1. What the referee coach/observer/evaluator looks for at the tackle

2.  The modern game is based on continuity of play.  The tackle is a break in play with potential for stoppage.  The referee must call the tackle correctly or he kills the modern game.

3.  First and foremost he must be at the tackle/breakdown.  He must be fit with pace and quickness.  He appreciates what is happening and anticipates what will occur.  He gets himself in proper position for the tackle/breakdown.

4.  The referee is there in proper position:  1. Tackler - away  2. Ball carrier - plays (places) the ball.  3. Arriving players - through the gate and on their feet.

5. From the USA Rugby Level 2 Evaluation Manual  Observed = saw infringement and took action.  Ensured = talked the players out of committing the infringement.  Proactive prevention means fewer whistles and fewer stoppages.

6. C3 Elements:  Observed tramping of players.  Protected safety of players on the ground. C2 Elements  Observed arriving players leaving their feet.  Did not permit pileups to continue after the ball is buried.  Awarded the scrum put-in to the correct side.

7. C1:  Ensured arriving players stayed on their feet.  Observed flagrant killing of the ball.  Observed players on the ground interfering with players on their feet.  Positioned out of the way of arriving players.  When play is stopped, positioned close enough to administer effective corrective action.

8. B3:  Observed failure of tackler to move away.  Observed failure of the tackled player to make the ball available.  Observed players arriving players entering from the wrong side.  Initial position close enough to manage the immediate availability of the ball.  Final position anticipated which team would win the ball.

9. B2:  Ensured arriving players did not obstruct opponents.  Ensured tackler and tackled player made the ball available.  Ensured arriving players entered from correct side of tackle. B1:  Proactively prevented tackle offenses from occurring.

10. B2:  Ensured arriving players did not obstruct opponents.  Ensured tackler and tackled player made the ball available.  Ensured arriving players entered from correct side of tackle. B1:  Proactively prevented tackle offenses from occurring.

11. The ball carrier must place the ball.

13.  Was the referee in position?  Was the tackler away?  Did the ball carrier place the ball?  Were arriving players on their feet?  Did players enter the tackle zone through the gate?  Was a ruck formed and if so when?  Were opponents obstructed?  Were there material infringements?

14.  Communications are concise and not repeated.  Uses player color and number in communications.  Manages repeated infringements working with the captains.  Judiciously uses materiality and advantage.  At the tackle handles diving, padding, sealing, sledging, sludging, stacking, and the likes.

15.  At the breakdown  Tackler away  Ball Carrier plays the ball  Arriving players through the gate and on their feet.  Announce a transition to ruck  Be proactive and prevent infringements without the whistle

16. Dixon Smith January8, 2008