1. ASSISTANT REFEREEING

2. Being an assistant referee has a different focus than refereeing!
Basics….
The Referee is responsible for the match and for his decisions
A Referee may take advice from the AR’s in accordance with their primary and secondary duties
Do not be offended if the referee ignores or over rules your advice
The referee and AR’s should discuss requirements prior to the match – National Squad Referees WILL you prior to ITM Cup fixtures.
Listen to what each referee is asking of you
Don’t be afraid to ask questions so you clearly understand what is expected – No question is a silly question
Being an assistant referee has a different focus than refereeing!

3. Communication Gear……
This presentation works on the assumption that all representative rugby will make use of Communication Equipment.

4. Primary AR Functions…….
The main reasons for our existence!!
Ball in touch
Ball Touch in-goal and over dead ball line
Correct ball used for quick throws
Kicks at goal
Foul Play
Sound easy??

5. Primary Functions - Testers
In Touch or Play on?
In Touch or Knock on?

6. Primary Function Questions
When must the AR raise their flag?
Indicate a successful kick at goal;
ball or ball carrier in touch or touch-in-goal
When does the AR not lower their flag?
Quick throw - wrong ball or ball touched by another player/person
Lineout - wrong team throws in or player throwing in puts foot in the field of play
Foul play – flag horizontal; right angle to touch line; continue duties with flag down
Can a quick throw occur if the ball hits an object like a light post or advertising hoarding?
Yes

7. Secondary AR Functions
These should not be performed at the expense of Primary Functions!!
Decisions that are clear and obvious
e.g. knock on, forward pass, offsides, offsides from kicks and not straights
Provide general trends at down time
Set 10m at penalty kicks
Mark infringement place for the referee
Set offside lines at scrum and lineout
Management of substitutions and sideline

8. Foul Play
Critical to avoiding brawls. If we get this wrong, teams can take justice into their own hands…..
Observe offence and ensure you have correct team and player number
Hang flag and follow play
Next stoppage alert referee that you have a report
Wait until you are asked to come on and give report
Give the facts
e.g. “Blue 4 punched a red player at the previous ruck.”
Do not give a demonstration of the act
Do not give a recommendation unless asked, but be ready just in case

9. Foul Play Reports…. Get the number and get it right!!
No number, flustered, shambolic
Great process by referee. Buys time for himself and AR to rehearse what they will say.

10. Positioning – Leading & Trailing
When play is coming toward you or is heading down your touch line (watch the ball as play comes towards you)
Trailing
When play is going away from you or is on the far side of the field (watch where the ball was/back play)
AR’s should have a “ball line” focus to leading and trailing roles

11. Positioning – In Goal AR AR AR

12. Positioning – Kickoffs
Ball fielded cleanly (knock-on)
1st pass (forward) AR R AR
Ball travelling 10m
Jumper is not interfered
Observe obstruction by other players

13. Positioning – Dropouts
Ball fielded cleanly (knock-on)
1st pass (forward) AR AR R
Ball travelling over the 22m
Jumper is not interfered
Observe obstruction
Players behind the kicker

14. Positioning –Goal kicks
KICKS HERE
Consider positioning at:
Penalty kick at goal
Conversion
The process is:
Talk
Look
Confirm
Signal AR AR