intouch - sareferees.com edition1 2010.pdf · intouch SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER Varsity Cup panel a winning idea The third edition of the annual Varsity Cup saw

1NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’ www.sareferees.co.za

w i t h S o u t h A f r i c a n R e f e r e e sEdition 1, 2010 www.sareferees.co.za

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SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER

Varsity Cup panel a winning ideaThe third edition of the annual Varsity Cup saw the introduction of a specialised refereeing panel to oversee the tournament. In-touch spoke to VC panel members Archie Sehlako, Matt Kemp and Ben Crouse about their experience with what has proven to be a successful first season for the panel.

The Varsity Cup has quickly established itself as the premier university rugby competition in South Africa, filling

a niche that benefits both supporters and players. With the tournament’s profile increasing every year, and used as a testing ground for referee initiatives such as the white card, a 23-man expanded bench and referees acting as TMOs, the next step has been the establishment of a specialised referee panel for the nine-week competition.

So what have been the major benefits of serving on a dedicated panel? Sharks referee Archie Sehlako says, ‘The players have seen the same guys refereeing every Monday. It’s also allowed the guys to get more game time during the season, which is quite beneficial.’

Matt Kemp, his Western Province colleague, looks at it slightly differently. ‘Knowing upfront that you have a certain number of games in the competition helps with preparation for those games.’ He also

believes that a dedicated panel helps promote consistency in the referee group, since fewer games are refereed by different individuals.

An added feature of this season’s Varsity Cup is the after-match function held for the competing teams, their management staff and match officials. Blue Bulls referee Ben Crouse believes the functions are a great initiative. ‘The after-match functions are how I came to know rugby, where socialising after the game leads to enemies on the field becoming lifelong friends off it. It also allows the players to revisit some situations with the referee and to maybe get his view and reasoning for certain decisions. The players are given the opportunity to realise that we, as referees, are human after all.’

This year has proven to be a successful one for the first specialised Varsity Cup panel, with this season’s group of referees setting a high standard for future panels to follow.

Tiaan has the final wordGolden Lions and Provincial Panel referee Tiaan Jonker was appointed to handle the Varsity Cup final between UCT and Maties on 29 March in

Stellenbosch. ‘There are some fantastic referees in the Varsity Cup, so it was a huge honour for me to have been appointed to referee the final,’ he says. ‘This is my third year refereeing in a great tournament - it never fails to live up to expectations.’

Luke Burger in action when TUT travelled to Cape Town to face UCT in February

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Rasta shows the way

The Big Four

21 years of service

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2www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’

What’s on my mind?

By André Watson

It’s scrum time

Activities at scrum time were one of the so-called ‘big four’ issues raised at the Lensbury conference in 2009. In

addition to the clearer instructions referees have received and are now implementing in the Super 14, we’ve gone one step further by retaining the services of World Cup-winning scrummager and respected forwards coach Balie Swart to shed some light on what happens in the front row so that referees can ensure a fair contest.

It’s not the referee’s job to coach players during the game and they can’t be held responsible for poor player technique, but the man in the middle can guide players to ensure they follow the rule of Law. Perhaps most important is the question of safety at scrum time: Balie is adamant – and he has our support – that the referee is like a safety officer on the field and needs to ensure that scrums are conducted in a safe way. There should be zero tolerance shown to those forwards who’re not prepared to scrum within Law.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind.

Both hookers should position •themselves at the mark made by the referee

The props bind on to the hooker, •with all three getting their hips and shoulders square to the oppositionAt the ‘crouch’ command, the •players should ‘barr up’ – their bodies should be set and ready, with spines in line and chins off their chestThere must be a real ‘touch’ •between props when the command is givenThere must be consistent •cadence between commands so players are able to anticipate the timing from ‘pause’ to ‘engage’On ‘engage’, both front rows must •hit straight and stay straight, get a strong grip and stay bound until the ball is out.

While we’re focusing much effort on the pre- and post-engagement processes, there are other scrum-related issues for refs to keep an eye on:

Flankers who’re either slipping •their bind and moving up on the prop or simply hanging off the scrum to get an advantage must be penalisedThe scrum-half must keep a •visible distance from other players in the scrumLet’s maintain the five-metre off-•side line – the defensive team is

often ahead of themselves and robbing the attacking team of options.

