Getting it white. The Varsity Cup emphasised. In this issue...

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1 with South African Referees August 2008 Getting it white While the ground-breaking white card system made a big impression in the inaugural FNB Varsity Cup earlier this year, it enjoyed further success when it was tested at the annual U18 Coca Cola Craven Week in Pretoria. The Varsity Cup emphasised entertainment and it was tournament director, Duitser Bosman, and former Springbok Toks Van Der Linde, who approached SARU Referees Manager André Watson about the idea of the white card. Andre bought into the concept and soon initiated the white card trial. This challenge system is aimed at taking human error out the game and will go a long way to help referees get it right. Andre is optimistic about its future. The white card system simply helps referees get the call right and I think it s a brilliant concept. I was impressed by the way it was used by UCT in the final of the Varsity Cup. I believe it can still be improved, but as a trial run it went very well, he said. After some fine-tuning, the white card system was further tested during this year s Craven Week but it will be a long process before it s implemented at provincial or test level. White cards cannot be used in any provincial or international tournaments until they ve been approved by the IRB. The trial in the Varsity Cup and Craven Week was a SARU initiative and had nothing to do with the IRB. We will now motivate the use of white cards to the IRB and then there s a long process before it can be used at higher levels. During Craven Week, captains no longer referred incidents to the referee but to their coaches. The coaches then alerted the TMO who in turn notified the referee to call a time-out at the next stoppage. Each team got one white card referral, two per match. The entire conversation between the coach, TMO, and the referee was on air for all viewers to follow. These adjustments certainly increased the fluidity of the system and added a bit of excitement to the schoolboy showpiece. Most of the criticism levelled at the white card has been that referrals slow the game down; that there s confusion over how far back in a passage of play the TMO can go; and that players can be told by coaches watching in the stands when to challenge a call. Andre, however, is unconcerned. Referees want to get the calls right. We d rather make two referrals a game and make the correct decisions, he said. The TMO is also only allowed to look at the passage of play that began after the previous phase which includes tackles, rucks, mauls, scrums, lineouts and free or penalty kicks. I also don t have a problem with coaches telling their captains when to use a white card. Coaches send indirect messages to players on the field anyway, he concluded. While the white card has proven to be a popular advance after stand-out performances in the Varsity Cup and Craven Week, time will tell if this innovative system will have a place on the bigger stage. EM In this issue... When is it whingeing? 2 Test Rugby gets a New Pro 4 Eugenia makes rugby history 7 ELVs going forward 8 1

2 by Andre Watson Watties wonderings For years we ve heard suggestions or criticism that we (the referees) do not make enough use of available technology. We ve heard on TV, read in the media and from high profile ex-players that we should make use of technology to get the calls right. The overriding comment was: The stakes are too high to ignore technology, you guys must use it. And that s what we ve done. This year, we introduced the white card during the Varsity Cup final. A concept where the team is allowed to query a vital decision. This happened, and I personally thought it was a great success. Interestingly, a similar system was used at Wimbledon this year with great success. We also accepted the IRB s request for SA to experiment with extending the TMO protocol. At the time of writing we ve had six weeks of this trial but I will be the first to acknowledge that it hasn t been plain sailing. But, the concept has potential and is worth pursuing. I thought we were moving in the direction of getting the calls right and that people would appreciate the effort involved. But alas, we were criticised heavily by the same people who were shouting for years that we should make use of technology. These experts now say that we should not tamper with the game, that it takes too long, that it is a joke etc. Now, I m wondering: what do they really want? I remember how the introduction of the four- When does constructive criticism just become whingeing? I am wondering, yes, I am wondering about what rugby folk really want. Allow me to explain... phase scrum engagement call crouch, touch, pause, engage was met with great scepticism, with loud derisions and with immense criticism. The resistance to change was huge. We are now in the second season of this sequence and one hardly hears a word of negativity around this matter. Now I m wondering: were they wrong or us? And if we are expected to apologise publicly when referees make errors, shouldn t the experts have to do the same when they re wrong? This year the ELVs were introduced to SA and S14. Now the whole world is playing the ELV s. There was immense and serious criticism expressed by all