1. POSITIONING TACKLE, RUCK AND MAUL

2. GENERAL Positioning should not be prescriptive Positioning should be instinctive There are no preferred positions

3. GENERAL Referee’s Fitness Level is Critical If you’re not there - doesn’t matter where you stand Good lines of running between phases are Essential

4. GENERAL Referees are Different Shapes and Sizes Touch Judge Input can affect positioning

5. POSITIONING Tackle, Ruck and Maul are Dynamic No one position is correct Some positions are better than others

6. WHAT POSITION? Position of Ball Is it Quick ball or Slow Ball Position on Field Positions of Players Awareness of Trends/Tactics Level of Game

7. RECOMMENDED POSITIONS In field some 3 to 4 metres away from the tackle, ruck or maul on the attacking side level or slightly behind the scrum half

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9. RECOMMENDED POSITIONS On the narrow side i.e. the side nearest the touch line beside and slightly behind the scrum half of the attacking side

10. x x x x oo o R

11. RECOMMENDED POSITIONS Slightly behind and between the attacking side’s scrum half and the stand-off so long as the three quarters are lying “flat.”

12. x x x x R oo o

13. “NO GO” POSITIONS Take up an initial position on the defending side Adopt the “chariot” position Stand square on to the tackle, ruck or maul.

14. x x x x R oo o R R

15. Catch 22 Bad decisions - Poor Positioning Positioning crucial, but can be taught

16. Fitness At least be as fit as the teams you referee Stay mentally alert throughout the game

17. The Ball Always keep the ball in view Do not let too many players get between you and the ball Do not get in the road of play

18. Angles of Sight Do not turn your back on players or the ball Adopt angles to maximise your view, never be square

19. Positioning The aim of the referee is to be at all times in the best position to see everything that goes on. This is an art that can only be acquired by practice and study