In reality there’s nothing new in what’s outlined here; it’s about implementing what’s already clearly laid out in the Law book for everyone to read and understand. It’s early in the season, so let’s get on top of these aspects and bring dominance back to what has been a South African strong point.

Dominant scrumming has been a hallmark of South African rugby for decades and yet, while often giving a good account of ourselves, we’ve not always ruled at scrum time as I think we should have. And, in the past, I believe often the referee has been instrumental in negating the power of the pack.

In summary then:

Stick to the •engagement sequence and penalise those teams jumping the gunSpine in line, no •individual anglesBinding as per Law, •no deviations.


CHAIRMAN’S

MESSAGE

Kicking off in 2010

With the rugby season under way and the World Cup around the corner, 2010 is shaping up to be a big year for sport in South Africa.

The rugby season has got off to a brisk start and it’s wonderful to see two South African teams vying for honours in the top four of the Super 14. This year’s tournament has been an eye-opener, with a record score achieved between the Lions and Chiefs, and much of the elevation in pace and excitement has been ascribed to changes in the implementation of the existing Laws – particularly at scrums, tackles, mauls and off-sides. There’s more on these issues elsewhere in this newsletter.

It’s been pleasing to note how successful the Varsity Cup tournament has been, and players, coaches and referees have all given the thumbs-up to the innovation of a dedicated team of match officials.

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is the dedication and commitment shown by referees across the country. Not only do we have people like Mark Lawrence recording their 50th Super game, but we have stories on long service by Gabriel Pappas, Kosie Horn and Ronald David. Well done to them and the countless others who give of their time and energy season after season, often with little in the way of financial reward.

Recently all referees have been asked to read and sign a Code of Conduct. This document outlines the relationship between referees and the South African Rugby Union. As most of you already know, referees are voluntary members of provincial societies. In turn, these provincial societies are members of the South African Rugby Referees’ Association – a not-for-profit entity that’s a member of the SA Rugby Union. Please ensure you’ve received and acknowledged your copy of the Code.

The FIFA World Cup is about to hit South Africa and I wish our compatriots in the round-ball code all the very best for a fantastic and successful tournament.

And with the rugby season just under way, here’s wishing each and every referee in the country a fantastic one. For those aspiring to higher honours, work hard and show commitment – this could be your year.

Yours in refereeing

Through an initiative pioneered by SA Rugby Referees the duties of the referee and the TMO will be combined into one role, leaving the referee as the sole adjudicator of the Laws. This experiment

was implemented in two warm-up matches for the Super 14 and is being used for all televised Varsity Cup matches.

André Watson, SARU’s referee manager, explains, ‘Instead of the referees going ‘‘upstairs’’ to the TMO to query whether a try has been scored, the on-field referee will be able to consult a television monitor in the in-goal area and decide for himself. It will follow the same protocol as a regular TMO decision, except that the on-field ref will act as the TMO himself.’

André believes that this will result in fewer referrals ‘because the buck stops with the on-field referee – he’s the one who’ll make the final decision, whether he calls for the TMO or not.’

Referees have received TMO training, with top TMOs having developed methods in their assessment of an incident.

Referees and TV match officials become one

South Africa is experimenting with referees doubling as television match officials (TMOs) to accompany their on-field duties

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Craig Joubert tries the TMO shoe on during a Super 14 pre-season game.

Referees receive assistance from experienced TMOs.

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Analysis has shown the tackle and the scrum to be the two contact areas that produced the most penalties last season, while offside and obstruction at the maul are also areas of concern. These ‘Big Four’ were focal points at the

SA Referees course held in Newlands in January and attended by 11 National Panel referees, match assessors and referee selectors.

The tackle is the leading contributor to the penalty count (including what follows the tackle and not just the act of tackling itself), and referees are now instructed to pay closer attention to the tackler as well as the tackled player.

The tackled player is required to get rid of the ball immediately, while the tackler must be on his feet to play the ball. However, what has been happening is that the tackler has kept an unbroken grip on the tackled player, thereby slowing down the ball and often being ‘rewarded’ for doing this by winning a penalty.

The most important change this season is that the tackler must exhibit a clear break in contact (for instance, by clapping his hands) and prove the ball has been released, even if he’s on his feet. The tackler must also ensure that his body doesn’t obstruct the release of the ball.

