Introduction Workgroups Feedback Summary Keeping the temperature down or How to handle the tense game

Quotes from the Match Management Criteria and its predecessor the CBRDS Achieved a balance of preventative and punitive measures Demonstrated empathy for the match allowing it to develop in accordance with the temper of the match Used preventative measures to control the match wherever possible Demonstrated intent to provide solutions to problems Introduction - What is the problem?

He used his experience to take the heat out of situations when he felt it necessary. Quotes from assessor reports Introduction - What is the problem? The positive management that he used meant that he kept the temper of the game fairly even This game would have benefited from a higher level of preventative management An incident of foul play blew up which could, with a little more awareness, have been predicted and perhaps diffused sooner Perhaps the only aspect of control which could have been managed a little differently was the balance between punitive and preventative measures

Positive management Punitive measures Preventative measures Lowering the temperature Taking the Heat out Awareness Introduction - What is the problem? What do these mean? Where can we find help? Key phrases:

The indiscretions at the tackle were mind-numbingly stupid and my only real question is whether I could have exhibited as much patience in not dishing out several yellow cards. Some yellow cards were definitely needed to concentrate some of the stubborn minds present A match that needed firm control and this was achieved, albeit at the cost of a high penalty count and two yellow cards. More quotes from reports : Introduction - What is the problem? So we can see what the punitive measures are.

Introduction - What is the problem? What about preventative measures? Is the threat of yellow all we have at our disposal? There is little written about this.

Introduction - What is the problem? Coaching Solutions to Refereeing Problems offers us:  Must be confident to rule on what he sees  Proactive through communication rather than reactive through the whistle  Recognise flash points (but doesn’t tell you what you should do even if you have spotted one) The old B and C grade courses did not address the issues The new Development and Society Referee courses do not provide answers – leave it to us to deduce them through the coursework.

Introduction – Finding the Solution Syndicates and then Feedback Three different scenarios Each syndicate tackle one 20 minutes

Scenario 1 Persistent slow ball at tackle Too many bodies on the ground Less than careful use of the feet Tempers rising

Scenario 2 Mauling team vs Rucking team – clash of styles Persistent fringeing and/or loose binding Players trying to take law into own hands re perceived offside Tempers rising

Scenario 3 Off the ball incidents in open play Obstruction Playing the man without the ball Over robust and early/late tackling

Solution(s) - 1 Preparation L Know the laws L Visualization / solutions L Fitness – to be there L Be aware of history of the clubs L League/cup/friendly may not have an effect, but may lead to your initial standards expectation

Solution(s) - 2 Pre- match L Captains’ and coach’s briefing before the match L Lay out the law L State what you require

Solution(s) - 3 Match L Positioning; Get to the breakdown – be there to locate the ball then back off; remember BPON L Know / recognize potential situations L Preventative measures and Verbal guidance (see below) L Beware player (and your!) tiredness approaching the end of the game L Ground/weather conditions - allow for conditions by blowing more quickly to alleviate genuine problems - recognize problems for players

Solution(s) - 4 Preventative Measures L Set standards early L If not comply remind of pre-match brief L Penalise first event to set standard L Early calls - “away” “release” “back foot” L Use one word if possible L Talk to arriving players “stay on feet” L Communicate if a “ruck”

Solution(s) - 5 In the event of “problems” Communication First communication – all hear Second communication – word in ear at stoppage Identify problem to the participants Tell them what you do/don’t want Recognize source of problem Penalise – explain – number – is it the same offender? Reinforce with word in ear at the next lineout Does it look coached? Get skippers’ support in trying to eliminate it If no response Sanctions consistently and rigorously applied Cards only if you are sure

Solution(s) - 6 Taking heat out L Safety comes first in all games L Body language; stay calm and appear to be in control L Talk to them again “I am running out of options” L Tell them if they do not comply you will slow things down Quick whistle management (see below) shorten advantage L Yellow for persistent offences

Solution(s) - 7 Quick whistle Management L Let players/captains know you are doing this L Need to consider blowing early (no advantage) esp if feet come into play or at tackle if ball not free quickly to eliminate possibility of the on-ground problems, and at ruck/maul if too loose and/or ball not visible even if it is still moving or maul about to collapse L If penalty is awarded, do not let effect be dissipated by a quick tap