How To Referee Rugby

How to Referee Rugby

Being a referee is a little like being a parent, a cop and a judge at the same time. The flow of the game is decided by the referee. Make a good call and the fans in the stand will love you, make one that they do not agree with and they will hail curses on you that would make a sailor blush. You have to have physical stamina, a quick eye and the ability to recognize and defuse tense situations on the field. There are times where you will feel like you have signed on to be a kindergarten teachers, and times when you want to trot off the field and never strap on that whistle again.

Just wanting to be a referee is not enough. You have to know the game forward and backward, inside and out. Every rule and regulation has to be adhered to without bias. You have to set aside any prior loyalty and make yourself as neutral as possible. There can be no rooting for your own team or can there be any hint of impropriety. The referee keeps the game honest, fair and safe for the players and the fans in the stands.

Simply knowing the game is not enough, however. There are other things to know about how to referee rugby- things that are not just picked up in a game or two. A good referee will have studied not only the game and the rules, but will know a little bit about psychology, and will have the calm, cool head to keep things on the level. There are training courses to learn how to be a referee, including online reference guides and other resources. Checking out one of these should be the first step to whoever has decided to become a referee. Just desire alone will not cut it, there has to be far more.

Of course, being a referee for a team of youngsters will be different from being the official on the field for a major league rugby game, but the basic needs are about the same. Each player must know the rules, and adhere to them. Each player must show respect for their teammates and their opponents as well as the game itself. The rules and regulations must be adhered to. To be a good referee, you must love the game and want to ignite that love among others.