Spotting the Big Four

Referees have been instructed to pay close attention to what has been deemed the ‘Big Four’ this season: the tackle, the scrum, offside, and obstruction associated with the maul.

TACKLE

SCRUM

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The new application at the tackle has meant quicker ball for attacking teams.

Balie Swart, SA Referees’ scrumming coach, shows how it’s done at the referees’ scrumming workshop at Hartebeesthoek earlier this year.

Twelve percent of rugby matches at the top level last year were spent resetting scrums. Referees should, while the scrum is set up, ensure the props are square to one another and aligned to go into the engagement straight, with spines in line. The hooker’s feet must be parallel to the side-lines. In the engagement sequence, the ref must clearly and loudly give the ‘crouch, touch, pause, engage’ command.

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OFFSIDE

OBSTRUCTION AT THE MAUL

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Offside in front of the kicker is an area referees will police with added attention in 2010.

The focus on this aspect of the Law specifically has to do with players being in front of the kicker as the ball is struck. Referees need to be very strict applying the Law and penalise players who do not retire behind the kicker and stay clear of the 10-metre line.

Last season attacking teams often used a player as a buffer while setting up a maul, by doing so obstructing the defending team from legally stopping the maul. Referees must ensure they penalise teams that infringe in this manner, as it doesn’t allow for a fair contest.

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Attacking players who obstruct defenders reaching the ball carrier as the maul is formed will be penalised vigorously this season.

André’s take on the Big Four thus far…SA Referees manager André Watson has been monitoring the Big Four since the start of this season. His report card is as follows:

TACKLEThe tackler must release •immediately once the tackle is complete and roll away from the attacking player.All other players who enter the •ruck legally should be allowed to play the ball. A tackler who ends up on the •wrong side should be penalised only if he doesn’t release or obstructs the release of the ball.A player getting back on his •feet should be allowed to play the ball.Tackled players should not be •allowed to get up and crawl or run with the ball once they’ve been brought to ground.

SCRUMThe cadence (quick or measured) •at scrum time is important.The front rows must crouch and •touch when asked to, and the ‘engage’ call must follow ‘pause’ without too long a delay. Calls must be made loudly and clearly. Refs shouldn’t follow the front •rows; they should engage on his call.Allow no individual angles by •players but do allow the forwards to scrum once the engagement is deemed legal.

OFFSIDEKeep an eye on this facet of play •as this season has already seen an increased amount of running, increased space and quicker ball through the new tackle interpretation.

OBSTRUCTION AT THE MAULThis is well refereed in general •play but it needs attention at kick-off and at the formation of mauls at line-outs.


Gomolemo Rametsi awarded first-ever referee bursary in South Africa

Bulls refs colour it for cancer

The PUK Rugby Institute is a finishing school for rugby players who’re seen to have the talent to progress to higher levels. Usually players are the focus, but the Leopards’ Gomolemo Rametsi has set a precedent by becoming the first person to join the institute specifically for refereeing.

The Blue Bulls Rugby Referee Society hosted their annual Cancer Shave-a-thon in the second week of March, when members dyed or shaved their hair in support of cancer awareness. Hair-raising moments on the field are reported to have already decreased in number as a result.

‘There’s never a dull moment at the office,’ says 24-year-old Gomolemo Rametsi, who was awarded a refereeing bursary by the PUK Rugby Institute of North West University, where he’s doing a Diploma in Sport.

Gomolemo’s relationship with the whistle began in 2005, when Philip du Toit, who works with the PUK Rugby Institute in his capacity as Leopards referee manager, asked him to ref an U14 game. Phillip watched his performance and told the young student that he believed he had potential with the whistle.

Two seasons later, ‘Oom Philip’, as Gomolemo calls the referees’ manager, invited him to join the Leopards Referee Society. ‘I ended up refereeing a number of games, and as 2007 became 2008, I was offered a refereeing bursary via by the PUK Rugby Institute,’ says Gomolemo, who first joined the Institute as a player, after earning provincial colours as a loose forward. In exchange for the bursary, Gomolemo must referee on a consistent basis for the Leopards Rugby Union, with the bursary being reassessed on an annual basis. Two other candidates are being assessed for the bursary this year.

