says: ‘It is a privilege to be Kappie, Jouba and Mark also got the nod, August he was honoured with refereeing business end of this year’s tournament, involved in any capacity, it just means I well done to them.’ the Murray Cup fi nal, KZN club rugby’s this is not only dependant on my own need to work harder for 2011!’ premier match of the season. personal performance but also that of the While rugby plays an important part in his Springboks. However, my main aim is to All match offi cials will be taking part in a life, Marius still holds down a regular job “I travel the province trying to spot poten- contribute positively to every game that I camp a week before the start of RWC but with Bell Equipment in Richards Bay and tial referees like Sandile, but even though Burton Hufki (left) has proven that an aggressive recruitment policy works, Sandile Mayende has gone from raw recruit to one of the top-performing KZN referees in just a few years. referee, after all we are facilitators and not in the interim it is a steady round of paper- he is indebted to them for time-off they I am a development offi cer I recruit white the main act.’ work – completing visas and participation allow for him to pursue his dreams. He kids too. I believe in developing full stop,” Wedderburn. “Refereeing used to be a referees have to travel. The KZN Referees agreements – on top of fi tness testing and also recognises the many people that have Hufkie says. When he has enough recruits, lot of fun. But where is the fun for a guy Society is divided into fi ve sub regions: CRAIG JOUBERT countless other issues to be resolved, contributed to his personal success. he holds weekend workshops and drills giving up his Saturday afternoon to referee , Midlands, Southern Natal, Zulu- On the website www.sareferees.co.za, while still meeting local and international the laws into the youngsters. a game, only to go home upset because land and Lammergeyer (Northern Natal Craig lists refereeing at a Rugby World Cup refereeing commitments. As with the others he has a busy round he has been humiliated by coaches and including the Drakensberg which is home among his ambitions and how he’s almost of local games to help prepare himself Another form of Hufkie’s aggressive fans? Nobody blames the fl yhalf for miss- to the bird of prey after which the region is there; he will be attending this year’s show- As most people know, Mark is a qualifi ed for France, in fact he says, ‘Matches on recruitment drive was the advertising ing touch kicks or the hooker for missing named). piece as one of the 13 specialist touch optometrist which is quite an interesting weekends and conditioning to be in good campaign he waged in newspapers across his jumpers. Our guys get fed up and ask judges – an appointment that is clearly career for a referee – considering many of shape is just a way of life.’ His aim from KZN, where a fi nger pointed at the reader ‘what for?’ Each region holds regular meetings to seen as grooming for the next tournament the spectators think the ref is often a bit this year’s event is to be spoken of as fair and asked ‘Do you want to be a referee?’ discuss law updates and runs beginners should his career stay on track. one-eyed! ‘I have a special relationship and consistent and to have applied com- In one day he got 50 positive responses. “Referees are paid a nominal fee to cover courses and development workshops. with the public, from Monday to Friday I tell monsense on the fi eld. Hufkie has one of two offi ces belonging travel expenses but that’s it,” Wedderburn KZN has been something of a production ‘Going to a World Cup in any capacity them how badly they see and on Satur- to the Society at the Absa Stadium and continues, “so they start doing it for the line of quality referees in recent years. is an honour and I’m looking forward to days the roles reverse and they tell me And in what is believed to be a fi rst in the referees also have their own pub in love of the game but only 20 percent Marius Jonker (Zululand) will referee at the the experience. This is the pinnacle of how badly I see!’ South Africa, Marius was referee in the the stadium, a much loved haven from the continue long term.” Rugby World Cup in France and Craig , to have the planet’s greatest same match that his younger brother Tiaan unfortunate criticism they often receive. Joubert (Durban) will be a touch judge at players all gathered for one event makes Mark is grateful for the rewarding career offi ciated as one of the touch judges – you “Our refereeing numbers are down The fall out rate is higher, and recruitment the tournament. Another World Cup ref- it a very special occasion and one which I he’s had as a referee and sees participa- can’t say the referee pedigree isn’t strong because of the increasing trend of coaches drives less fruitful, in the outlying regions eree, Jonathan Kaplan, learned his trade in can’t wait to be part of. But refereeing still tion in the global showpiece as the cherry in this family! trashing referees,” says president Ian of KZN because of the long distances KZN but is now resident in the Cape.

6 in-touch in-touch 7 News IRB scouts for NEW TALENT n a fi rst for the IRB, Stellenbosch University played host to a group of promising coaches and referees from 11 IAfrican countries for a week of intense training from 26 June under the watchful – and expert eyes – of coach Steph Nell and SA Rugby manager of referees, Andre Watson.

The programme was the governing body’s inaugural Talent Identifi cation Programme designed to promote further development of the Game throughout Africa.

‘Africa is an emerging rugby region with huge potential,’ explained IRB development manager Bruce Cook. ‘African Cassiem Jabaar (left) with Bruce Cook and Nazeem Adams (recently appointed WP assistant unions, including the likes of Morocco, Kenya, Namibia, coach) also provided input at the IRB programme in Stellenbosch. Tunisia and Zimbabwe have all experienced growth in recent years, while the Kenya and Tunisia Sevens teams are establishing a competitive reputation on the IRB Sevens World Series Circuit.’

To qualify, each participant had to be identifi ed by an IRB regional development manager, have completed the relevant IRB Level One and Two training programmes and already referee in the highest domestic rugby competition in their respective country. This ensured that each candidate was already an achiever in their own right.

In addition to technical presentations and workshops from former international match offi cials, the participants underwent psychometric testing to evaluate their potential to manage pressure situations. The programme was not only theoretical and players from the WP Institute provided real game time for the referees to test out The eight referees attending the IRB’s Talent Identifi cation their new-found skills Programme. Caption competition

Tools to referee better The 2007 edition of 101 Rugby Decisions is now available at a discount through your Competition winner Gallo Images/Getty Images.com local referee society or online through Congratulations to Marius Franken for his competition entry in the previous kalahari.net or 101 decisions.com. edition of In-touch: ‘Open your eyes, I’m not your girlfriend!’ This time we’ve captured Craig Joubert in an interesting position, let your Next to the complete law book, as a creative juices fl ow with a humorous caption and you could also be enjoying referee, it’s probably one of the things that a R400 meal voucher. Email [email protected] or fax 021 465 8512 should be in your kit bag. before 28 September to qualify. Unfortunately the judge’s decision is fi nal and no feedback is entertained!

All material published in is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the South African Rugby Referees’ Association. is a newsletter for referees throughout South Africa, if you have any information that may be of interest to your colleagues, email [email protected] or fax 021 465 8512.

8 in-touch in-touch