and sundry regarding the laws. Questions were asked Why change the laws, there is nothing wrong with the game? by the same people who for years had been asking for the laws to be simplified! These critics have maintained there are too many laws, they are too difficult to understand and that it does not allow free-flow in a game. These opinions were made before a ball had been kicked. I was brought up to respect everyone s opinions and I believe I live by this, but sometimes I wonder... After five months of playing under various sets of ELVs, the SA Rugby Players Association did an in-depth study among their members. The survey s results were astounding for some; more than 80% gave the ELVs a resounding thumbs-up! The fact is clear; the vast majority love the changes. A final wondering: why is it that we only hear the voices of doom prophets at the beginning and not at the end? Some questions for you to ponder: Why are SA rugby folk so resistant to change? Why is the loudest criticism in rugby mainly based on opinion or emotion, not facts? What is it that rugby folk really want? Will referees ever be simply regarded as a cog in the rugby machinery, and not a spoke in the wheel? Why is this game is so great and people so passionate about it is it because the game belongs in heaven? How many people reading this will miss the underlying message and react by saying: Wattie s too sensitive, he can t take criticism, he s blindly defending his referees again; and he s crazy? SA Referees in touch with Nashua Mobile A lack of transport and telephone contact has often hampered the development of promising young referees; no longer, thanks to the support of the Nashua Mobile Future Stars programme. Discussions between Nick Ayre of Nashua Mobile s Future Stars programme and André Watson, highlighted the difficulties emerging referees have staying in contact, as many don t have easy access to a phone. Since Nashua Mobile is an independent telecommunications service provider for all the cellular networks, we saw an opportunity to help out. We also recognise that the game is only as good as the decisions made by the referees and so we decided to play a part in the development of young referees, Nick explains. Nashua Mobile contributed six cellphones together with prepaid starter packs and airtime vouchers to the South African Referees Association to be distributed to needy young referees. The vouchers will also be renewed monthly to ensure that the referees stay connected. Building and supporting young referees is as vital as bringing through the ample youth-playing talent. Hopefully this is the start of a great relationship between Nashua Mobile and South African Referees, concludes Nick. EM For up to the minute information on referee topics visit Chairman s message To experiment or not I t appears as if the debate over the introduction of the Experimental Law Variations (albeit in a varied form) continues on the international stage but, suffice to say, that for the next year they WILL be in force in all South African competitions from school level onwards. I must don my hat and commend all referees and players who have been willing to make the adaptation from old laws to full ELVs and back now to partial ELVs. I think this flexibility and willingness to cooperate for a greater cause says a lot about the South African psyche we are a nation of people who just get on with the task at hand! Following on from the ELV experimentation is the introduction of the white card and the expanded role for the TMO. Obviously these two innovations can only be trialled in games that are televised but the introduction of the white card at the inaugural Varsity Cup was a success. The expanded role of the TMO is another attempt to try and ensure the ref s role on the game is one of facilitator and not game decider. We all want to get the decisions 100% correct and this is another step on that journey. Sure the current process may have some wrinkles that need to be worked out, but it is better to have the courage to try and do things differently than stay in the same rut and not improve the game. Just contemplate, if the Wright brothers did not experiment with their flying machine, it is possible that we would still be travelling by boat! Congratulations to Pro Legoete and Eugenia Daniels on becoming the newest Test referees. I m sure we are going to see long and rewarding international careers from these two referees. Just as we experience joy at success so we must sympathise with two referees who ve had a run of bad luck recently: Willie Roos s broken ankle closely followed by Mark Lawrence s vehicle accident, both came at a time when they were to perform on the world stage. Our best wishes for speedy recuperation to both these fine young referees. (Young in the case of Willie, as for Mark!) We are well over halfway through the domestic season and I trust that all referees are enjoying themselves. Just think, in a few months you ll have so much free time... Keep up the great work. Regards 2 3