Gomolemo’s friends and family have helped and supported him all the way, as have ‘Oom Philip’, Leopards referee development officer Andries Selemela, and Leopards committee members Mervin Taylor and Theuns Janse van Vuuren, who’s also a national assessor.

‘I love rugby and the challenge the whistle offers,’ says Gomolemo. ‘Every single time you walk on to the pitch you don’t know what to expect. All that you can do is paint a perfect picture in your mind before each game. No two games are the same, so your decision-making is put to the test all the time.’

And Gomolemo intends both moving upwards and giving back. ‘Within the next five years I want to be on the National Panel, be a role model to future referees and help others achieve their dreams and goals’.

Ben Crouse feels the full force of the razor as he sees his locks disappear.

Those who wanted to keep their crowning glory could opt to brighten it up.

Gomolemo is the first person in South African to be awarded a bursary for refereeing.


Ref’s-eye view

Pumas websitegoes online

Referee websites

One way for folk off the field to see exactly what the referee does is by way of a camera mounted into a headband worn by the ref during the match.

During two pre-season matches at Newlands, Jonathan Kaplan and Mark Lawrence could be seen

wearing headbands. These weren’t a fashion statement: mounted into each headband was a small camera, facing forward to see and record exactly what Kaplan and Lawrence did. The data was uploaded to a hard drive worn on their backs, which could then be downloaded for assessment purposes after the match.

The headband-camera may also be used as a training tool in future, for simulated refereeing during match-official training. The referee sits watching a match on a screen and then makes his decisions, all of which can be monitored and tested.

For armchair fans, another possible future use for the camera is to act as another option for the TV viewer to see the match from the referee’s viewpoint.

The Mpumalanga Rugby Referees’ Society recently re-launched their website, www.pumarefs.co.za. If

you’re a referee in Mpumalanga, this is the place to go for news, updates, Law discussions and event information.

Looking for information about refereeing in other regions? Here are a few addresses to get you started.

Western Province – www.wprugbyrefs.co.zaBlue Bulls – www.bullrefs.co.za Golden Lions - www.lionsrugby.co.za

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Mark Lawrence sports the latest in referee designer-wear

The Pumas are back prowling the web.

BokSmart becomes the standard in South AfricaOrganised rugby matches in South Africa will not be allowed to take place next year unless the participating coaches and match officials are BokSmart certified. The ruling was one of several decisions ratified by the provincial unions at the SARU Annual General Meeting on Friday. The impact of the new rules will be to improve rugby’s safety record as part of the wide-ranging BokSmart national rugby safety programme.

The key regulations approved by the provinces include:

•Provinces,clubs,rugbybodiesand schools shall not be allowed to host any match without ensuring that all match officials and participating coaches are BokSmart certified. •Provinces,clubs,rugbybodiesand

schools must comply with these regulations and ensure that they inform all their members of the regulations and their obligation. •Provinces,clubs,rugbybodiesand schools must ensure that all affiliated match officials and coaches are BokSmart certified and their details recorded.•Asof1Aprilthisyear,playersyounger than 18 years old shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in any position, at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU or any of its provincial unions, without special waiver.•Asof1Aprilthisyear,playersyounger than 19 years old shall not be allowed to play senior rugby in the front row at any level of rugby under the auspices of SARU or any of its provincial unions, without special waiver.

•Onlyplayerswhohavebeenidentified within the provincial or national structures with the potential to play at elite provincial level or above can apply for a waiver.

“These regulations have the potential to radically change the landscape of injury prevention in South African rugby for the rest of time,” said Dr Wayne Viljoen, SARU’s BokSmart project manager.

BokSmart has conducted more than 208 workshops across the 14 South African rugby unions, certifying a total of 5493 referees and coaches since its launch in July 2009.

For more information about the new regulations and BokSmart, log onto www.boksmart.com.

STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS STOP PRESS


Referees Academy Squad expands

Restarts can no longer end a match

South African Referees are expanding the scope of their academy programme, aimed at producing more top referees.

The Academy Squad was introduced a couple of seasons back to act as an additional level so promising referees

have the opportunity to refine their skills and push for higher honours. The success of this initiative meant the squad had to be divided into two regions (Coastal and Inland) to make administration and coaching more efficient. Now, a further division has become necessary, and the squad will consist of four regions.

