1. Communication & Control Effective Communication Referees Pre Match and Foul Play

2. Communication & Control Communication starts early in the week with the confirmation of your game with the club and you confirming details with your AR1 and AR2 giving them any specific details. On Arrival at Ground Appearance Confident, not Arrogant Liase with Coaches, make Arrangements to Inspect Boots etc (Early or late)

3. Communication & Control Discuss with captain what he would prefer. If required talk to teams equally be consistent in what you say – practice your pre-match instructions. Calm manner. Outside Half, Lineout 10 Metres Priority at Tackle Area Discussion not a Lecture Front 5 and 9’S on Engagement/Binding (Are you happy with this protocol?) Setting Lineout Gaps

4. Communication & Control Captains –Toss Discuss Team Discipline Do/Don’ts for Captains State that your signal and communication will be clear on any penalty therefore no need for a discussion I.e. don’t try and slow the play down!! Approachability-Ensure that they are the only ones to come and discuss a decision with you and only at down time. Give yourself plenty of time to talk to your AR’s.

5. Communication & Control ON FIELD Remain calm, exude confidence Build rapport with players Eye contact, nod, quiet word / smile !!! Be Specific with any communication. Explain decisions. eg 6 Red roll away. Call Ruck /Maul – but you must be accurate don’t call to early. Preventative Talk for Offside Don’t Be Repetitive – 5 white move x 5!!!!

6. Communication & Control Use of Cards Yellow Cards ???? Professional Foul. Red ????? – Foul Play.

7. Communication & Control ●Whistle Tone – Differentiate offences (Pk or technical offence) How many times to blow If there is foul play make sure you separate teams and isolate the guilty players before you talk to AR. Clear communication between Ref and AR. Speak to players often via captain Sanction

8. Role of AR in Foul Play situation The referee should have spoken to you prior to the game regarding foul play – what does he want? Foul play / Foul play advantage. If you see foul play you must Flag the incident and do it positively. Keep your flag up until the ref calls you to him. Ensure you have the players colour and number and that you are clear what you have seen and how you are going to describe the incident to the referee.

9. AR role continued Allow the referee to call you onto the field of play don’t run to him and be calm. Referee has seen the offence The referee should lead the conversation I.e. this is what I have seen, do you have anything to add to my report? This is my decision, I am going to issue a yellow card for the offence.

10. AR role Continued If the ref has not seen the incident he should start by stating this and asking you give him a report of what you have seen? The referee should still lead the conversation and give the sanction I.e. yellow card / penalty etc if he gets it wrong I.e Yellow rather than red just say I think we need to reconsider the sanction given. Be careful with the wording you use Punch / stamp etc will be red card offences!! So therefore don’t use these word, and then say no yellow!!

11. Communication & Control Post Game – Check any details I.e. players names etc with a club representative. Be prepared to Clarify Points of Law. Even with supporters in the club house after the game. Do not get involved in discussions about serious incidents / sending offs. Report serious incident to WRU Mix with Players & Committee Enjoy Refreshments Make sure all paperwork and forms are completed and sent to the WRU.