3 Test rugby gets a new Pro Lesego Pro Legoete of the Golden Lions Referees Society became South Africa s newest Test referee during the opening round of the IRB Nations Cup in Bucharest for the match between hosts Romania and Uruguay. Nicknamed Pro because of his athletic ability, it was never difficult for him to get a place in elite rugby squads during his school career. Having played first team rugby at Mondeor High school he progressed to Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) where he also represented South Africa at the 1996 Students World Cup. He joined the Golden Lions Referees Society in 2001 and immediately impressed with his superior fitness levels. During the past seven years he has moved through the provincial ranks and is now one of the top referees in the country. Pro also had a taste of Super 14 rugby this year and has extensive experience as a referee on the World Series Sevens circuit. For now Pro has sights firmly set on the Absa Currie Cup, but he is hopeful that his performance will earn him some bigger appointments. Having spoken to some of the top referees I realise that I need to take the opportunities as they come along. I just want to establish myself in the Currie Cup and be ready for any other appointments, he says. Pro singles out Golden Lions referees manager, Gabriel Pappas, for playing an important mentoring role and is also thankful for the support of his family. He is however concerned about the decline in refereeing numbers. I think the attitude and abuse by spectators has also contributed to this decline. I am hopeful that SA Rugby can find a solution to the problem. While Pro is happy with his achievements so far he realise that he too has a big role to play in the development of referees. There s been a lot of talk about the need to develop black referees. It s important for these youngsters to have refereeing role models. Hopefully I, as well as the other top black referees, will be able to play a positive role. Pro has taken the first step to refereeing stardom and he s hoping to build a long and rewarding career. Did you know? Pro Legoete became South Africa s 63rd Test referee when he was appointed during the IRB Nations Cup. Pro recently officiated his second Test when Namibia played Zimbabwe in Windhoek He is also currently ranked 9th on the SA National Panel. Seven South Africans on IRB panels After some recent panelbeating and two years of outstanding refereeing, especially in this year s Super 14, Mark Lawrence is back on the International Rugby Board Referees panel. He joins fellow countrymen Marius Jonker, Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan. There have also been structural and personnel changes on the IRB panel including the introduction of specialised touch judges and TMOs. Cobus Wessels now a specialised touch judge in South Africa is on the touch judge panel. Jonathan Kaplan looks comfortable dishing the card Marius Jonker in action during this year s Super 14. Johan Meuwesen and Shaun Veldsman are also on the panel as specialist TMOs. Dennis Immelman chairman of the Western Province Referees Society received Test status as a performance reviewer and made his debut in Argentina in June. André Watson, South Africa s manager of referees, expressed his delight at the South African contingent on the various panels. It s nice to see the guys performing and getting recognition but we can t take the foot off the pedal. Andre consequently highlighted the achievements of up-andcoming referees. It s great to see the next crop of referees coming through to do South Africa proud in the near future. Jaco Peyper, Pro Legoete and Joey Salmans are on the Sevens circuit, and Phillip Bosch impressed at the Junior World Cup in Wales Andre concluded. The IRB International Referee Panel in 2008 is: Wayne Barnes (England), Lyndon Bray (New Zealand), Christophe Berdos (France), George Clancy (Ireland), Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Matt Goddard (Australia), Craig Joubert (South Africa), Marius Jonker (South Africa), Joel Jutge (France), Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Alan Lewis (Ireland), Mark Lawrence (South Africa), Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Nigel Owens (Wales), Dave Pearson (England), Alain Rolland (Ireland), Chris White (England), Steve Walsh (New Zealand). 4 5

4 Eugenia makes rugby The BBRRS was born in 1904 when the Pretoria Rugby Referees Society formed under the banner of the former Transvaal Union. In 1938, the society re-formed as the Northern Transvaal Rugby Referees Society with 40 active referees. The Society then wrote its first constitution two years later and over the next ten years, it was modified, altered and later translated into Afrikaans. In 1972, to fuel development and growth within the group, the BBRRS introduced the JH Jansen Trophy for Best Progress. And to further enhance the quality of refereeing, officials were required to write exams for the first time. The Society grew to well over a hundred active referees by the early eighties at which point the MC van Zyl Trophy for the Best Achievement and the Japie Gouws Trophy for the Best Progress were also introduced. This dedication and effort over the years resulted in a healthy flow of top referees moving through the ranks of the Society. At Test level the names of Adv. Boet Neser (9 tests, 1924 to 1933), Dr. Bertie Strasheim (7 tests, 1958 to 1968), Col. Cassie Carstens Blue Bulls Referees Luke Burger, Jimmy Aphane and Ben Crouse gave good showings at the U18 Craven Week. Grabbing development by the horns Steeped in history and decades