Speaking of the academy’s achievements, André Watson, manager of SA Referees, says, ‘Eugene Daniels and Louis Mzomba did sterling work in tandem with the provincial

rugby development officers, with some referees having come through the system to reach the Contenders Squad and Provincial Panel. Rasta Rashivenga (page 12) is but only one example.’

Michael Cupido and Mandla Dakuse have volunteered to become coaches for two of the new regions, and André says he’s delighted to have people of their calibre and experience involved.

The responsibilities of the four Academy Squad regional coaches are scouting, talent identification and fast-tracking referees from disadvantaged areas to the next level. Daniels as head coach will be responsible for overseeing the overall structure of the Academy squad and ensuring that it operates in accordance with SA Rugby Referees’ guidelines and procedures. The reporting channel for Mzomba, Cupido and Dakuse will be through Daniels to SARRA.

REGIONS AND COACHESVaal Region (Blue Bulls, Lions, 1.

Pumas, Valke, Leopards): Michael CupidoCoastal Region (Western Province, 2. Boland, Eagles, Sharks): Louis MzombaSouthern Kings (Eastern Province, 3. Border): Mandla Dakuse Central Region (Cheetahs, 4. Griffons, Griquas): Eugene Daniels

During the Wales-France Six Nations encounter, with the game having reached full

time, Wales were 26-20 down after scoring. French flyhalf Frédéric Michalak took the restart and kicked the ball along the ground in front of the 10-metre line into touch, and the referee ended the game.

After the issue was raised by Wales, the designated members of the IRB’s Rugby Committee ruled that if there’s been a score towards the end of the game and there’s time for the kick-off to take place, but time will expire immediately after the kick, and the kicker:

does not kick the ball 10 metres,•kicks the ball directly into touch •orkicks the ball dead on or over •the opponents’ touch-in-goal or dead-ball line, then the referee will offer the •non-offending team the options provided by Laws 13.7, 13.8 and 13.9.

The non-offending team can either ask for the kick to be re-taken, be awarded a scrum in the centre of the pitch, or be awarded a line-out on the halfway line if the ball goes out on the full. Once the ball goes dead after the restart, but not including the restart, the match is over.

Frédéric Michalak’s actions instigated the ruling change

The Golden Lions’ RDO Michael Cupido is one of the newly appointed coaches.

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RONALD DAVID Ronald David began his 21st year as a member of the East London Rugby Referees’ Society in 2010. In-touch spoke to him about his long career with the whistle.R

onald David, referee manager at the Border Rugby Union, grew up in Chalumna, a rural area outside East London, where he played rugby and refereed friendly matches. When he finished school he moved to East London itself, where

he became increasingly involved with the whistle.

‘I joined the EL Rugby Referees’ Society in 1989 while I was playing rugby for EL Police,’ he says, and it wasn’t long before he realised that he needed to choose between playing the game or becoming more involved with refereeing.

In 1996 Ronald was appointed to officiate during the U19 Coca-Cola Academy Week in Port Elizabeth. ‘I learnt a lot from other referees and the atmosphere was good. In 1998 I was again appointed to the U19 Coca-Cola Academy Week, in Durban. In 2000 I officiated in the U16 Academy Week in Sasolburg.’ He also officiated at the 2001 Eastern Coastal Academy Week in Durban.

‘Every possible step you take is a seed that brings you closer to your dream’

In 2009 the EL Rugby Referees’ Society recognised his service, awarding him the 20 Years of Faithful Service Certificate.

Ronald enjoys meeting people involved in the game and introducing new faces to rugby through refereeing. ‘I give thanks to God, who enabled me to use this wonderful talent that He has given me,’ he says, adding that he uses his talent daily.

His advice to people involved in the game and refereeing? ‘Success is a race in which everyone can be a winner. Every positive step you take is a seed that brings you closer to your dream, no matter how small the step is. So, if you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. Whatever you’re doing, just keep moving forward. Those who want to win the prize must be willing to pay the price.’

21 years of service

Ronald David has been involved with refereeing in the Border region for over two decades.


Tap ‘n Go News from around the country

Mark Lawrence refereed his 50th Super rugby match in the middle of March when the Crusaders clashed with the Chiefs at Hamilton. In-touch congratulates Mark on his achievement, and wishes him the best for the rest of the season.

