PENRITH DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE REFEREES ASSOCIATION

Transcription

1 PENRITH DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE REFEREES ASSOCIATION PROCEDURES MANUAL FOR REFEREES 2014Edition

2 Contents MEMBERSHIP 3 MATCH FEES AND PAYMENT 4 WEBSITE 5 PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES 6 ROLE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 7 METHOD OF REPORTS 8 TRAINING 9 COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT OF REFEREES 9 REFEREEING GAMES 9 INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES & LAW CHANGES LAWS READY REFERENCE TABLE 12 TOUGH LOVE IN LEAGUE 14 SAFEPLAY CODE 18 PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN MINI OR MOD FOOTBALL 22 PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL 22 GRADING OF DISMISSALS 23 JUDICIARY: THE CORRECT CHARGES 24 PROCEDURES FOR ASSAULT ON A REFEREE/TOUCH JUDGE 25 PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGATION OF BITING, EYE GOUGING OR RACIAL VILIFICATION 25 PROCEDURE FOR ANY OTHER INCIDENT OCCURRING AT A GROUND 26 JEWELLERY POLICY 27 GROUND LOCATIONS 27 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE INCIDENT & DISMISSALS 28 CONDUCT OF MEMBERS 29 EXECUTIVE AND BOARD OF MANAGEMENT 31 OTHER OFFICE BEARERS 32 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE WHO DO I CONTACT? 34 MENTOR PROGRAM 35 AMART SPORTS DISCOUNT POLICY & PROCEDURE 39 Page 2 of 39

3 MEMBERSHIP All members must complete the online registration process at the start of each year. Detailed instructions on how to register are available in the members only section of the Association s website. Is the members only section still valid? All active members MUST provide a doctor s certificate stating that they are healthy enough to participate in refereeing activities. Members are not permitted to be appointed by the Penrith District Rugby League Referee s Association as they will not be covered by the Association s insurance scheme unless the doctor s certificate is submitted within the correct time frame. The Prohibited Employment Declaration form is compulsory for ALL members who are in contact with clubs of a recreational or sporting nature having a significant child membership. ALL new members must also the Executive Officer a passport photo. This will enable you to be provided with an ID pass that will allow you to gain entry onto the field or playing area. No member will be allowed to enter the playing area without an ID pass. MEETINGS Junior Branch meetings are held at 7pm on the second Monday of every month in The Chairman s Lounge at Sportingbet Stadium. All members under the age of 18 and their parents are encouraged to attend. Association general meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm, after the Junior Branch meetings in The Chairman s Lounge at Sportingbet Stadium. All members, including those under 18 and their parents are encouraged to attend. MEMBERSHIP FEES Active members over 18 years of age Membership levy 10% of fees earned prior to other deductions Life Members Presentation Dinner 2 x tickets (regardless if function is attended) Other social functions Cost price or as determined by the BOM Gear Cost price or as determined by the BOM Insurance No cost to members Active members under 18 years of age Membership levy 10% of fees earned prior to other deductions Life Members Presentation Dinner 1 x tickets (regardless if function is attended) Other social functions Cost price or as determined by the BOM Gear Cost price or as determined by the BOM Insurance No cost to members Non Active members Membership Levy $10 + GST ($11 total) Life Members Presentation Dinner Cost price per ticket if function is attended Other social functions Cost price or as determined by the BOM Gear Cost price for each item purchased Insurance No cost to members Page 3 of 39

4 MATCH FEES AND PAYMENT All fees for the 2014 season will be reflective of fees as set out by NSWRL for all ages and Grades through the Penrith District. These fees are set out below: MATCH FEES FINAL SERIES Grade Referee Touch Judge Referee Touch Judge A Grade $88.00 $53.00 $ $63.00 A Reserve $43.00 $30.00 $53.00 $32.00 U/21 $43.00 $30.00 $53.00 $32.00 U/19 $43.00 $30.00 $53.00 $32.00 U/17 $32.00 $21.00 $36.00 $24.00 U/16 $32.00 $21.00 $36.00 $24.00 U/15 $31.00 $20.00 $34.00 $24.00 U/14 $26.00 $20.00 $31.00 $21.00 U/13 $26.00 $18.00 $31.00 $19.00 Mod rules $21.00 $15.00 $21.00 $15.00 Mini rules $17.00 $13.00 $17.00 $13.00 If you provide the Director of Finance and Sponsorship your bank account details for EFT of referees fees, the Association will endeavour to transfer your fees in two payments during the season, one before June 30 and the final payment at the conclusion of the Sunday Division 1 final series. You can these details to treasurer@penrithreferees.com.au NAME: ADDRESS: BANK ACCOUNT NO: BSB NO: BRANCH By providing these details you are giving permission to the Director of Finance and Sponsorship to electronically transfer funds accrued by you into a the nominated bank account known by you. If these bank details change during the season it is YOUR responsibility to notify the Director of Finance and Sponsorship immediately. If you do not provide your bank details you will be paid by cheque after the Sunday Division 1 final series has ended. Page 4 of 39

5 WEBSITE The Association has established a website at to assist members. Association news and activities are added to the page regularly to keep all members up to date. Each week during the season the appointments are posted early in the week and any changes to these appointments are posted by Thursday night. Each active member MUST check these appointments to see if there games or grounds have been changed. You can also keep up-to-date with Association activities via Facebook and Twitter. On Facebook you can search for the Association account by typing Penrith Referees. Our Twitter handle If anyone has anything they would like added to the website, Facebook or Twitter please contact the media officer at webmaster@penrithreferees.com.au A reminder that all members are bound by the Association s Social Media Policy and must strictly adhere to it. Clause 14.4 A Referee shall not, at any time, make any comment in any publication whether written, televised or broadcast including social media forums, detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of the Association, fellow members and the Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League. By Law 28.8 Mass Information Media (including, but not limited to. Face Book, YouTube, Twitter etc) has the ability for members to either deliberately or inadvertently criticise other members or stakeholders (including, but not limited to Penrith DRL, NRL, NSWRLRA etc.). In the event that such criticism is brought to the attention of the Board of Management, the members responsible shall be stood down immediately from all Association duties and referred to the Discipline Committee. At the Disciplinary Committee hearing the onus shall be on the member to prove the criticism he/she directed at another member/stakeholder was not done so because of their position within or their membership of the Association. Any breach of the above clause and/or by-law will result in the member being referred to the Disciplinary Committee and may hold considerable ramifications for the member responsible. Page 5 of 39

6 PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF REFEREES INTRODUCTION The appointment and assessment of referees is always a very difficult and time-consuming task. In some instances, it is considered to be a thankless task for the members of the Appointments Board as they are placed in a no win situation at final series time. A summary of procedures and guidelines for the appointment of referees to matches in 2014 has been produced following consultation with the Board of Management, (the BOM) Appointments Board (the Board) and the training staff to ensure maximum input from an excellent cross section of experienced people. It is essential for all active members to be conversant with these guidelines. The Appointments Board will apply them stringently to all members throughout the season. Ignorance of the guidelines is no excuse and it will be to your benefit to give 100% effort in all your endeavours both on and off the field in All members have various responsibilities to fulfil in their capacity as an active referee. All active members must observe the following when officiating in matches: Arrive at the ground and be dressed and ready at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement of your game. Never arrive or leave the ground in your gear unless you are travelling to another ground to referee. In those cases wear a tracksuit or other clothing over your referee s gear. Show courtesy to and respect officials, players and your fellow members at all times. Advise the Coordinators of your inability to officiate on any weekend as soon as possible. The deadline for changes to appointments is Thursday at 6pm. METHOD OF APPOINTMENTS The Appointments Board will undertake the appointment of referees to matches, with assistance and advice from the Advisory Panel and the Development Panel. Senior Football The Appointments Board will make the appointments for Sunday football each Sunday evening. Appointments will not be made in advance with the exception of "pencilling in" touch judges. This is possible due to those referees whose NRAS accreditation restricts their eligibility for appointment to referee at this level. The Board will regularly examine competition tables to assist in the appointment of the best performing referees to the most important game/s in each grade. Junior Football The Association has elected a Junior Coordinator who is responsible for the appointment of members, including changes for games played on Saturdays. The Board will review as necessary any member's appointments based on reports received from the Development Panel. School Football If you are available for school football please contact the Junior Coordinator. When appointed to school football, you must ensure that the grade you are asked to officiate is permitted by your accreditation level and age. Page 6 of 39