of achievement, the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees Society (BBRRS) is facing the common challenge of declining refereeing numbers; however the Society is spearheading a recruitment campaign that has made remarkable progress over the last few years. (1 test in 1977), Albert Adams (2 tests in 1987) and Tappe Henning (2 tests, 1995 to 1997) are prominent. Currently top BBRRS referees include Ben Crouse, Sewes Terblanche, Jan Venter, Luke Burger, Jimmy Aphane (all SARU Contenders Squad), Cobus Wessels and Muller van der Nest. Referees Manager, Kosie Horn (right), believes the challenges facing the BBRRS today have remained the same throughout its existence. One of the Society s main concerns is to advance the number of active referees. This really is a problem for all refereeing societies in South Africa. We ve appointed a lot of new officials in Tshwane and Limpopo and we re working hard to develop these individuals with excellent projects already in place. Over and above that, we have a group of dedicated volunteers assisting with the coaching and assessment of referees, he says. Kosie is also keen to point out that the relations between the Society s clubs and schools are exemplary. The Union supports the Society whole-heartedly and provides aid whenever and wherever they can. Their positive attitude towards referees in general is quite remarkable and they have facilitated a brilliant working relationship between clubs, schools and the referees, he enthuses. As for the near future, Kosie says the Society is working on a strategic plan to gain more representation at the top levels. One of our top priorities through to 2011 is to have more representation on provincial and national panels. In addition to this, we re also aiming to have at least one member on the IRB panel. While the BBRRS has made steady progress on the development front, it aims to maintain and improve the service to the Union. And with this kind of commitment, refereeing in the region certainly has a bright future. history By Paul Dobson Eugenia Daniels will create a special place in world rugby history when she referees her first Test match on Saturday 16 August between Kenya and Uganda setting up what is believed to be the first ever father-daughter referee combination. There have been father-and-son combinations as international referees. Not many, but there have been. Johnny and Bertie Strasheim were father and son. In New Zealand, Keith Lawrence was a Test referee and his son Bryce is one. But this will be the first time as far as we know that the daughter of a Test referee will referee a Test. Father Eugene Daniels refereed five Tests from 2001 to Daughter Eugenia will referee her first in Nairobi, her first trip out of South Africa. She is fortunate that she will go as part of a strong South African contingent. Jonathan Kaplan will referee the Africa Cup Test between Kenya and Uganda in Nairobi that day with Cobus Wessels and Lappies Labuschagne as his assistants. Kaplan is on the verge of becoming the most capped Test referee in rugby history and Wessels is on the International Rugby Board s panel of touch judges. Eugenia is glad of their support and experience. Father Eugene has been Eugenia s mentor and inspiration. It helps if your coach lives in the same house. Eugene left the army with the rank of sergeant-major to work for SA Referees. Eugenia was born in Eugenia will become SA s 64th Test referee when she officiates in the game between Kenya and Uganda on 16 August Wynberg while Eugene was at the military base there. He was then a referee in the Western Province Society. After six years in Bloemfontein, the family came back to Wynberg, and Eugenia went to school at Hoërskool Voortrekker where she played netball, as did her two sisters. She never played rugby but she would go off on a Saturday with her Dad and picked up bits and pieces about refereeing and the laws enough to become critical. Her father, tired of her criticism, challenged her to do better. Eugenia took up the challenge and joined the Western Province Referees Society in 2004, when she was just 20. She was the fourth woman to join after Jenny Bentel, Sandra Edwards and Wendy de Kock. Her father, a meticulous man as becomes a sergeant-major, was fastidious in training her. He was still refereeing at the time but would watch her match before going on to his own whenever possible. He would provide her with checklists and tell her what to work on. Her progress in the Western Province was rapid. She is now graded 2A and has been refereeing women s provincial matches since She was the first woman to run touch in a Currie Cup match - Western Province vs Boland at Newlands. She has run the line in Division 1 matches and at the IRB Sevens World Series in George. She is the third South African woman to referee a Test - after Jenny Bentel and Kim Smit. Her mother is a great supporter but neither father nor mother will be going off to Nairobi with her. However her father did have some advice Don t get injured. His five Tests were all in Africa north of South Africa. On one occasion he injured a calf muscle. He was in Nairobi for the Safari Sevens and went to the medical tent where they put ice on the calf, but it was dry ice, used to keep the other ice cold. It burnt and blistered his skin so that he was unable to referee at the Craven Week in Kimberley! Here s wishing Eugenia every success as she creates her place in rugby history. 6 7

