1. Practical touch-judging
Country Rugby League
Referee Seminar
Wollongong 2010

2. Introduction Difference between NRL & your grade?
Communications gear
Technology
Media pressure
Most NRL sideline officials will use some basic position and movement, but be sure to follow your association/group protocols!

3. Position description What does a touch judge do during a match?
Support referee
Touch & touch in goal
Kicks at goal
Back play
General decisions assistance
Communicate
This is done by being in best position and showing urgency at all times!

4. Position – kick off

5. Position – short kick off

6. Position – Goal line drop out

7. Position – 20m optional kick

8. Position – 20m optional kick

9. Position – General play

10. Position – General play

11. Position – Scrums

12. Position – Towards touch

13. Position – Towards corner

14. Position – Goal kick

15. Position – Goal kick

16. Case study – Titans vs Cowboys
Various positioning and other issues

17. Back play & brawls Watch where the ball has been
Kicks, passes, scrums
Play advantage at all times
Brawl position – Mercedes Benz model
Do not get too close, use voice to control
Watch for runners, strikers and foul play
Identify the aggressor
Hint: The aggressor is not necessarily the person who threw the first punch!

18. Brawls
Video example

19. Reporting incident to referee
Identify who you want to report and let the referee call out the player(s)
Hint: Have a quick, quiet chat to the referee about your report
State facts, use appropriate tone and do not mimic actions
Keep your hands behind you or at your side (hold flag)
Identify agressor
Wait until the referee allows you to leave then go to the mark or back to the touch line
Do not anticipate the actions of the referee.

20. Reporting incident to referee
(How not to do it….)

21. Kicks in general play GENERAL RULES FOR KICKS
Read the game to determine who will kick the ball, when they will and where they will kick the ball to
Position on the field will determine if the kick will be “long” or “short”
Note chasers that are off side
Sign off on kicker (backplay)
When the ball is in flight, be aware of where the ball is but do not keep a watch on it
Be aware of blockers running protection lines
Follow the ball if it is running towards line
Key word is URGENCY.

22. Kicks - long Additional hints for long kicks: Identify the kicker
Watch speed and direction of defending players (especially markers)
Watch direction of kick blockers
Move briskly to ensure constant view
Take note of feet – 40m line.

23. Kicks - short Additional hints for short kicks:
Be especially aware of chasers
Be aware that a kicker will not usually get through a compressed defence where the line is set. Collisions are probable.
Interference is more likely where defensive line is broken.

24. Communication Limit your talk to players to 15m away
Talk as you would if you were the referee
Identify players who require to be communicated with (eg winger may not play the ball with the foot)
At breaks in play or at half-time, do not bombard the referee with advice or superfluous information
Do not dwell on negative aspects, provide positives and some ideas for improving if they ask for it.

25. Presentation Team Signals Movement Confidence
Even if you doubt your decision!
Next week you may be in the centre and the referee may be on your line…

26. Summary Preparation is a must Know your referee Know the rules
Know the signals
Know where you have to be
Be a team player
Enjoy yourself
The game needs twice as many touch judges as it does referees!

27. Finished!
Questions??