7 ROLE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Referees Coordinator The Referees Coordinators have overall responsibility for the appointment of referees to all matches played within the Penrith district and under the jurisdiction of the Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League. The Coordinators will also be involved in the organising of training and work under the guidance of the Coaching and Development Manager to facilitate the coaching and development of referees. Appointments Board The Appointments Board will assist the Referees Coordinators with the weekly appointment of referees to all matches played in the Penrith district. Members of the Board will be available each weekend to undertake an assessment of referees performances. The Board will meet each Sunday evening to review reports on the performances of members and to appoint members based on these reports. Reports shall be received from the Advisory Panel, Development Panel and other members co-opted to assist the Board from time to time. Advisory Panel The Advisory Panel will assist the Board with the assessment of members' performances in Sunday football (Under 16 to A Grade). The Advisory Panel members will submit reports to the Board each Sunday and ensure written reports are given to members on the day and copies to the Coordinator within seven days. Advisory Panel members will attend meetings of the Board on the first Sunday of every month and on other occasions when there is reason to do so, for example, a report of an unsatisfactory nature that requires immediate discussion with the Board. Development Panel The Development Panel will assist the Board in the assessment of members' performances in Saturday football. A Secretary will be appointed to the Panel (by the Board) to compile a summary report of members' performances and be a direct link to the Board. A senior member will undertake this role in The primary role of the Development Panel is to offer constructive advice and assistance to the less experienced members. This advice will be invaluable in the future development of our referees, particularly when the areas that require improvement are fed back to the training staff. The Appointments Board will be ex-officio members of the Development Panel. Mentors The roles of the Mentors are defined later in this document. The Mentoring Program is designed to assist all referees in their development and transitional stages. Please contact your Mentor if you need any clarification. Page 7 of 39

8 METHOD OF REPORTS The basic requirement for any report on a member s performance is for the report to be constructive and meaningful. The primary aim of reports is to highlight areas for improvement and to assist the member develop as a referee. Reports that are not constructive will not be accepted by the Board. Written reports are to be submitted to the Board otherwise the report will be deemed invalid. Members of the Board or Advisory Panel shall not be required to submit a report on a member when the Panel member is acting in the capacity of touch judge on the same game. As previously stated, reports are to be given to the member on the day. Members should not leave the ground until the Appointments Board, Advisory Panel or Development Panel member has given them their report. It should be noted the report by a Development Panel member will on occasions be a summary of the member's performances in several games during the day. The Board shall apply the following rating system to matches played under the International rules: Highly Competent (with constructive comments) Competent (with comments for improvement as necessary) Area of Focus (with comments guiding the referee on areas to focus on next game) Area of Improvement (with constructive comments to rectify problems) Members who are demoted will be initially be advised by telephone by the Senior Coordinator of their demotion and offered the opportunity to meet with the Board to discuss the report. The six key areas the Board and Advisory Panel shall assess a referee s performance are: 10 metres Scrum Control Play the ball Rulings Positional Play General Play Grading of Referees The Board will initially grade referees for Sunday football in accordance with their end of season ranking, participation and performance in trials and organised training sessions, as well as any other factors that the Coordinator deems necessary. The Board retains the right to grade other members at their discretion in a particular grade. This applies to members transferring from other districts, new members and so on. Members shall not be appointed to any match if they do not possess the appropriate accreditation as approved by the National Rugby League. It should also be noted the Board will not appoint any member until such time as the Senior Coordinator has received an Availability Form. Where members do not officiate in trial matches, without an approved exemption, the Board reserves the right to grade them at their discretion. Members will not initially be graded by a number but placed in a group representative of the grade of football in which they are officiating at the time. Members will be graded on ability, merit and performance. Page 8 of 39

9 TRAINING Training is held every Tuesday at Jamison Park No. 5 from 6.30pm to 8pm. You need to bring your whistle, flags, boots and joggers to every session. Training will address both fitness and skills including laws of the game All active members are encouraged to attend training as this plays an important role in your development as a referee. All members who are currently or aspiring to referee under 19, A Reserve and A Grade are required to attend training. The Board will consider the attendance and participation of members at training when assessing members eligibility and ability to referee final series matches. Members unable to attend training should advise the Referees' Coordinators in writing. It should be noted that to attend training is to participate; do not attend training if you are not prepared or able to train. In the event of wet weather please check the Association s website for notice of a change of venue. COACHING AND DEVELOPMENT OF REFEREES The Coaching and Development Manager will oversee the coaching and development of all referees. It is the responsibility of the Appointments Board, Advisory Panel and Coordinators to identify areas for improvement in referees. The Coaching and Development Manager will at times hold training sessions that will focus on laws of the game and theory sessions. It is strongly encouraged that referees attend these sessions. It is very important for referees to seek coaching and guidance from other referees also. This may include your mentor, a more senior referee or your advisory/appointments board member. The Coaching and Development Manager can be contacted on or coach@penrithreferees.com.au. Coaching and tips will also be available on the Association s website. REFEREEING GAMES You should only officiate in matches that you have been appointed to, or have been officially advised to by the Referees Coordinators. On the Monday following the weekend matches, the updated appointments for the previous weekend will be posted in the Members Only area of the Association website It is your responsibility to check the changes to the appointments and that the games that you officiated are reflected on the appointments on the website. If these are wrong (games you did are not reflected on the changes) send an to the Assistant Director of Finance at gamechanges@penrithreferees.com.au and advise them of the changes. If your games are correct then you do not have to do anything. At 5pm on the Friday following the weekend s games the appointment changes on the website will be removed. From that point those are the appointments that will be tallied for each member and match fees allocated accordingly. Adjustments will not be made after the Friday deadline. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Director of Finance & Sponsorship. They would rather help you and answer your questions at the start of the season instead of advising you that you will not be paid for games because you did not check the change. Page 9 of 39