5 Looking at the ELVs... The International Rugby Board s latest take on the Experimental Law Variations (ELVs) has unearthed further debate after the trial system received some minor adjustments. An important aspect of the adjusted ELVs is the application of the fair contest system. In the past, referees generally allowed the ball-carrying side more latitude than the defending side. This was borne from the modern day appeal to let the game flow which resulted in a higher level of tolerance for the ballcarrying side than for the defending side. We are happy with the majority of the 13 ELVs currently in use, said André Watson. But we have reservations about the maul and no maximum numbers in the lineout. We will obviously raise these issues through the appropriate IRB channels. The northern hemisphere will certainly debate the effects of the new, improved ELVs, but it s been tipped to have a far greater effect on the game than the original package trialled in the Super 14. EM (Right) Players may contest for the ball, provided they stay on their feet at the breakdown. The game s governing body announced the ELVs would be trialled worldwide from 1 August, prompting the use in the Tri-Nations, Absa Currie Cup and all local rugby. The northern hemisphere will follow suit by implementing the trial in the Six Nations, European Cup, Premiership and other major tournaments next season. Important notes: the Laws of the Game, unless specifically amended by the ELVs, remain unaltered the ELVs also apply to the Sevens and Under 19 Variations Experimental Law Variations Summary Law 6 - Match Officials 1 Assistant referees are able to assist the referee in any way that the referee requires. Law 17 - Maul 2 Remove reference to head and shoulders not being lower than hips. 3 Players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down. Law 19 - Touch and Lineout If a team puts the ball back into its own 22 and the ball is subsequently kicked directly into touch, 4 there is no gain in ground. 5 A quick throw in may be thrown in straight or towards the throwing team s own goal line. The IRB aims to have a universal game with one set of laws at the earliest opportunity, through consistent and common dialogue about the new laws. When the ELVs were first introduced in the Super 14, it added lots of excitement to the southern hemisphere showpiece and continued to do so during the Tri-Nations. The northern hemisphere s acceptance of the ELVs could go a long way in securing the future of the new laws. (Left) No more numbers: There is no restriction on the number of players in the lineout. If the ball is passed back into the 22m area and kicked into touch, there is NO gain in ground. 6 There is no restriction on the number of players from either team who can participate in the lineout. 7 The receiver at the lineout must be 2 metres away from the lineout. The player who is in opposition to the player throwing in the ball must stand in the area between 8 the 5-metre line and the touch line but must be 2 metres away from the 5-metre line. 9 Lineout players may pre-grip a jumper before the ball is thrown in. 10 The lifting of lineout players is permitted. Law 20 - Scrum 11 Introduction of an offside line 5 metres behind the hindmost feet of the scrum. 12 Identification of scrum half offside lines. 13 Law 22 Corner Posts The corner posts are no longer considered to be touch-in-goal except when the ball is grounded against the post. Source: IRB.com 8 9

6 Beacon of light While the Eastern Province Rugby Referees Society (EPRRS) went through a rough patch in recent years, members determination to come out on top has inspired most of the rugby fraternity in the province. The EPRRS was formed in 1896 under Dr HR Kemsley (who also refereed some of the very first tests in SA) with seven initial members at the Crusaders Grounds.There were only a handful of registered clubs back then, but these clubs were spread about the former Eastern Cape and appointed referees had to travel far. It s also a modern-day problem, but travel then was done by railway line or by horse and carriage. In some cases it was a three-day affair and referees often had to travel on goods trains! Individuals such as Amos du Plooy and the legendary Mielies van der Westhuizen who once awarded a penalty for breaking wind in a scrum along with stalwarts such as Maurice Miltz, Frans Muller (current chairman), Jimmy Smith-Belton, Dr Win Smit, Jannie van Wyk, Laurie Marx and Jap Claasen (current manager of referees) have been prominent in carrying the EPRRS into the modern era. Johann Meuwesen joined from Namibia as a test referee and officiated at Super 12 and Currie Cup levels. More recently Ray Bennin, Wicus Wait, Jacques Hugo, Jonathan Mouers, Phillip Bosch, Christie du Preez, Fumanikile Yamile, Mlungi Mdashe and Metheleli Mseleni have been selected to represent EP at provincial level. Phillip has represented South Africa at the U19 and U20 World Cups and refereed at Super 14 and Currie Cup levels while Christie represents SA on the International Sevens circuit and has refereed at Currie Cup Level too. EPRRS training coordinator, Jacques Hugo, says the challenges facing the society