Referee Policy
POLICY TITLE: Club Referee Policy
Introduction
Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Club mini section provides rugby for children ranging from under 6 to under 12 and the junior section rugby for children from under 13 to under 17.The coaches and committee members are all volunteers who have a keen interest in rugby. The ethos of this Club is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our children to learn the game of rugby.
The junior section of the Club participate in the Hertfordshire and Middlesex leagues and East Midlands Cup competitions. Home game officials are requested from East Midlands Referee Society (EMRS) in the first instance or games can be refereed by internally appointed Club officials.
Aim of the policy
To identify the role of the club referee co-ordinator.
To bring together various documents from constituent bodies to provide coaches, players and committee members clear guidance as to managing the Club's expectations of referee appointments and their subsequent performance.
Contents
1. Role of the club referee co-ordinator.
2. EMRS protocol for level 10 games and below including junior and mini rugby.
3. Herts and Middlesex League and East Midlands Cup regulations
4. Providing constructive feedback to Society appointed officials.
5. To provide a clear procedure in the event of a dispute or serious complaint.
1. Role of the club referee co-ordinator
1.1 Publish the Club's junior fixtures on the EMRS website. The confirmed appointment of Match Officials will be posted by each Tuesday at 9am.
1.2 Contact the appointed official 3 days prior to KO and confirm availability, timings & location.
1.3 Confirm with Junior coaches that a Society appointed referee is available. Otherwise attempt to appoint a Club official.
1.4 Liaise with RFU regional referee co-ordinator with regard to training courses and further development opportunities.
1.5 Provide guidance and advice in the event of a complaint arising from a match officials performance.
1.6 A fully participating member of the disciplinary committee.
2. EMRS Protocol
2.1 Match officials are in the first instance unpaid volunteers, without them the game would not be able to go ahead. Officials are graded due to their experience and are appointed to meet the demands of the game. For instance league season 2010/11:-
Level 5 - Ampthill 1XV - National League 3 and Bedford Academy
Level 6 - Bedford Athletic 1XV - Midlands 1 East
Level 8 - Bedford Queens - East Midlands 3
Level 11 - Junior U17 league game
Level 12 - Junior U16 league game
Level 13-15 - Junior U15-U13 league game
As can be seen from the above list, if a coach has played or watched a decent level of senior rugby they may have experience of a far senior official as to that provided to a Junior Club on a Sunday and should manage their expectations accordingly. Likewise the officials may have vastly differing experience and ability with little consistency either throughout the game or on a week by week basis.
2.2 However EMRS sets out the following expectations for level 10 and below games. The neutrality of the referee must be accepted by all whosoever they may be and whatever their allegiances.
Officials will:-
Ensure that highest standards are maintained at all times and recognise SAFETY as the prime consideration.
Be available to engage in constructive dialogue with players and coaches before and after the match.
Be fully conversant with any Age Group Variations to the Laws, ensuring they have an up- to -date CRB check where required.
Ensure both teams provide a Touch Judge and additionally the home team is expected to have made provision for emergency first aid.
Note that the Laws of the Game will be applied to all those in the Playing Enclosure, which is the area often defined or roped off. Otherwise it is a reasonable area surrounding the pitch. This is usually about 5-metres and thus will include the area in which spectators are standing.
The Laws of the Game provide many remedies for any abuse. In the case of abuse from spectators the referee will ask the home coach/captain to manage the situation to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour.
ALL MATCH OFFICIALS have the right to not be threatened, feel threatened or be subjected to foul or constant/repeated abuse from anyone. When the above fails to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour they are advised to end the match and leave immediately reporting the facts to the Society Disciplinary Coordinator.
The Referee should as a minimum:
At a scrum make the mark and control the engagement using the correct procedure, for which the players will have been briefed. Stop collapsed or popped and unsafe scrums immediately.
At a lineout ensure the safety of the jumper is paramount and be aware when it has ended.
At a tackle recognise that the duties fall on 1st tackler, 2nd tackled player and 3rd arriving players.
Communicate verbally advantage on and off and the importance of prolonged advantage to all concerned.
Ensure there is no place for Foul Play in the Game and that feet on players will not be tolerated.
Dissent is not abuse; but neither is it acceptable.
Recognise when a ruck is formed, that joining players must do so through the gate and that the ball is out only when the acting scrum half clearly has both his hands on the ball.
Recognise when a maul is formed.