10 INTERPRETATION GUIDELINES & LAW CHANGES 2014 The following Interpretation Guidelines (of the Laws of the Games) and changes to the Laws of the Games approved by the NRL will be implemented in games played in the Penrith District Junior Rugby League in Interpretation Guidelines Shoulder Charge will be penalised when a defending player does not make a genuine attempt to tackle the man in possession. A player who turns his hips in, tucks an arm in a way that he cannot catch/hold the man in possession; this will be deemed a shoulder charge. High Tackle a defender will be penalised when he makes any contact with the head or neck of an opposing player. 10 metres will be measured from the centre of the ruck. When the play the ball is taking place on a line of demarcation, the referee will mark the 10 metres at the next line. Role of Touch Judges the touch judge is the sole judge of touch and touch in goal and kicks at goal. In senior games the touch judge will assist the referee in policing the 10 metres as the near side touch judge will be in line with the ruck/ptb, and the far side touch judge will be marking the 10metres in line with the Referee. Penalty / Free Kick a penalty or free kick is to be taken in compliance with the Laws of the Game (section 13) and a quick penalty restart is permitted on any infringement against the team not in possession except: 10 metre penalties; within 10 metres of the opposition goal line; where the referee is required to caution a player; where the referee requires it to be delayed; or where the mark has been advanced. Captain s Communication the captain is entitled to speak to the referee to clarify a ruling at any stoppage including tries, injuries or goal line dropout and at halftime prior to leaving the field. A penalty or scrum is not considered to be a stoppage for the purpose of a captain s communication with the referee. 2. International Law Changes Spearing at the Legs/Third Man In when a player is held in an upright position by two defenders, any additional defender must make initial contact to the player above their knees/knee joint. In addition, referees will call held earlier on upright tackles to deter unnecessary contact by the third man in tackles and have been advised to take strong action against players who commit a breach of this law. 20 metre restart the optional kick is to be taken in accordance with the Laws of the Games (sections 2 and 8) and must be taken when all officials are in position and when the whistle is blown. The first tackle after a 20-metre restart will be a zero tackle. 40/20 restart after a successful 40/20 kick, play will recommence with a tap kick awarded to the attacking team 20 metres from the touchline but no closer than 10 metres from the goal line. Kick out on full if the ball is kicked into touch on the full on any tackle, the non-offending team will recommence play with a handover where the ball was kicked but no closer than 10 metres from the touchline and 10 metres from the goal line. Page 10 of 39

11 3. Modified Laws Changes: Based on feedback provided by the State Leagues, two changes were approved for implementation in season The law changes for 2014 applicable to the under 6 and under 7 year age groups are as follows: following a try, the non-scoring team will restart play from the halfway line with a tap kick; and no scrums will apply to the modified games under any circumstance (See Appendix A below for further detail on both these law changes) Appendix A The following supported and agreed changes to the Laws, effective in the Under 6 and Under 7 (Mini Footy) age groups only will apply in 2014: Scrum Scrums are not to be formed in the 6 and 7 year age groups. A change of possession will occur in all circumstance where otherwise a scrum may have been formed in the 6 and 7 year age groups. In the case of (c) below, the team with territorial advantage will be provided with possession. (14) Scrums, should they occur in Mini Footy (never in 6 and 7 year age groups), will consist of three (3) players from each team who are to be correctly bound in the accepted fashion. A scrum will only be packed when (a) there is an infringement by BOTH sides, e.g. a double knock-on, except after three (3) play-the-balls; (b) from a penalty kick the ball is touched by a member of the non-kicking team before entering touch; (c) there is an infringement involving the referee, a touch judge or a spectator. Starts / Re-Starts of Play (17) Following a try, the non-scoring team will re-start play with a place kick (i.e. tap kick restart) from the centre of the halfway line. The ball need not travel any prescribed distance. The place kick re-starts are to be taken, in rotation, by all members of the team as in Law 16 re attempts at conversion after a try has been scored. (18) Although the field is reduced in size, scrums for 8 years and above are still to be set 10 metres from the touch line and goal line. Penalties normally taken 10 metres from the goal line are still to be taken from that line. Page 11 of 39

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14 TOUGH LOVE in league Curbing violence in our game

15 TOUGH LOVE IS Automatic send off s for punching Zero tolerance of fighting Abandoning games for Melee s Minimum suspensions for violence Stamping out abuse of match officials Be FAIR Beware Bewarned

16 IT S TIME TO GET TOUGH In season 2011, NSW Junior Leagues will crack down on violence in the Grassroots game. Leagues have agreed to trial the new Tough Love in League regulations in the Under 13 Under 17 age groups. The program has the endorsement of the NSW Rugby League, and is documented in this brochure. No longer will a minority ruin the Rugby League experience for the vast majority. The Tough Love in League (TLIL) program was designed with four key objectives in mind: 1. To reduce the amount of violence in the Grassroots game. 2. To take pressure off young and inexperienced referees and match officials. 3. To make the Junior League experience safe, fair and fun for all. 4. To encourage increased participation in the game. Desired program outcomes, include: Reduced on field violence. Elimination of unsavoury behaviour towards referees. Stop all in melees. Remove repeat offenders from the game (both teams and individuals). Reduce the number of matches being abandoned because of poor behaviour. Stop spectators from entering the field. Educate players at a young age that violence in our game will not be tolerated. 1. Charge Sheets 1.1 All Leagues are encouraged to use standardised send off charge sheets. 2. Legal Representation 2.1 A player may take legal representation into a judiciary hearing. However the Judiciary may suspend such a hearing until it retains legal representation on its own behalf. 3. Video Evidence 3.1 Junior Leagues are encouraged to provide video coverage at all Sunday JL games. This will assist with judiciary procedures, and for citing purposes. 4. On Field Violence ARL Laws of the Game Player s Misconduct - A player is guilty of misconduct if he: a) Trips, kicks or strikes another player. When instances of misconduct occur, unless there is an advantage to the non-offending side, a penalty is awarded against the offender. Note: (a) is considered to be foul play and may warrant instant dismissal. They are not Sin Bin offences. 4.1 Zero tolerance of fighting on the field. Any player who throws a punch or strikes another during a match will be automatically sent from the field. If that player is subsequently found guilty at Judiciary, the MINIMUM penalty will be a one week suspension. 4.2 Any player found guilty of breaching rule 4.1 for the third time in a season will incur an automatic MINIMUM 12 month suspension from the game. 4.3 A TIME OUT system will be introduced whenever a severe melee occurs. A melee is considered to be misconduct involving more than two players in the game at any one time. The referee will signal a TIME OUT period and call for the ground manager to bring both coaches onto the field. coaches.

17 Be FAIR Beware Bewarned Teams are to be taken to opposite ends of the field and spoken to by their respective coaches. The referee will then dismiss from the field offending players under the TLIL policy (4.1). The ground manager and referees will decide when play will resume. A repeat melee will result in the match automatically being abandoned. If a match is abandoned after a time out period, the respective 4.6 Any player who runs onto the field of play from the team bench area during a match will be automatically sent from the field and incur a MINIMUM six week suspension if found guilty at Judiciary. 5. Match Official Abuse 5.1 Any player or official found guilty of touching a referee or official in an aggressive or inappropriate manner will be disqualified from the game for a minimum period of If a person breaches a disqualification under rule 6.1, the team and or club that the person is associated with will be liable for penalty under the ARL Code of Conduct. 7. Trainers, Coaches and Managers 7.1 If a trainer, coach or manager touches an opposition player during a melee an automatic MINIMUM six week suspension will apply if that person is found guilty of such an offence. coach s from the offending teams months. For the Tough Love in League will face a Code of Conduct panel 5.2 Any player or official who regulations to be successful, hearing. verbally abuses or intimidates they will require the complete 4.4 Penalties for abandoned games will be at the discretion of the local League as there can be many different a referee or match official will be dismissed from the field and face Judiciary for further judgment. cooperation from all involved in the game at grassroots level. There will be pain before there is gain. circumstances to consider 6. Spectators If our game is to flourish, we when judging such cases. 6.1 Any spectator who enters the need to rid it of the element that The NSWRL would urge that playing area with intent, will ruins the enjoyment that so many in the majority of cases that automatically be banned from people get from it week in and games are not replayed, and attending any Junior League week out. We need to make it fair, teams are liable for loss of fixtures for a MINIMUM period safe and enjoyable for all involved. competition points. of twelve months and will be 4.5 Any team that has had more than two abandoned liable to pay a fine under the ARL Code of Conduct. matches in a season will be automatically disqualified from that competition for that season.