these days can be summed up in one word; finances. Travel is getting more and more expensive which negatively impacts the entire scale of refereeing activities, including EP Referees Society members at a recent workshop. recruitment and development. The Society is experiencing a hiatus in the joining of new members, which, linked with the exodus of existing members who simply cannot afford the travelling or can t stand the verbal abuse on the field, is causing growth of the society to stagnate. Although relationships between the Society, the Union and schools are great, the approach of some clubs is slightly more disconcerting as Jacques explains. The relationships with certain clubs in the province are somewhat volatile, to say the least. While this has improved in the past few years, a great concern to us is the verbal abuse referees have to endure. Among a number of highlights, the EPRRS is proudest of the number of representatives on the various SARU panels. It shows that the Society is a beacon of light in the province and that we re doing something righ, says Jacques As with most of the other referee societies in the country, securing additional sponsorships for kit, recruitment and development is high on the Society s priority list. However, because of the decline in refereeing numbers in SA over the past few years, they have shifted their focus onto recruitment. We would like to get more people involved in refereeing in the short term but we do not want to drop the standards we ve set over the past few years. JR Bosch shines at Junior World Champs Eastern Province referee, Phillip Bosch, was among the ten referees named for the inaugural IRB World Junior Rugby Champs in Wales. The tournament represented an opportunity for Phillip to follow in the footsteps of top SA refs such as Craig Joubert and Marius Jonker who have advanced to test matches on the back of their performances at IRB agegrade tournaments. Phillip impressed throughout the tournament, which has proven to be testing ground for the future test match officials. Whatever it takes After being in the test wilderness for the past two years, Mark Lawrence has clawed his way back onto the panel though brilliant performances in this year s Super 14. If you ever needed an example of perseverance paying off, then look no further than this story... By: Brenden Nel The Mpumalanga optometrist is forever an optimist, and it isn t surprising that with such a positive outlook, even the worst of setbacks has been greeted with a smile. And hasn t Mark had more than his share of those? After a steady start to his career, the Standerton resident catapulted his way up the SA Referees ladder, and was quickly on the national and International Rugby Board s panels before he found himself falling as quickly as he had rose to prominence. I had a steady career-climb from the third league in Mpumalanga to the IRB A panel by 2002/3. But in 2005, I was knocked off the panel and it was a massive setback for me, he says. Mark eventually made it back onto the panel this year, but it took lots of soul searching to come back from such a massive setback. It was difficult to face that sort of disappointment. It s career ending stuff, as they say. Suddenly I realised there was only one way back, and that was through the Super 14. I could either leave it or fight back and I decided to fight back. I had a good Super 14 in 2007 and made it to touch judge for the World Cup, and then had a great Currie Cup final. And with this year s Super 14 I was finally back on the panel, Mark explains. But the key for him was to face up to his own shortcomings and commit himself to the cause like never before. I remember getting the call I was by myself in Canberra with a bit of flu and not feeling well when Paddy O Brien phoned and told me I ve been demoted. I knew if the IRB demoted me then it was just a Back on top: Mark Lawrence has clawed his way back on the IRB panel. matter of time before SARU did the same. I realised I was reffing not to achieve, but to survive, and I wasn t nailing my games. They didn t want steady, they wanted brilliant. I knew I needed to make some changes to myself and changed everything, mind, body and spirit. I sorted out every detail; was fitter, faster and stronger because I knew I needed to compete with younger guys. I analysed the game more and did everything I could. Mark was inspired by a motivational talk about boiling water, of all things. Water doesn t boil at 99 degrees, but rather at 100. It s still hot, but it won t boil. As a referee I decided that I needed to do everything to get to 100 degrees. That extra degree makes all the difference. I got someone to tape my games and I watched, analysed and worked intensely on my mistakes. That one degree makes a massive difference. Mark reffed the Super 14 final this year and was awarded the France-Australia test, but another setback this time a car crash when a vehicle did a u-turn on the highway left him injured and unable to go to Sydney to fulfill his obligations. But there is a happy ending. Mark was given a Tri-nations Test instead and has once again proved that a positive head will bring results, no matter what! Don t keep your hair on In an effort to highlight declining numbers, referees on the National Panel are embarking on Project Hair Aware