Referees

[RugbyReg]

Just listening to the latest ruggamatrix, with Peter Marshall on.

They make the valid point of why don't the ARU follow the Cricket Australia path and support former players in becoming referees. CA have done it well with state and international players Rodney Tucker, Paul Reifel and Paul Wilson. They've basically rushed them through the normal development path but have supported them along the way. The former two, at least, now umpire at international level.

Would it not be worthwhile to do the same in rugby? I'm thinking even just injury-ridden players. Guys like Charlie Fetoai, Al Kanaar, Will Caldwell (possibly), Julian Huxley (as was mentioned). Put them through a ref course and give them extra coaching. Get them reffing club ASAP and then National Championships etc. They may then have a better understanding of the game from a player and officiating perspective.

Possibly even recently retired people. Sean Hardman for one. It'd be great to have more front rowers reffing. Scott Staniforth (when he retires) strikes me as being a potentially very good ref.

Is it worth the investment? I guess the ARU have to make it 'appealing' to these players as well.

 

[Brumby Jack]

I've got an interview with a current ref lined up for next week and the subject was touched on briefly.

It could be a good topic and I think it's not just limited to Rugby with the number of officials declining whilst participation levels increasing. It seems people are put off becoming an official when, unfortunately, the issue of overbearing parents rears it's ugly head from the sidelines on weekends at various sports events.

 

[DPK]

What's the pay like? Players need income post careers, but I have a feeling the pay rate of refs is a little low for them to be interested.

 

[Ruggo]

What are the conditions like in a sense that how long do referees stay away from home at a time? Alot of players retire due to family reasons. It is a bloody good idea and on a local scale it has worked bloody well in club rugby.

 

[barbarian]

I think it has a bit to do with the profiles of referees in rugby compared to umps in cricket. Umpires are almost revered figures, guys like Bucknor, Shepherd, Venkat etc who had their own little quirks and who people tend to view positively. Refs in rugby are not nearly admired to the same level, and in many cases widely disliked- eg Barnes in NZ. When cricket umps retire (as Koertzen is doing after the current Aus/Pak test) he will get a standing ovation, but when a guy like Matt Goddard retires he merely slinks into the darkness with barely a nod from the media or players.

I'd imagine that is one of the reasons why past players aren't exactly chomping at the bit to be refs.

 

[Nusadan]

I think it has a bit to do with the profiles of referees in rugby compared to umps in cricket. Umpires are almost revered figures, guys like Bucknor, Shepherd, Venkat etc who had their own little quirks and who people tend to view positively. Refs in rugby are not nearly admired to the same level, and in many cases widely disliked- eg Barnes in NZ. When cricket umps retire (as Koertzen is doing after the current Aus/Pak test) he will get a standing ovation, but when a guy like Matt Goddard retires he merely slinks into the darkness with barely a nod from the media or players.

I'd imagine that is one of the reasons why past players aren't exactly chomping at the bit to be refs.

Referees, start becoming referees for the love of the game (like most rugby players) to start with...am sure they wouldn't be doing it for money or fame initially...only a very tiny percentage of them ever get to the top! So I don't think it is an issue with those who do not aim for fame to start with.

Though someone like Dr Roger Vanderfield would have had some sort of acknowledgement when he reffed his last game.

 

[#1 Tah]

As a junior, any ref who does not go our way is immediately claimed as "player who failed". If Spanner or Ducka turned up one sunday morning, I would have a new found respect for refs.

 

[chief]

On the topic of referees, can someone tell Paddy O'Brien to fuck off. Why is he still refs coordinator? I still cannot get over his stupid idea that when you enter a ruck and have your hands in there you can have a play at the ball. Great idea at trying to get quicker ball right? This along with that Dickinson issue and now the pass mark for Alain Rolland.

 

[Langthorne]

Getting ex players in is a good idea. Paying top refs well would help too. I think they should also be given plenty of training (including inter sport collaboration) and support too (how about a referees' trainer going through things, even with the top guys? or scrum gurus to shed some light on what is going on?).

Steve Walsh's idea of additional assistants, particularly for set piece and back play monitoring, is one I'd like to see explored. I think there must be one guy in charge, but with the right sort of assistant his job could be done more effectively.