18 NATIONAL SAFEPLAY CODE

19 INTRODUCTION The Safeplay Code was developed to emphasise safety and good conduct within the game of Rugby League by creating the best possible on-field environment and actively controlling undesirable actions. It applies to all players up to and including the Under 15 years age group. 1. TACKLE ZONE The Code: TACKLES ABOVE THE ARMPITS ARE NOT PERMITTED. Application: (a) It is an infringement if, whilst attempting to effect a tackle on a ball-carrier running with an upright posture, a defender makes contact above the armpits intentionally, recklessly or carelessly. (b) It is an infringement for a defender/tackler to set upon the head or neck region of a ball-carrier. (c) A defender, in front of a ball-carrier who is diving or running with a stooped posture, is permitted to come in contact with the ball-carrier s shoulder provided the defender s arm(s) extends down the shoulder and trunk, i.e. underneath the ball-carrier. Reference: Law Book: - Section 15, Law 1 (b), Page DANGEROUS TACKLES The Code: (2.1) THE TACKLER S LEGS CANNOT BE USED TO TRIP IN A THROW. Application: The use of the legs in a tackle is not permissible. Using the legs (even if the defender has a hand/ hands on the ball-carrier) to trip or throw the ball carrier constitutes an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section 15, to Law 1 (a) and (d), Page 38 The Code: (2.2) ADOPTING A CROTCH HOLD IS MISCONDUCT Application: Adopting a crotch hold i.e. by placing either a hand or arm in the crotch region is an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (i), Page 38 The Code: (2.3) NO VERTICAL LIFT IN A TACKLE IS PERMITTED. Application: Vertical lifting in a tackle is an infringement. No defender(s), during the course of a tackle, are permitted to vertically lift the ball - carrier. If the possibility of a vertical lift occurs, i.e. one or both feet of the ball-carrier have been lifted off the ground, the referee must immediately blow the whistle to prevent the tackle from continuing. (This is not to be confused with a tackle that, in the same motion, knocks a player off his feet). Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (d), and Notes to Law 1(d), Page 38 The Code: (2.4) A BALL-CARRIER CANNOT BE LIFTED AND DRIVEN. Application: A tackle that results in the ball-carrier being lifted and remaining off the ground while the tackler takes two (2) or more steps to drive the player (in any direction and while the ball-carrier s feet are off the ground) is an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (d), Notes 1 (d), Page 38. The Code: (2.5) THE ADDITIONAL FOLLOWING ACTION(S) BY A TACKLER WILL ALSO INCUR AN IMMEDIATE PENALTY. Application: It is an infringement if, during the course of a tackle, a defender or defenders intentionally lift the leg/ foot of the ball carrier. (This is not to be confused with a tackle that in the same motion, knocks a player off his feet). Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (d) and Notes 1 (d), Page 38. The Code: (2.6) A DEFENDER CANNOT PUSH THE BALL-CARRIER TO EFFECT/COMPLETE A TACKLE. Application: A defender who pushes the ball-carrier to effect / complete a tackle is guilty of an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (i), Page SHOULDER CHARGE The Code: A DEFENDER CANNOT SHOULDER CHARGE A BALL-CARRIER TO AFFECT A TACKLE. Application: Shoulder Charge is where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier (or any opposing player) using the arms or hands, makes direct physical contact with the shoulder or the upper arm (tucked into the side). Reference: Law Book Section 15, 1(k) Page 38.

20 4. VICIOUS PALM The Code: THE BALL-CARRIER CANNOT THRUST OUT AN ARM TO CONTACT THE DEFENDER ABOVE THE SHOULDER. Application: It is an infringement for the ball-carrier to violently punch, thrust out an arm or use an outstretched stiff arm so as to make contact with the hand or fist to the defending player s head, neck or face. (This section does not state that a player cannot legitimately palm the head, neck or face). Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (a), Page SLINGING The Code: Application: THE USE OF THE BALL-CARRIER S ARM, OR JERSEY TO SLING OR SWING A PLAYER IS PROHIBITED. A defender who uses the arm or jersey of the ball-carrier to sling or swing the player in a tackle commits an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section 11, Notes 1 (a). Page SANDBAGGING (FLOPPING) The Code: A DEFENDER CANNOT DROP OR FALL ON A PRONE PLAYER. Application: It is an infringement for a defender to drop, dive or fall on a player in possession of the ball who is prone or stationary on the ground and not attempting to play-on. (A simple hand-on completes the tackle). Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (i), Page SURRENDER (IN THE TACKLE) The Code: THE BALL-CARRIER MAY SURRENDER IN THE TACKLE. WHEN SMALL AND/OR INEXPERIENCED PLAYERS ARE INVOLVED IN A SURRENDER, DEFENDERS MUST NOT COMPLETE THE TACKLE. Application: This rule is designed to protect beginners and small players by minimising risk and eliminating excessively robust play. The referee, NOT the player, calls held. Players who are at an obvious disadvantage because of low levels of experience, are of small stature or show a lack of skill are to be protected when in possession of the ball and being tackled. A halt to play is to be called (BY THE REFEREE) when these players submit to the tackle or are held, subdued or their progress is halted by bigger or more experienced players. Failure by a tackler to respond to the referee s call is an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section l l, Law 2 (c), Page 23, Note 2 (c), Page VERBAL ABUSE / FOUL LANGUAGE The Code: IT IS AN INFRINGEMENT TO USE THREATENING OR OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE. Application: Verbal abuse, obscene language and sledging, including comments or words that threaten or denigrate an opponent, referee or supporter is an infringement. Reference: Law Book - Section 15, Law 1 (f), Page SCRUMS The Code: Application: PUSHING OR PULLING IN, OR ROTATING A SCRUM IS NOT PERMITTED. All scrums are to be de-powered. Scrums will form as per the following instruction: FORM, ENGAGE & HOLD. A team that deliberately pushes or pulls in, or rotates a scrum is guilty of an infringement. Once the ball has been fed into the scrum, only the hookers may strike for the ball. Second row players can lift a foot to rake the ball out of the scrum, but cannot step forward over the ball to cause the ball to come out of the scrum. Reference: Law Book - Section 12, Law 4, Page 30 It should be noted that every penalty under the Safeplay Code should be accompanied by a caution and instruction to the player responsible for the infringement.