where they will be growing beards from 1 to 15 August and then shaving both beard and head. While the referee is not the most important person on the field, without him there is no game, says WP and Panel referee Gareth Lloyd-Jones. The Recruitment Programme is underway but the senior refs thought we should show our solidarity behind the programme and do something to highlight the need to recruit more match officials. Many television viewers may have wondered why Mark Lawrence was seen sporting highlights and facial hair but this was the reason! To emphasise the seriousness of the campaign each participating referee will be asked to make a donation to the Chris Burger/Petro Jackson Players Fund. As we all know this Fund plays an extremely important role in local rugby and our partnering with them underlines the unity all rugbypeople have in this regard. The future of rugby relies on fit, properly trained and knowledgeable referees, concludes Gareth. Without this, there is a greater risk of injuries and that s not good for the game. If you are a referee, why not show your support for the campaign? All you have to do is not shave or cut your hair from now until 15 August. After that, shave both beard and head and make a donation directly into the Chris Burger/ Petro Jackson Players Fund. It s as easy as shaving.. err, not shaving. For more information contact Gareth Lloyd-Jones by on hairaware@ gmail.com

7 IRB ponders rent-a-ref system The International Rugby Board is considering the full-time employment of referees after the concept was discussed at a recent strategic meeting. The outcome of the meeting which included referee bosses from all over the world will most certainly have an impact on the refereeing for the next four years. The new initiative is aimed at increasing the referee s independence and will also give the IRB greater freedom in appointing referees around the world, not only to international matches. The current system sees referees as members of societies but once selected to national panels the country then becomes the employer and pays the referees. The IRB is therefore lobbying the idea of employing referees on a full-time basis so that they can control games in northern and southern hemisphere competitions. The need for specialised TMOs and touch judges was also discussed at the meeting. SWD blows the whistle on ill-discipline More power to the TMO Television Match Officials (TMOs) have had much more influence on rulings so far in this year s Currie Cup, with their power not only restricted to try-scoring incidents. The TMO no longer has to confine himself to the actual scoring of a try and is now allowed to go back to the previous phase of play and take it from there. Referees now also have the power to refer suspected incidences of foul play to the TMO for adjudication. TMO referrals during a match in the opening rounds of the Absa Currie Cup took almost 20 minutes. Since then SARU and Supersport have reached an agreement on processes that will speed up TMO referrals without losing accuracy. Following a series of incidents of rebel and physical assault on referees involving a handful of clubs in SWD, 72 referees form the SWD Referees went on strike at the beginning of the club rugby season. After a tide of abuse, refs took a united stand and sent out a strong message to clubs that ill-discipline and abuse will no longer be tolerated. SWD Referees Association chairman, Stephanus Dogh, stressed that the volatile climate necessitated the strike. After we received various complaints from referees we had no choice but to go on strike. In the process, clubs were made aware that fixtures wouldn t take place if this behaviour continued, Dogh added. In addition to the strike, referees also asked for strict alcohol control as well more police presence at club games. Apart from the abuse, certain referees were also threatened telephonically and the SWD Rugby Union took harsh steps to eradicate these concerns as well. After meeting with club representatives in an effort to improve relationships, fixtures were back on track and no other incidents have been reported. More responsibility: South African TMO, Shaun Veldsman. Recruitment sets up second phase The Referee Recruitment and Awareness campaign launched earlier this year entered the next stage with the launch of a print advertising drive aimed at attracting new referees. Phase One was launched in February and aimed at informing key audiences about its aims and objectives. One of our first targets was the media, who play such an important role in shaping attitudes towards and perceptions of referees and the laws of the game, said André Watson. We had good sessions with various media role-players and they need to be commended for the manner in which they objectively dealt with refereeing during the Super 14 competition, he added. The Association hopes to also launch a national recruitment roadshow that will visit clubs and schools across the country. Watch this space for more details!. Imbongi Communications Tel All material published in is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the South African Rugby Referees Association. is a newsletter for referees throughout South Africa, if you have any information that may be of interest to your colleagues, cullum@imbongisa.com or fax