2.3 If a Club coach feels that the game is not being refereed safely there is a Duty of Care upon the coach to act. In consultation with the referee and opposition coach any unsafe situation requires managment. If this requires the coach to withdraw his team from the match, this must be considered as the final measure. The coach should not enter the field of play without being invited by the referee. Any follow- up action with the constituent bodies will be dealt with by the Club committee. It would be unacceptable for a coach to make a serious complaint about players' safety having not acted in the players' interest in the first instance.
2.4 Referee fees:
£18 per match official, payable to EMRS, not the official.
Match-day cancellations: 1st occasion £50, thereafter £100.
Cancellations within 24 hours of KO £30
Late Registration Fee £10 / match.
Coaches must be aware of the charges relating to cancelled matches. They will not be applied in the case of inclement weather or where sensible procedures are followed and both the referee and EMRS are notified in good time. If the fault lies with the visiting team EMRS may invoice the opposition.
2.5 Coaches are reminded that any dismissals and all occurances of referee abuse must be notified to the disciplinary committee immediatley after the game.
3. Herts and Middlesex League and East Midlands Cup match official regulations
3.1 League Regulations
The Home Team is responsible for supplying a suitable referee for the fixture where suitable implies that the referee is (in order of preference):
a currently recognised society referee
a qualified referee not attached to the Home Club
a qualified referee not attached to the Home Team (ie that particular Age Group)
If a suitable referee is not available then the Home Team must;
Inform the visiting team at least two full days in advance that there is no suitable referee.
Offer the visiting team the option of providing an alternative suitable referee for the whole game.
If the Visiting Team declines the offer of providing their own referee then the Home Team can provide a qualified referee who is also attached to the particular Age Group.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in the docking of points from the Home Team thus it is advised that adequate records be kept for future reference. Each team is responsible for providing a touch judge to assist the referee during the game
3.2 EMMJRA Cup Regulations
The home club shall obtain an accredited referee to officiate. Wherever possible, this should be a EMRS appointed Referee. Additionally.....
4. Providing constructive feed back to society appointed officials
4.1 EMRS use a CLUB CARD system; the officials may therefore, present cards to age group coaches prior to or after the game for feedback. If the referee does not supply a card the Club Referee Coordinator will provide head coaches with cards which they can submit. Due consideration should be given to the comments made as both the EMRS development officer and the referee will read the comments.
4.2 The coach should not attempt to approach the referee immediately after the game or enter the officials' changing room if he has any serious concerns. The Referee should make himself available in the clubhouse as per the agreed protocol detailed above where discussion can take place.
5. Provide a clear procedure in the event of a dispute or complaint.
5.1 A formal complaint should only be considered in exceptional circumstances and should follow the procedure outlined below. In no circumstances should a coach contact a referee or constituent body directly.
5.2 In the event of any serious concerns being raised, the coach should identify the following:-
Is the complaint administrative i.e. not an independent referee and not being informed or is it regarding the referee's performance.
Establish if the referee was appointed by a society or is a club official.
The name of the official.
Any 3rd party evidence, video footage or statements from players or spectators.
5.3 The coach raising the complaint should inform the age group head coach and outline the facts concisely, considering the EMRS game protocol.
5.4 This initial report should be forwarded to the coaching co-ordinator no earlier than Monday morning, allowing time to reflect upon its content.
5.5 This will then be forwarded to the Club Chairman who will seek advice from the club referee co-ordinator. At this stage the Club may decide not to take the complaint forward, and will advise the coach accordingly.
5.6 If there are grounds for the complaint to leave the Club the appropriate constituent body will be identified. The views of the complaint will be considered to be fron the Club rather than an individual.
5.7 In the event of EMRS the report will be forwarded by the Club Secretary to the EMRS Hon Secretary who will forward it to the Match Officials' Development Committee Chairman.
5.8 Likewise if the feedback is praise it should follow the same distribution.
5.9 If a referee is appointed by another society similar lines of distribution should be followed. If the referee is appointed by a club the complaint should be sent to the relevant club secretary.
References:-
http://www.eastmidsrefs.com/forms/451%202009-2010%20Match%20Protocol%20L10-L15%20and%20Junior%20Rugby.pdf
http://www.eastmidsrefs.com/forms/440%202010%20June%20Affiliate%20Secretary%20Letter.pdf
http://www.emru.co.uk/default.aspx?pg=f242eb69-f41a-4d42-a93b-861872a3c85c
http://images.leaguerepublic.com/datacms/site2241194/user/documents/Rules%20for%20Herts%20Middlesex%202010_11.pdf
Introduction
Bedford Junior Blues Rugby Club mini section provides rugby for children ranging from under 6 to under 12 and the junior section rugby for children from under 13 to under 17.The coaches and committee members are all volunteers who have a keen interest in rugby. The ethos of this Club is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for our children to learn the game of rugby.