21 IMPORTANT NOTE IT IS MANDATORY THAT A PENALTY IS AWARDED FOLLOWING ANY BREACH/INFRINGEMENT OF THE SAFEPLAY CODE. IN ADDITION TO A PENALTY FOR A BREACH, REFEREES AT THEIR DISCRETION MAY: SIN BIN THE OFFENDING PLAYER (INTERNATIONAL GAME ONLY) DISMISS THE OFFENDING PLAYER FROM FIELD OF PLAY (INTERNATIONAL GAME ONLY) Refer International Laws, Section 13, 1 (a) and Section 15- Player s Misconduct REPLACEMENT IN MINI/MOD GAME Refer Rugby League Laws of Mini Footy & Mod League Page 14, Law (25) & Page 37 Law (23) ADVANTAGE PLAY & THE SAFEPLAY CODE A penalty kick must follow any infringement. 1. IF NO ADVANTAGE OCCURS, the penalty is to be awarded immediately at the mark where the infringment occured. 2. IF AN ADVANTAGE OCCURS, the penalty is to be awarded either at the breakdown in play immediately after the misconduct occurred, (unless a try is imminent) or where the act of misconduct occurred, whichever is to the greater advantage to the non-offending team. 3. WHEN A TRY HAS BEEN SCORED in the same play in which the act of misconduct occurred or in the immediate play thereafter (the imminent factor), the penalty kick, additional to the conversion, will be awarded in front of the goal posts. A kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick (place or drop) and play re-started from the centre on the half-way line irrespective of the outcome of the kick. A NOTE ON MODIFIED GAMES ( Laws of Modified Games, Corcoran, 2002.) The Sin Bin does not apply in Mini Footy or Mod League games. Should a player be guilty of such conduct that merits suspension from the field for a time, then the referee is to advise the player s team Captain of the problem and direct that the player be replaced for the remainder of that period of play during which the misconduct occurred. A player s Captain may be directed to replace the player for the remainder of the game should that player s misconduct warrant such action. In this case, the offending player cannot take any further part in the match. A player - replaced for a period (Mini) or half (Mod) who resumes playing in a later period / half AND is guilty of further misconduct MUST be dismissed WITHOUT REPLACEMENT. (International Laws apply here). IMPLEMENTING THE Safeplay CODE Promoting the Code All parents, players, coaches and referees should familiarise themselves with the Safeplay Code before the commencement of the season and subsequent matches. A copy of the Code should be available and prominently displayed at match venues and training sessions. Referees The Referee s total implementation of the Safeplay Code is the key to its success. Referees must be fully briefed on the detailed workings of the Safeplay Code. The most suitable personnel to do this are the appointed Coaching and Development Staff or Referees Co-ordinators/Providers/Coaches. Coaches Coaches are the other vital factor in ensuring that the Code is applied successfully. All coaches must ensure that their players are aware of, and fully understand, the Safeplay Code and observe it to the letter. All Matches To ensure that all parties fully understand the Safeplay Code, a pre-match meeting should be held, at International Law games, between the match Referee, Coaches, Ground Officials and where possible, team Captains. It may take a few matches for Referees and players to become accustomed to the Code. However, the right balance will soon be achieved as long as all concerned work together and realise that the code will benefit all players and the game. [The original Safeplay Code was written by Graham Chaffey - NSWRL - and trialled by the NSWCRL in 1995.] National Rugby League ABN: Rugby League Central Driver Avenue, Moore Park NSW 2021 T: Published March 2013

22 PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN MINI OR MOD FOOTBALL If you have directed the captain to replace a player in Mini or Mod football, and in your opinion, that player would have been dismissed if International rules had applied, then at the completion of the match, take a note of the player s name, jumper number, registration number, club and age group. The Referee must not take the player s registration card or sign on sheet. Complete a Judiciary Report Form with the relevant details. This must be forwarded to the Executive Officer immediately by . The Executive Officer passes the form onto the Judiciary Chairman for his consideration. Depending on the nature of the incident the Judiciary Chairman may hold a judiciary hearing into the incident. If this occurs, you will be required to attend. You will be notified by the Executive Officer in this instance. PROCEDURE FOR DISMISSING A PLAYER IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL If you have dismissed a player from the field of play in international football, the following procedure is to be adhered to: 1. Complete the Dismissal Form in triplicate. If the dismissal occurred as the result of a report from one or both Touch Judges, ensure that they also sign the form. An official from the dismissed players club should sign the form and will be given the Club Official copy. Please note that for the charge of Trips, Kicks or Strikes you must identify the specific action trip, kick or strike. If a player is dismissed for Obscene and Offensive Language and this language is directed at a match official, then you must indicate this on the Dismissal Form. 2. Do NOT take the player s registration card or sign on sheet. You may ask to view both to copy down the details you need. 3. Inform the Executive Officer on by 7pm on the evening of the dismissal. If you get the answering machine leave the following details: a. Date b. Referee s Name c. Touch Judge s involved (if any) d. Grade e. Player s Name f. Player s Club g. Player s Registration Number h. Charges(s) i. Grading of the Charge (see page 23 for information on how to grade a charge) 4. The Referee and Touch Judge(s) (If applicable) involved will complete the Judiciary Report form which must be sent to the Executive Officer via by 7pm the evening of the dismissal. Page 22 of 39

23 5. The Referee and Touch Judge(s) (if applicable) will attend Judiciary at 6.30pm on the following Wednesday at the Junior League Office, Level One, Sportingbet Stadium, Mulgoa Road, Penrith. At this time the referee will submit the following: a. Copy of the Dismissal Report b. Three copies of their Judiciary report form(s) and touch judges report(s) if applicable c. Sign on sheet 6. If your player has taken the early guilty plea you will be informed by the Executive Officer. If you do not hearing anything you must attend Judiciary as above. 7. The Judiciary Committee will arrange for a copy of the Judiciary report form(s) to be given to the player. 8. All will then wait to be called by Judiciary Committee to give evidence on the dismissal. If you wish to leave for a short period ensure that permission is sought from either the referees' representative on the Judiciary Panel or the Judiciary Chairman. 9. After your hearing, leave the premises immediately. DO NOT wait for the player to be called in to hear the decision. 10. Whilst you are at Judiciary, ensure your behaviour is of the highest standard. You and the Referee s Association as a whole will be judged on the manner in which you conduct yourself at judiciary. The Referee s representative will usually be present, and they will regularly forward reports to the Executive Officer on the conduct of members at Judiciary hearings. 11. Ensure that your dress and manner are appropriate for attending Judiciary hearings. The minimum standard is the Association polo shirt with (good) jeans or trousers. You may wear the Association Jumper and tie with business shirt. If you have been officiating that afternoon or evening, you may wear the Association tracksuit. If you do not have Association supplied "off-field" attire neat "neutral" clothing is advised. Club Shirts/Football jumpers (especially from a Junior League club) ARE NOT TO BE WORN. GRADING OF DISMISSALS Offences are divided into three grades with grade 1 representing the lower end of the scale of seriousness and grade 3 representing the higher end of the scale of seriousness. When reporting a dismissal to the Executive Officer you must grade the seriousness of the offence. This grading is not passed on to the players and is for the information of the Junior League s Compliance and Legal Manager only, so it MUST NOT be included in your Judiciary Report. If you are unsure how to grade an offence please speak to the Executive Officer when reporting your dismissal. Page 23 of 39

24 JUDICIARY: THE CORRECT CHARGES The Dismissal Form lists the charges as they are written in Section 15 of the International Laws. Simply tick the correct charge(s) on the day of the dismissal; you expand the circumstances with the Judiciary Report form. For example: if a player is dismissed for a high tackle, you would tick: when effecting or attempting to effect a tackle makes contact with the head or neck of an opponent intentionally, recklessly or carelessly. Some important exceptions or variations to this are: If one player punches another player and is dismissed, the charge laid on the day would be trips, kicks or strikes another player. You would then circle the specific action, strike. It follows that should the player trip an opponent, you would circle trips and if a player kicks another player, circle kicks. A player may be dismissed for use of obscene or offensive language, in which case that box would be ticked. If the player has directed this language at a match official, you MUST also tick the box stating at a Referee or Touch Judge. Failure to select this box when necessary means that the player will not have to answer to the charge of directing offensive language at the official, merely just using offensive language which may carry a lesser penalty. If any racial insults/vilification is used, irrelevant of who it was directed at, the correct charge to use is behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game. Underneath the box for that charge, the Referee will write racial vilification. This will also be written on the Judiciary Report Form. When you ring the Executive Officer, ensure you tell her that racial vilification is involved. In the event that a player leaves the sin bin to join in a fight (or start one), two charges would be laid. Firstly, Trips, kicks or strikes another player, (assuming he did punch someone), and Re-enters the field of play without the permission of the Referee or Touch Judge having previously temporarily retired from the game. NOTE: Be careful with this second charge, it only applies to a player in the sin bin, a reserve player who has already taken part in the game or a player who is outside the field of play at the time of the incident. Also Note, the words running a distance, are not included anywhere. If a player did run a distance to throw a punch, you would include this detail in your Judiciary Report form. If you are assaulted or threatened by a player, the correct charge to use is behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game. Again, you would put the details in the Judiciary Report form. Page 24 of 39

