Practical touch-judging Country Rugby League Referee Seminar Wollongong 2010

Introduction Difference between NRL & your grade? Communications gear Technology Media pressure Most NRL sideline officials will use some basic position and movement, but be sure to follow your association/group protocols!

Position description What does a touch judge do during a match? Support referee Touch & touch in goal Kicks at goal Back play General decisions assistance Communicate This is done by being in best position and showing urgency at all times!

Position – kick off

Position – short kick off

Position – Goal line drop out

Position – 20m optional kick

Position – 20m optional kick

Position – General play

Position – General play

Position – Scrums

Position – Towards touch

Position – Towards corner

Position – Goal kick

Position – Goal kick

Case study – Titans vs Cowboys Various positioning and other issues

Back play & brawls Watch where the ball has been Kicks, passes, scrums Play advantage at all times Brawl position – Mercedes Benz model Do not get too close, use voice to control Watch for runners, strikers and foul play Identify the aggressor Hint: The aggressor is not necessarily the person who threw the first punch!

Brawls Video example

Reporting incident to referee Identify who you want to report and let the referee call out the player(s) Hint: Have a quick, quiet chat to the referee about your report State facts, use appropriate tone and do not mimic actions Keep your hands behind you or at your side (hold flag) Identify agressor Wait until the referee allows you to leave then go to the mark or back to the touch line Do not anticipate the actions of the referee.

Reporting incident to referee (How not to do it….)

Kicks in general play GENERAL RULES FOR KICKS Read the game to determine who will kick the ball, when they will and where they will kick the ball to Position on the field will determine if the kick will be “long” or “short” Note chasers that are off side Sign off on kicker (backplay) When the ball is in flight, be aware of where the ball is but do not keep a watch on it Be aware of blockers running protection lines Follow the ball if it is running towards line Key word is URGENCY.

Kicks - long Additional hints for long kicks: Identify the kicker Watch speed and direction of defending players (especially markers) Watch direction of kick blockers Move briskly to ensure constant view Take note of feet – 40m line.

Kicks - short Additional hints for short kicks: Be especially aware of chasers Be aware that a kicker will not usually get through a compressed defence where the line is set. Collisions are probable. Interference is more likely where defensive line is broken.

Communication Limit your talk to players to 15m away Talk as you would if you were the referee Identify players who require to be communicated with (eg winger may not play the ball with the foot) At breaks in play or at half-time, do not bombard the referee with advice or superfluous information Do not dwell on negative aspects, provide positives and some ideas for improving if they ask for it.

Presentation Team Signals Movement Confidence Even if you doubt your decision! Next week you may be in the centre and the referee may be on your line…

Summary Preparation is a must Know your referee Know the rules Know the signals Know where you have to be Be a team player Enjoy yourself The game needs twice as many touch judges as it does referees!

Finished! Questions??