The junior section of the Club participate in the Hertfordshire and Middlesex leagues and East Midlands Cup competitions. Home game officials are requested from East Midlands Referee Society (EMRS) in the first instance or games can be refereed by internally appointed Club officials.
Aim of the policy
To identify the role of the club referee co-ordinator.
To bring together various documents from constituent bodies to provide coaches, players and committee members clear guidance as to managing the Club's expectations of referee appointments and their subsequent performance.
Contents
1. Role of the club referee co-ordinator.
2. EMRS protocol for level 10 games and below including junior and mini rugby.
3. Herts and Middlesex League and East Midlands Cup regulations
4. Providing constructive feedback to Society appointed officials.
5. To provide a clear procedure in the event of a dispute or serious complaint.
1. Role of the club referee co-ordinator
1.1 Publish the Club's junior fixtures on the EMRS website. The confirmed appointment of Match Officials will be posted by each Tuesday at 9am.
1.2 Contact the appointed official 3 days prior to KO and confirm availability, timings & location.
1.3 Confirm with Junior coaches that a Society appointed referee is available. Otherwise attempt to appoint a Club official.
1.4 Liaise with RFU regional referee co-ordinator with regard to training courses and further development opportunities.
1.5 Provide guidance and advice in the event of a complaint arising from a match officials performance.
1.6 A fully participating member of the disciplinary committee.
2. EMRS Protocol
2.1 Match officials are in the first instance unpaid volunteers, without them the game would not be able to go ahead. Officials are graded due to their experience and are appointed to meet the demands of the game. For instance league season 2010/11:-
Level 5 - Ampthill 1XV - National League 3 and Bedford Academy
Level 6 - Bedford Athletic 1XV - Midlands 1 East
Level 8 - Bedford Queens - East Midlands 3
Level 11 - Junior U17 league game
Level 12 - Junior U16 league game
Level 13-15 - Junior U15-U13 league game
As can be seen from the above list, if a coach has played or watched a decent level of senior rugby they may have experience of a far senior official as to that provided to a Junior Club on a Sunday and should manage their expectations accordingly. Likewise the officials may have vastly differing experience and ability with little consistency either throughout the game or on a week by week basis.
2.2 However EMRS sets out the following expectations for level 10 and below games. The neutrality of the referee must be accepted by all whosoever they may be and whatever their allegiances.
Officials will:-
Ensure that highest standards are maintained at all times and recognise SAFETY as the prime consideration.
Be available to engage in constructive dialogue with players and coaches before and after the match.
Be fully conversant with any Age Group Variations to the Laws, ensuring they have an up- to -date CRB check where required.
Ensure both teams provide a Touch Judge and additionally the home team is expected to have made provision for emergency first aid.
Note that the Laws of the Game will be applied to all those in the Playing Enclosure, which is the area often defined or roped off. Otherwise it is a reasonable area surrounding the pitch. This is usually about 5-metres and thus will include the area in which spectators are standing.
The Laws of the Game provide many remedies for any abuse. In the case of abuse from spectators the referee will ask the home coach/captain to manage the situation to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour.
ALL MATCH OFFICIALS have the right to not be threatened, feel threatened or be subjected to foul or constant/repeated abuse from anyone. When the above fails to eliminate the unacceptable behaviour they are advised to end the match and leave immediately reporting the facts to the Society Disciplinary Coordinator.
The Referee should as a minimum:
At a scrum make the mark and control the engagement using the correct procedure, for which the players will have been briefed. Stop collapsed or popped and unsafe scrums immediately.
At a lineout ensure the safety of the jumper is paramount and be aware when it has ended.
At a tackle recognise that the duties fall on 1st tackler, 2nd tackled player and 3rd arriving players.
Communicate verbally advantage on and off and the importance of prolonged advantage to all concerned.
Ensure there is no place for Foul Play in the Game and that feet on players will not be tolerated.
Dissent is not abuse; but neither is it acceptable.
Recognise when a ruck is formed, that joining players must do so through the gate and that the ball is out only when the acting scrum half clearly has both his hands on the ball.
Recognise when a maul is formed.