25 PROCEDURES FOR ASSAULT ON A REFEREE/TOUCH JUDGE Unfortunately, sometimes a referee or touch judge will be pushed, shoved or otherwise assaulted by a player. The following procedure must be adhered to: 1. Dismiss the player. The procedure for dismissing a player must be followed, including the judiciary hearing. If you still feel threatened or if the matter is serious the police may be called. 2. Contact the Executive Officer immediately to report the incident. If the Executive Officer cannot be reached, contact another Executive member in the following order: President; Coaching and Development Manager, Vice President; or Director of Finance & Sponsorship. 3. Report the incident to the police. Attend the police station nearest to the ground where the incident occurred. Take the names of witnesses (e.g. touch judges, Ground Manager, officials) and any other items (video of the incident, doctor s report etc.) that may help the police with their inquiries. An Executive member may accompany you if requested. Should the police pursue the matter, you may be called upon to give evidence if the matter goes to court. Keep all records of the incident, as this may take some time. PROCEDURE FOR ALLEGATION OF BITING, EYE GOUGING OR RACIAL VILIFICATION When a player indicates to the Referee that he has been bitten, eye gouged or the subject to racist comments, the referee will: 1. Call time out. 2. Witness the injury (Bite or gouge mark). 3. Ask the player to identify the alleged offender. 4. Call BOTH Touch Judges, BOTH captains and the alleged offender to witness the injury (Bite or gouge mark) and hear the allegation. 5. The Referee should then inform both players and witnesses that s/he will complete a formal complaint form after the match regarding the incident. The Touch Judge on the official table side of the field will report the alleged offender(s) number and request that it be clearly marked on the sign on sheet. 6. Play will then resume as normal. 7. Following the match the Referee and both Touch Judges, will complete a Referee s Incident/Match report Form indicating the nature of the complaint, player s names and numbers, and clubs of both the complainant and the accused. The Referee will NOT take the players card. 8. The Referee will notify the Executive Officer of the complaint that evening, indicating: a. Referee and touch judges involved b. Nature of the incident (i.e. Biting or eye gouging, racial vilification) Page 25 of 39

26 c. Complainants (bitten or gouged player) name and Club d. Accused (player alleged to have bitten or gouged or made racist comment), name and club e. Accused player s registration number f. Age 9. The complainant player and his club must submit paperwork to the Junior League for the complaint to proceed. If this occurs, the Referee and Touch Judges may have to attend the hearing of the Conduct Review Committee as witnesses. PROCEDURE FOR ANY OTHER INCIDENT OCCURRING AT A GROUND From time to time, incidents/events occur at a ground in which the Referee/Touch Judge have little control over. For example, poor spectator behaviour, Trainers/Coaches overstepping the mark, etc. You are to fill out an Incident Report if any of the following occur: Poor spectator behaviour or spectators invading the playing area. If you tell any club trainer he/she is not to return to the field of play. If an object(s) is/are thrown at the Referee/Touch Judge. If a Coach/Club Official approaches you in the incorrect manner. (Saturday or Sunday). If you are threatened by any player/official or spectator after the match. You should consider taking this matter to the police as well. If play has been abandoned in any game, for any reason including under the Tough Love in League policy. (Poor weather, lack of crowd control, unsafe playing field, unable to control players, crowd become involved in on-field fight etc). If you are at a ground and witness an incident that was missed by the Referee and/or Touch Judge. Contact the Executive Officer first before filling in a report for this. A major incident (where you feel that the safety of yourself, players or spectators is at risk) or abandoned match should be reported to the Executive Officer by telephone THAT EVENING (prior to 7pm), and the Incident Report ed to the Executive Officer. Following a request from the Junior League, all Referees are to fill in an incident report for Trainers who overstep the mark even if the offence is minor. This will allow the Junior League to monitor the behaviour of all trainers. NOTE: The filling in of an incident report does not automatically mean a hearing. A dim view will be held of any member who either complains about an incident at a ground and hasn t filled in an incident report or has a major incident at a ground and the Association finds out through a third party. Page 26 of 39

27 JEWELLERY POLICY Watches: Up to the individual Referee/Touch Judge. It is preferable that they are not worn, but the decision, (and therefore the risk), is left in the hands of the individual. Rings: May be worn provided they are a plain style band (i.e. wedding band). Chunky or engagement style rings are NOT to be worn. Chains/Necklaces: Are permitted provided they are hidden by the jersey. Hair Clips: Are to be plain and NOT ornamented in any way. Ear Rings, Nose rings, Mouth rings, Eyebrow studs: Not to be worn whilst refereeing. If you have recently had the body part pierced, you are to contact the Co-ordinators and advise him how long the ring or stud must remain in, (usually about two weeks). You will be permitted to wear the ring or stud for that period of time provided that it is covered with a bandaid or Elastoplast. GROUND LOCATIONS CLUB FIELD ADDRESS Blacktown City Jack Myers Fields Aliberti Drive, Blacktown Blacktown Workers HE Laybutt Reservoir Road, Blacktown Brothers Hickeys Lane Coombes Drive, Penrith Cambridge Park- Alsopp & Patterson Oval Oxford Street, Cambridge Park Cranebrook Colyton CEC Blinkhorn (Ridge Park) Great Wester Highway, Colyton Doonside Kareela Reserve Eastern Road, Doonside Emu Plains Leonay Oval Leonay Parade, Emu Plains (near Leonay Sporting Club) Glenmore Park Ched Towns Reserve Luttrell Street, Glenmore Park Hawkesbury City Turnbull Oval The Terrace, North Richmond (near Hawkesbury Panthers Sporting Club) Katoomba Katoomba Showground Great Western Highway, Katoomba Lower Mountains Warrimoo Oval Rickard Road, Warrimoo Minchinbury Mount Druitt Town Centre Ralph Street, Mt Druitt PCYC Mt Druitt Peter Van Hasselt Reserve Off Koomooloo Crescent, Shalvey Penrith Waratahs Doug Rennie Fields First & Second Avenues, Kingswood Quakers Hill Waite Reserve Tamarind Drive, Acacia Gardens Riverstone Basil Andrews Fields Creek Street, Riverstone Rooty Hill Whalan Reserve Debrincat Avenue, Tregear St Clair Peppertree Sporting Complex Peppertree & Swallow Roads, Erskine Park St Marys The Kingsway The Kingsway, St Marys St Marys Leagues Stadium Cnr Forrester & Baronia Road, St Marys St Patricks Meurants Lane Reserve Meurants Lane, Glenwood Western City Tigers Heber Park Pringle Road, Hebersham Windsor Windsor Sporting Complex Rifle Range Road, Windsor Page 27 of 39

28 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE INCIDENT & DISMISSALS PLAYER REPLACED IN MINI OR MOD FOOTBALL (U6 TO U12) Call the Executive Officer, Sarah Ford on report to: Before 7pm THAT DAY PLAYER DISMISSED IN INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL (U13 TO A GRADE) Call the Executive Officer, Sarah Ford on Before 7pm THAT DAY report to: secretary@penr ithreferees.com.au Before 7pm THAT DAY Take a copy to judiciary with you INCIDENT OCCURS AT A GROUND Call the Executive Officer, Sarah Ford on Before 7pm THAT DAY Call the Executive Officer, Sarah Ford on report to: secretary@penrithreferees.co m.au Before 7pm THAT DAY Page 28 of 39

