ASSISTANT REFEREEING

Being an assistant referee has a different focus than refereeing! Basics…. The Referee is responsible for the match and for his decisions A Referee may take advice from the AR’s in accordance with their primary and secondary duties Do not be offended if the referee ignores or over rules your advice The referee and AR’s should discuss requirements prior to the match – National Squad Referees WILL e-mail you prior to ITM Cup fixtures. Listen to what each referee is asking of you Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you clearly understand what is expected – No question is a silly question Being an assistant referee has a different focus than refereeing!

Communication Gear…… This presentation works on the assumption that all representative rugby will make use of Communication Equipment.

Primary AR Functions……. The main reasons for our existence!! Ball in touch Ball Touch in-goal and over dead ball line Correct ball used for quick throws Kicks at goal Foul Play Sound easy??

Primary Functions - Testers In Touch or Play on? In Touch or Knock on?

Primary Function Questions When must the AR raise their flag? Indicate a successful kick at goal; ball or ball carrier in touch or touch-in-goal When does the AR not lower their flag? Quick throw - wrong ball or ball touched by another player/person Lineout - wrong team throws in or player throwing in puts foot in the field of play Foul play – flag horizontal; right angle to touch line; continue duties with flag down Can a quick throw occur if the ball hits an object like a light post or advertising hoarding? Yes

Secondary AR Functions These should not be performed at the expense of Primary Functions!! Decisions that are clear and obvious e.g. knock on, forward pass, offsides, offsides from kicks and not straights Provide general trends at down time Set 10m at penalty kicks Mark infringement place for the referee Set offside lines at scrum and lineout Management of substitutions and sideline

Foul Play Critical to avoiding brawls. If we get this wrong, teams can take justice into their own hands….. Observe offence and ensure you have correct team and player number Hang flag and follow play Next stoppage alert referee that you have a report Wait until you are asked to come on and give report Give the facts e.g. “Blue 4 punched a red player at the previous ruck.” Do not give a demonstration of the act Do not give a recommendation unless asked, but be ready just in case

Foul Play Reports…. Get the number and get it right!! No number, flustered, shambolic Great process by referee. Buys time for himself and AR to rehearse what they will say.

Positioning – Leading & Trailing When play is coming toward you or is heading down your touch line (watch the ball as play comes towards you) Trailing When play is going away from you or is on the far side of the field (watch where the ball was/back play) AR’s should have a “ball line” focus to leading and trailing roles

Positioning – In Goal AR AR AR

Positioning – Kickoffs Ball fielded cleanly (knock-on) 1st pass (forward) AR R AR Ball travelling 10m Jumper is not interfered Observe obstruction by other players

Positioning – Dropouts Ball fielded cleanly (knock-on) 1st pass (forward) AR AR R Ball travelling over the 22m Jumper is not interfered Observe obstruction Players behind the kicker

Positioning –Goal kicks KICKS HERE Consider positioning at: Penalty kick at goal Conversion The process is: Talk Look Confirm Signal AR AR