1. BERKSHIRE SOCIETY OF RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION REFEREES
Refereeing Sevens
A Brief Refresher
Ritchie Denver April ‘18
Quick refresher due to time constraints will concentrate on key aspects that are different for you to referee. Law variations can be found in the law book – know them.
This will be aspirational, i.e. this is what you should look to do, however it won’t be easy or shortcuts- even if you’re doing fat boys only you can always have this in mind
Sevens

2. What are the main differences between 7s and 15s?
Difference in player mindset:
Possession is everything
Avoid contact
Quick taps, speed of game
Different scenarios:
One-on-one tackles
Actual proper rucks
Genuine contest for possession at restarts
Few mauls
Law variations - see law book
Sevens

3. What does that mean for refereeing?
Set your goal accordingly – you need to maximise time in play of the ball
Don’t ignore offences but set high standards early
Consistent approach from all tournament refs
Preventative if possible
Reward and facilitate quick play
Don’t delay quick taps
Yellow card for cynical delaying tactics
Sharp accurate decisions
Sevens

4. Running / Positioning
Quick game and a lot of ground to cover so need to think about running lines
Work hard in vertical lines i.e. up and down the pitch
Stay within the 15m lines (generally)
Track on the ball-line ready to get out wide quickly if necessary
Long tournament so run sensibly to last the day
Positioning
Best position to get to next breakdown quickly
Deep behind defensive line is not good
if attackers are moving forward / up then ball-line
if defenders pushing forward then just behind defensive line
side-to-side nothing happening – just behind defensive line
Keep alert and light on feet – always moving
Watch other refs, advise/comment and all will improve
Sevens

5. Phases of Play – 7s Specifics
Tackle
Same as 15s really – get a good clear tackle area
Get player compliance early – quick pens for not rolling etc.
Watch for - Entry through gate, sealing off / off feet
Ruck / Maul
Most tackles won’t develop into rucks but some do – two players competing over the ball
Watch entry (charging) plus pulling players out
Mauls rare - clearly call ‘Maul’
Scrum
Difficult to mange – most players not front-row or even forwards
Manage it properly but swiftly `crouch-bind-set’ quicker
Still a contest – put in straight and mandatory hook
Generally if play putting the ball in gets the ball out then play on
Scrum at 7s not as dangerous
Sevens

6. Phases of Play – 7s Specifics (cont.)
Restarts / Kick-offs
Most common set-piece and good teams will compete
Watch for ‘funny’ – stay behind kicker but run hard initially
Line-out
Quick throw common – make sure same ball and not touched
Keep a proper gap as in 15s
No need for a receiver, often hooker will peel round
Scrum at 7s not as dangerous
Sevens

7. Other Considerations Advantage Awarding Penalties
Clean possession is advantage – call it over
Breakdown pens - blow and let the quick tap be taken
If you do play advantage don’t play it long
Awarding Penalties
Quick and decision blow
Point to mark with strong verbals sufficient
don’t delay game or get in way
don’t be pedantic over mark
Work hard to get non-offending team back 10
if they don’t, instruct offside players to leave it
Slowing a quick tap deliberately = yellow
Don’t forget primary-secondary-primary plus trends
Sevens