29 CONDUCT OF MEMBERS The Association s members must act in a disciplined and professional manner at all times. Below is the Code of Behaviour, as found in Section 14 of the Constitution, outlining your responsibilities and expectation whenever you are representing the Association. BREACH OF PROCEDURES OR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR Where the Association receives information that a member has breached these Procedures, or other reasonable instruction by a member of the management team, the Association may either: Issue a breach notice whereby the alleged breach of procedures will be identified and a fine or other such action will be notified; or Advise the member that they are to attend a Disciplinary Hearing to investigate and adjudicate on the complaint. In the event of a breach notice being issued, the member may elect to have the complaint heard by the Disciplinary Committee so that they may explain or defend the complaint. Where the Association receives a complaint that a member has breached the Code of Behaviour, the member may be asked to appear before the Disciplinary Committee to determine the complaint and relevant punishment, remedial actions or other course of action as appropriate. CODE OF BEHAVIOUR 14.1 A Referee must not, during the course of, or after a match, abuse or address a player, coach, Club official, in insulting terms or act on a provocative manner towards a player, coach, Club official or League official A Referee must not, while officiating in a game, use offensive language or engage in any conduct detrimental to the spirit or image of the game and the Association A Referee must at all times act, dress and behave in a manner befitting a member of the Association A Referee shall not, at any time, make any comment in any publication whether written, televised or broadcast, detrimental to the interests, welfare or image of the Association, fellow members and the Junior League A Referee shall not enter into an individual sponsorship agreement which conflicts with the spirit or substance of the Sponsorship of the Association A Referee shall not gamble on the result of a match under the jurisdiction of the Penrith and Districts Junior Rugby League Where the Association receives a report of any alleged breach of this Code of Behaviour, the Executive of the Association, may, if the member is found guilty of a breach of this code after due inquiry, disqualify, suspend or otherwise deal with the member concerned. Page 29 of 39

30 BY LAW 28.9 MASS INFORMATION MEDIA Mass Information Media (including but not limited to Face Book, YouTube, Twitter etc) has the ability for members to either deliberately or inadvertently criticize members or stakeholders (including, but not limited to Penrith DRL, NRL. NSWRLRA etc). In the event that such criticism is brought to the attention of the entire Board of Management, the members responsible shall be stood down immediately from all Association duties and referred to the Discipline Committee (a process which can take two weeks or more). At the Disciplinary Committee hearing the onus shall be on the member to prove the criticism he/she directed at another member was not done so because of their position within or their membership of the Association. MISCONDUCT Below is an extract of Section 15 of the Constitution relating to misconduct 15.1 A committee of (3) three Life members to be elected by the members as a Discipline Committee to administer Clause 15 and sub clauses The Discipline Committee shall have the power to cite or cause to appear before the Discipline Committee of the Association any of its members against whom a complaint of conduct contrary to policy or prejudicial to the interests, welfare or image of the Association shall have been made Upon any complaint being made of conduct contrary to the policy or prejudicial to the interests, welfare or image of the Association the Discipline Committee shall have the power to deal with such complaint and in the exercise of the power hereby conferred may disqualify, suspend or otherwise deal with any member it finds, after due inquiry, to have been guilty of such conduct, provided that before the meeting with the Discipline Committee, at least seven (7) days notice in writing of such meeting and of what is alleged shall be given to the member. The member shall at such meeting and before the Discipline Committee reaches a decision have had an opportunity of giving orally or in writing any explanation or defence deemed appropriate Any member failing to appear before the Discipline Committee when called upon, shall be suspended until the member appears The decision of the Discipline Committee in respect of such matters shall be final subject only to the right of appeal to the Penrith District Rugby League Club Appeals Commi8ttee providing such an appeal is in the hands of the Executive Officer of the Association not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of notification of the Discipline Committee s decision. Page 30 of 39

31 EXECUTIVE AND BOARD OF MANAGEMENT All correspondence to Executive Officer PO Box 106 BLACKTOWN NSW President Brett Lynch Vice President Michael Signoretti Executive Officer Sarah Ford Coaching and Development Manager Gary Haines Director of Finance & Sponsorship Phil Haines Board of Management Stephen Bourke Board of Management Luke Burton Board of Management Rickey McFarlane Board of Management Casey Wouters Board of Management Trista Walker Page 31 of 39

32 OTHER OFFICE BEARERS Senior Coordinator John Woods Junior Coordinator Luke Evans Assistant Director of Finance & Sponsorship (for game changes) Russell Turner Social Secretary Rickey McFarlane Gear Steward Luke Burton Welfare Officer Casey Wouters Internal Auditors Thomas Stindl Joshua Burton Coaching Officers John Jordan Mark Bohan APPOINTMENTS BOARD Barry Beveridge John Jordan Jim Kelly ADVISORY PANEL Mark Bohan Stephen Bourke Joshua Burton Luke Burton Amber Fitzgerald Sarah Ford Katina Geale Mitchell Hall Jeff Mizzi John Nematala Adam O Keefe Michael Signoretti Col Smith Thomas Stindl Cameron Turner Joshua Vernon Page 32 of 39

33 DELEGATES Delegate to NSWRLRA Rohan Best Delegate to NSWRLRA (Proxy) Mark Boahn Delegate to Penrith DJRL Phil Haines Delegate to Penrith DJRL Luke Burton Delegate to Penrith DJRL (Proxy) Brett Lynch COMMITTEES Disciplinary Committee John Robinson Don Courts Casey Wouters Life Membership Committee Thomas Aylett Gary Haines Casey Wouters Merit Award Committee Rohan Best Luke Evans Brett Lynch Social Committee Luke Burton Stephen Bourke Luke Evans Sarah Ford Amber Fitzgerald Katina Geale Tim Hannon Jim Kelly Mitchell Robinson Blake Shepherd Michael Signoretti Page 33 of 39

34 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE WHO DO I CONTACT? ISSUE CONTACT PERSON CONTACT DETAILS Change of contact details Dismissal of a player or any on-field issues with a coach, trainer or issue with ground facilities on game day Coaching and on field performance Training Appointments for 6 s to 15 s Appointments for 16s to A Grade Questions relating to match payments Need new gear General enquiries not listed above Sarah Ford, Executive Officer Sarah Ford, Executive Officer Gary Haines, Coaching & Development Manager Gary Haines, Coaching & Development Manager Luke Evans, Junior Coordinator John Woods, Senior Coordinator Phil Haines, Director of Finance & Sponsorship Luke Burton, Gear Steward Sarah Ford, Executive Officer secretary@penrithreferees.com.au secretary@penrithreferees.com.au coach@penrithreferees.com.au coach@penrithreferees.com.au jnr.coordinator@penrithreferees.com.au coordinator@penrithreferees.com.au treasurer@penrithreferees.com.au gear@penrithreferees.com.au secretary@penrithreferees.com.au Page 34 of 39