At the general meeting at the end of November last year, the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees’ Society elected Gerhard Roodt as its new

chairman to replace Oscar Somers, who was no longer available.

Somers served the society with distinction, and he, along with the incredibly hard-working Kosie Horn, former referee manager at the Blue Bulls and now manager of training and education at the Pretoria based union, were elected as Life Members of the Society.

Gerhard Roodt joined the Society in 1982 and was appointed vice-chair in 2004. He’s also held the match appointments secretary portfolio for many seasons.

The Society has two sections, one based in Pretoria and the other covering the vast expanse of Limpopo. The Society started the year with 121 active members in Pretoria and 26 in Limpopo, and ended it with 101 active referees in Pretoria and 31 in Limpopo.

EXECUTIVE FOR 2010/2011

Chairperson: Gerhard RoodtVice-chairperson: Johan MakkinkAssessment and Coaching: Kobus BeukesFinances: Gerhard van NiekerkMembers and Social: Joppie Kunz

Blue Bulls Refs’ Society elects new executive

Mark Lawrence hits Super 14 half-century

The protocol now specifies that the head coach is not allowed to run onto the field with water. Other coaching staff are allowed to be water-carriers, such as doctors and physios.

Technical zone changeThe International Rugby Board has produced a slightly changed protocol for the technical zone, the area where non-playing team officials must be if they are within the playing enclosure.

A team’s medical staff are allowed to enter the playing area when necessary.

Kosie Horn

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News from around the country Gabriel Pappas, South Africa’s

first official and longest-serving referee manager, has shifted position within the Golden Lions Rugby Union after being appointed divisional manager for supported services.

Gabriel became a referee in 1976, and has served on the committee of the Golden Lions

Rugby Referees’ Society since 1992. In 1996 he became the first referee manager in South Africa who was a full-time employee of his respective union.

Career highlights for Gabriel include the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, the 1996 Students World Cup and the 2002 IRB U21 World Championship, and he cites being able to associate with referees from all over the world as a favourite part of his job.

In his new position, the former Golden Lions referee manager will deal mainly with the union’s corporate governance in relation statutory compliance, operational risk management and the implementation of strategic initiatives.. He also hopes

to develop the union’s archives and get a museum going.

Gabriel has been replaced as referee manager by Theuns Naudé. In-touch wishes Gabriel and Theuns the best for the future.

Gabriel Pappas moves position at the Golden Lions

11

Citing and citing inconsistency has been an issue of concern throughout the rugby world for some time. To try to

alleviate this problem, SANZAR has appointed a citing commissioner in each country – Scott Nowland for Australia, Steve Hinds for New Zealand and Freek Burger for South Africa. Citing is generally regarded as the result of an offence worthy of a red card. Under the new system, citing commissioners could also examine what would probably have been a yellow-card offence and notify the player’s team accordingly. This is

seen as a proactive measure against foul play.

Nowland and Hinds are both experienced citing commissioners, and Burger, once a representative player and a Test referee who oversaw two Super rugby finals and a former manager of South African referees, has been involved in citing over the last two years.

Each of the commissioners is required to watch every Super 14 match on television, to ensure a standardised view. The three commissioners will discuss incidents – the process is referred to as ‘calibration’ – as soon

as possible after matches, and the final decision of whether or not to cite will rest with the citing commissioner in whose country the incident occurred.

Referral to the respective judicial officer must take place within 24 hours of the match, and the actual hearing may take place in a country in which the incident did not occur. If a player is cited for an incident in Johannesburg, for example, the hearing may take place in Perth if that is his home city.

SANZAR refines citing processSANZAR is taking steps to achieve greater citing consistency and to eliminate the ongoing suspicion that nationality leads to citing bias.

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0 EVENT DATE

Easter Tournament Camp 29 – 31 March

Easter Schools Tournaments 3 – 6 April

Referees management meeting 15 April

Referees management meeting 14 May

National/Prov/CC coaches meeting 8 June

Provincial & Women’s course 10 June

U16 Week (Kimberley) 14 – 17 June

Special Schools Week (George) 14 – 17 June

U13 Week (Graaff Reniet) 14 – 18 June

Academy Week (Vryheid) 22 – 25 June

U18 Craven Week (Welkom) 29 June – 3 July

*Please note that these dates are subject to change

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2www.sareferees.co.za NEWSLETTER OF SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREES’12

Rasta shows the way for Academy graduates Fhatuwani Rasivhenga became the first referee to graduate from the Academy Squad to the Provincial Panel with the naming of the SARU referee panels for 2010.