2.3 If a Club coach feels that the game is not being refereed safely there is a Duty of Care upon the coach to act. In consultation with the referee and opposition coach any unsafe situation requires managment. If this requires the coach to withdraw his team from the match, this must be considered as the final measure. The coach should not enter the field of play without being invited by the referee. Any follow- up action with the constituent bodies will be dealt with by the Club committee. It would be unacceptable for a coach to make a serious complaint about players' safety having not acted in the players' interest in the first instance.
2.4 Referee fees:
£18 per match official, payable to EMRS, not the official.
Match-day cancellations: 1st occasion £50, thereafter £100.
Cancellations within 24 hours of KO £30
Late Registration Fee £10 / match.
Coaches must be aware of the charges relating to cancelled matches. They will not be applied in the case of inclement weather or where sensible procedures are followed and both the referee and EMRS are notified in good time. If the fault lies with the visiting team EMRS may invoice the opposition.
2.5 Coaches are reminded that any dismissals and all occurances of referee abuse must be notified to the disciplinary committee immediatley after the game.
3. Herts and Middlesex League and East Midlands Cup match official regulations
3.1 League Regulations
The Home Team is responsible for supplying a suitable referee for the fixture where suitable implies that the referee is (in order of preference):
a currently recognised society referee
a qualified referee not attached to the Home Club
a qualified referee not attached to the Home Team (ie that particular Age Group)
If a suitable referee is not available then the Home Team must;
Inform the visiting team at least two full days in advance that there is no suitable referee.
Offer the visiting team the option of providing an alternative suitable referee for the whole game.
If the Visiting Team declines the offer of providing their own referee then the Home Team can provide a qualified referee who is also attached to the particular Age Group.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in the docking of points from the Home Team thus it is advised that adequate records be kept for future reference. Each team is responsible for providing a touch judge to assist the referee during the game
3.2 EMMJRA Cup Regulations
The home club shall obtain an accredited referee to officiate. Wherever possible, this should be a EMRS appointed Referee. Additionally.....
4. Providing constructive feed back to society appointed officials
4.1 EMRS use a CLUB CARD system; the officials may therefore, present cards to age group coaches prior to or after the game for feedback. If the referee does not supply a card the Club Referee Coordinator will provide head coaches with cards which they can submit. Due consideration should be given to the comments made as both the EMRS development officer and the referee will read the comments.
4.2 The coach should not attempt to approach the referee immediately after the game or enter the officials' changing room if he has any serious concerns. The Referee should make himself available in the clubhouse as per the agreed protocol detailed above where discussion can take place.
5. Provide a clear procedure in the event of a dispute or complaint.
5.1 A formal complaint should only be considered in exceptional circumstances and should follow the procedure outlined below. In no circumstances should a coach contact a referee or constituent body directly.
5.2 In the event of any serious concerns being raised, the coach should identify the following:-
Is the complaint administrative i.e. not an independent referee and not being informed or is it regarding the referee's performance.
Establish if the referee was appointed by a society or is a club official.
The name of the official.
Any 3rd party evidence, video footage or statements from players or spectators.
5.3 The coach raising the complaint should inform the age group head coach and outline the facts concisely, considering the EMRS game protocol.
5.4 This initial report should be forwarded to the coaching co-ordinator no earlier than Monday morning, allowing time to reflect upon its content.
5.5 This will then be forwarded to the Club Chairman who will seek advice from the club referee co-ordinator. At this stage the Club may decide not to take the complaint forward, and will advise the coach accordingly.
5.6 If there are grounds for the complaint to leave the Club the appropriate constituent body will be identified. The views of the complaint will be considered to be fron the Club rather than an individual.
5.7 In the event of EMRS the report will be forwarded by the Club Secretary to the EMRS Hon Secretary who will forward it to the Match Officials' Development Committee Chairman.
5.8 Likewise if the feedback is praise it should follow the same distribution.
5.9 If a referee is appointed by another society similar lines of distribution should be followed. If the referee is appointed by a club the complaint should be sent to the relevant club secretary.
References:-
http://www.eastmidsrefs.com/forms/451%202009-2010%20Match%20Protocol%20L10-L15%20and%20Junior%20Rugby.pdf
http://www.eastmidsrefs.com/forms/440%202010%20June%20Affiliate%20Secretary%20Letter.pdf
http://www.emru.co.uk/default.aspx?pg=f242eb69-f41a-4d42-a93b-861872a3c85c
http://images.leaguerepublic.com/datacms/site2241194/user/documents/Rules%20for%20Herts%20Middlesex%202010_11.pdf
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