35 MENTOR PROGRAM MISSION: The Mission of the Mentoring Program is to utilise the Association s resources to secure the growth, retention and development of Active Referees, at all levels, within the Penrith District. OBJECTIVES: To successfully implement the Mentor Program, the following objectives are key focus areas; including: Mentors must be familiar and implement the Association s Mentoring Program to complement the National Referees Accreditation Scheme and the Association s Reporting and Assessing Criteria, Mentors must actively participate in their own growth and development to becoming better Mentors. This is an ongoing Program of personal and professional development and will be the responsibility of the Coach & Development Manager, Mentors provide both on and off field honest and positive guidance, information, shared knowledge, advice and counsel to new and developing referees. Mentors are key to catalyst in the building of networking opportunities and relationship building between referees at all levels within the Association, Mentors assist Active Referees, especially new and developing referees, to encourage further knowledge and experience to become more proficient in the art of refereeing, Mentors provide developing referees further resources in support of the Association s Elected Positions, Mentors provide a guide to new Members into the broader operation of the Association s administrative and operational roles and successful functioning of the Association, Mentors contribute greatly towards and the build of Esprit De Corps amongst all members. Mentors provide advice to active referees on future expectations including; selfmanagement (personal and professional career path development), in all on and off field matters. OUTCOMES: The success of the Mentoring Program will include; Growth, retention and development of referees from one season to the next. Increased efficiency (on and off field) of administrative Challenges, including Incident and Dismissal Reporting. Increase efficiency in the application of the ARL Rules as well as specific customised District rules, the implementation and execution of all the Game s rules, Encouragement and increase in active participation in attendance at training and at Association s meetings. GENERAL OUTLINE: The Mentoring Program will be a three 3 Phase Program to provide the best possible coverage of developing referees by the senior referees. Each Phase will cover a crucial development Phase in the progress of referees throughout their career through to Sunday matches. Page 35 of 39

36 All Senior Referees ( established Central Referees from Under 19 s to A Grade) will take part in the Mentoring Program, as Mentors to all Saturday Referees and those making the transition from Saturday football to refereeing Sunday football. Mentor Program Phase I: This phase will provide all new NRAS Level One referees with the initial contact and support from a dedicated Mentor. The areas covered include on field Challenges such as rulings, Safe-play Code and practical refereeing and administrative matters such as Key Personnel to contact, management reporting and Association Rules and Procedures. Mentor Program Phase I will involve all Senior Referees (or as many as required) who will be a dedicated mentor development to new referees for a period of approximately six weeks. Mentor Program Phase II: Phase II of the Mentoring Program will provide referees progressing from Mini/Mod Footy to Saturday International matches with further support and advice from the pool of Mentors. Areas of importance will be the reinforcement of Safe-play Code, the difference in officiating the International Grades (International Laws versus Mini/Mod Footy) and the additional Procedures such as Dismissal Procedures and Judiciary. Mentor Program Phase II will involve all (established) Under 19 s and A Reserve Referees. Mentor Program Phase III: This Phase will provide further education and support for referees making the transition from Saturday matches to refereeing their first Sunday (Under 16 s) matches. Challenges include practical refereeing Challenges such as touch judging and working with touch judges, matters such as assessing and reporting, providing moral support and reinforcing procedures such as Dismissal and Incident Reporting and Judiciary matters. Mentor Program Phase III will involve all A Grade Referees who will provide a pool of mentors to the transitional referees. PROCEDURES: Mentor Program Phase I: The Mentor Program Coordinator (or Referees Coordinators) will advise all Mentors of the individual referees under their guidance. The Mentor will initially make contact with the new referees to introduce themselves and advise of the mentoring Program. Following each week s matches, the mentor will contact (either by telephone or in person) the referee to enquire if there are any Challenges or concerns that need to be addressed. These Challenges may include; ruling queries, procedural matters (Incident Reports etc.) and any other Association, Junior League or refereeing Challenges. At least once every three 3 weeks, for the six 6 week mentor period, the mentor will attend the matches of the new referee and provide written feedback to the referee and Saturday Development Panel Coordinator. This feedback should not be limited to on field refereeing should include such Challenges as match preparation, procedural matters, dress and demeanour. With a focus on what s done well and areas of improvements, ownership of which will be shared between the Mentor and the Mentee. After each three 3 weeks, the mentor will provide a summary of all contacts with the referee to the Mentor Program Coordinator. This report will reflect any concerns, on and off field that have been raised by the referee or identified by the mentor and any advice or referral given. During the mentoring period, the mentor will also: Encourage the referee to attend Association meetings and training. Review the Safe-play Code. Page 36 of 39

37 Explain the Procedures Manual and Key Association Personnel and their roles. Assist the referee with compilation of the correct reports should the need arise. Outline the Code of Conduct and other Association Rules, Procedures and expectations. Provide any other support that may be reasonably required (e.g. Directions to ground locations etc.) The Mentor Program Coordinator will provide a summary of all Challenges raised by the mentors to the Referees Coordinator and Secretary. Any matters of importance must be reported immediately. After the initial six week mentoring period, it may be necessary to provide further support and mentoring to a small number of referees. Mentor Program Phase II: When a referee is making the progression from Mini/Mod to Saturday International, the Referees Coordinator will advise a mentor, who will make contact with the referee. The mentor will advise the referee of the difference in Mini/Mod and International Laws. The mentor will also advise of the correct procedures should a dismissal or other incident occur. When possible, at least one 1 mentor should attend the referee s first match at this higher level. A mentor must attend one of the referees first two weeks of International Laws. The enforcement of the Safe-play Code must be reinforced. The referee may contact a mentor to seek advice regarding matters relating to rulings or Association procedures. The mentor will report to the Referees Coordinator and Mentor Coordinator in regards to the progress and performance of the referee. Mentor Program Phase III: When a referee is making the progression from Saturday International to refereeing Sunday football (Under 16 s), the Referees Coordinator will advise a mentor, who will make contact with the referee. The mentor will advise the referee of the expectations and differences between Saturday and Sunday competitions. The mentor will also reinforce the correct procedures should a dismissal or other incident occur. When possible, at least one mentor should attend the referee s first match at this higher level. A mentor must attend one of the referees first two weeks of Sunday football. The referee may contact a mentor to seek advice regarding matters relating to rulings or Association procedures. The mentor will report to the Referees Coordinator and Mentor Coordinator in regards to the progress and performance of the referee. OTHER MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES: To assist with the ongoing education of all referees and the ongoing development of the Mentors, mentors may be rostered or called upon to provide additional training, coaching or advice to new or transitional referees. This additional coaching may include, but not limited to: Conducting specific match related skills and drills sessions Presentations at training or active referees meetings. Laws revision and coaching Assistance and advice in completing procedures as required by the Association and Junior League (Dismissals, Incident Reporting etc.) Monitor and report general Challenges such as knowledge of the Laws, interpretation and enforcement of Safe-play Code etc. Page 37 of 39

38 Mentors must act as role models, providing a positive example to newer members with such Challenges as conduct, dress, training and attitude. NOTE: Remember, it s NOT what you say that impacts the referee but HOW you say it. Swap places with the referee before you deliver your advice in an honest, caring, positive outcome manner. Page 38 of 39

39 AMART SPORTS DISCOUNT POLICY & PROCEDURE POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR PDRLRA TO ACQUIRE DISCOUNTED PRICING FROM AMART SPORTS PENRITH STORE. All members (active and non active) are eligible to receive discounted shoes and apparel from AMART Sports Penrith Store during Season This has been achieved by way of negotiation between AMART Sports Penrith representative Mr. Steve McLean and the Association s Director of Finance and Sponsorship. All members when concluding payment of their purchases need to produce their individual Association Photo ID card produced for them by PDRLRA. Producing this Photo ID Card will entitle the member to discounts as agreed to by Amart Sports and PDRLRA. The term of the discounted price for members of PDRLRA is for a period as determined by the Director of Finance and Sponsorship and AMART Sports, with the commencement date from the day of the Association s season launch to be held at Amart Sports on 17 th April Any member found taking advantage of this policy will be asked to appear before either the Association s Executive or Discipline Committee to explain his or her actions, and maybe charged under the Association s Constitution under section 14 and 15, whichever may be applicable. Page 39 of 39