Boland referee Roslyn Fortuin was voted Boland’s Referee of the Year last season, beating out several men to the title. Having just returned from Hong Kong where she was refereeing at the Women’s Hong Kong Sevens, Roslyn spoke to In-touch to find out more about SA’s top-ranked female referee.

Fhatuwani Rasivhenge, or ‘Rasta’ to his colleagues, has been a match official for four years, but had an interesting

introduction to the whiste. ‘It all started when I went to play rugby at Wits after I left school. I ran on as a substitute for the U19s when we were playing Randfontein. As the game ended, one of my team mates told the referee that he was an idiot and I confronted him about what he’d said. I later went up to the referee while we were having some refreshments and he advised me to join the Golden Lions Rugby Referees’ Society.’ Rasta signed up at the next society meeting.

Rasta, who teaches at Jeppe High School for Boys, was included in last year’s Academy Squad. This squad was introduced three seasons ago to

act as a nursery for up-and-coming referees. It was, says Rasta, a great experience and certainly improved his refereeing. ‘It’s a phase I believe every referee should go through, as you’re afforded opportunities that open doors for you.’ Rasta praised the administrative staff and the coaches, who he says ‘strive for perfection which helps each referee strive for excellence’, and made special mention of former Golden Lions referee manager Gabriel Pappas, Theuns Naude, Tappe Henning, Andrè Watson and academy coaches Eugene Daniels, Phillip du Toit and Thuso Mngqibisa.

The Johannesburg resident enjoys the educational aspect that refereeing offers. ‘Each game and moment give different satisfactions, emotions and the opportunity to stretch my

capabilities. I don’t think there are substitutes for the experiences refereeing offers.’ Through referring, Rasta says, ‘You’ll learn more about yourself, serve a hobby that’s fruitful and worthwhile, build relationships and become a champion in many rights.’

And his future ambitions? ‘I want to be the best in the world and get married five minutes before I blow the whistle for the kick-off of the Rugby World Cup Final.’

Roslyn Fortuin, the number-one women’s referee in the country, recently took her talents overseas, following

in the footsteps of South African colleagues Jenny Bentel, Kim Smit and Eugenia Daniels, when she officiated at the Women’s Hong Kong Sevens, the top event on the IRB Sevens circuit. ‘The assessors were happy with my performance, and I’m proud to say that I refereed at the right standard. It was really enjoyable,’ she says.

Roslyn had spent four years playing the game when she decided to switch to blowing the whistle. She was approached by Ivan Pekeur, Boland’s referee manager, who saw in her the potential to be a good referee. She refereed in the Boland region for two

years, and in her third year was chosen for the Women’s Contenders Panel. She now heads up SARU’s Women’s National Panel.

Originally from Paarl and now a teacher in Worcester, Roslyn refereed at the Sub-union tournament in Vredenberg in 2008, and in 2009 she controlled the Women’s A League final in Port Elizabeth. In the same year, she became the first woman to referee a men’s Premier League match in Boland, and today she officiates men’s matches on a regular basis for the Boland Rugby Union.

Roslyn says that without the assistance of Pekeur and SA Referees’ coach Neville Heilbron, among others, her refereeing career wouldn’t have

advanced as far as it has today. And she makes special mention of her late father, Simon. ‘My father, while not involved in rugby, was extremely supportive, giving me advice and tips whenever I needed them.’

A large part of refereeing is controlling the game environment, and that’s one of the aspects Roslyn enjoys the most, along with ‘being introduced to new people and cultures, giving back to the community, and being given the opportunity to referee big games’.

Fhatuwani ‘Rasta’ Ravishenga is the first graduate from the Academy Squad to be placed on the Provincial Panel.

Roslyn Fortuin was voted as Boland’s Referee of the Year last year

A rose among the thorns

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Documents

intouch - sareferees.com edition1 2010.pdf · intouch SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY REFEREE SOCIETY NEWSLETTER Varsity Cup panel a winning idea The third edition of the annual Varsity Cup saw