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BCRRS Referee Pathway Document

(2016-17)

This document lays out the expectations the BCRRS has for those who wish to become involved in refereeing in BC. This document discusses the “Graded Lists” produced by the local Society, the BCRRS and Rugby Canada… the various panels. These panels are a series of hierarchical groupings that are established in accordance with ability, experience and potential of the individuals. See Appendix A for general principles of grading of referees This document does not deal with the certification (or accreditation) of referees. The policies of Rugby Canada and the BCRRS cover this topic. Certification is related to the level of IRB Officiating course that referees/coaches complete. For more information see the document “Referee Re-certification in BC 2016-17” World Rugby Refereeing Courses There are 3 courses developed and prescribed by World Rugby for referees of the fifteens game. They are sequential and all have prerequisites. There are also courses for the refereeing of the 7-a-side game. More detail can be found on the web site World Rugby.org. World Rugby Level 1 - Officiating Fifteens

This course is the entry course, open to all and requires 1 days attendance to complete. World Rugby Level 2 - Officiating Fifteens

This course is available to referees with at least 1 season’s experience and requires a demonstration of officiating techniques and skills. It requires 2 days of attendance to classes. It is generally available to those who have been members of a referees’ society.

World Rugby Level 3 - Officiating Fifteens

This course is controlled by Rugby Canada and is available to invited, high performance referees.

Referee Pathway Once a person has become a certified referee, the option is open to them to join a referee society in their area and begin a “career” as a referee. As they become more and more skilled and as they take higher courses, they can move to higher-level panels. The placement of an individual referee in the panel hierarchy (and its sub-sections) is the responsibility of the controlling bodies i.e. local societies for the Ungraded, President and C panels, the BCRRS for the B panel and Rugby Canada for the A panel. Each controlling body takes an active role in recommending individuals for placement in the higher panels. (See the Grading Practices in Appendix A)

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World Rugby

Level 1 Officiating Course

Local Referees’ Society

“C” Panel VFVRRS, VIRRS, KRRS, ORRS

BCRRS

BC “B” Panel

Rugby Canada

National “A” Panel

World Rugby International

Referee

World Rugby

Level 2 Officiating Course

BC Referee Pathway

World Rugby

Level 3 Officiating Course

Rugby Canada

registration

World Rugby on-line

courses and tests

Fitness test minimum

standards

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Local Society “C” Panel The local Society “C” Panel has 3 levels: ungraded, C3, C2 and C1 (in ascending order). Some

local societies also have a “President’s List”. Appendix A contains the general principles by which referees are graded in BC.

Requirements for joining a Local Referee Society (and thus the BCRRS) at the ungraded level

and to be considered for appointment to games are:

1) completion of a World Rugby Level 1 Introduction to Officiating Course.

2) registration with Rugby Canada and the BCRU.

3) completion of the on-line World Rugby tests available for Laws and Rugby safety. - World Rugby Law Test (http://laws.worldrugby.org) - Rugby Ready Test (http://rugbyready.worldrugby.org) - World Rugby’s online Concussion Management for the General Public module (http://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/concussion)

4) Within the 1st year of society membership the member must complete an approved aerobic test (a Multistage Shuttle Run or 2400m run) and the 40m sprint test, to the minimum standards for a “C” panel referee. Seen below.

Note: If a member does not meet the above minimum BCRRS standards the level of game to

which they can be appointed will be restricted to the lower levels or they will not be appointed to games but will be given an opportunity (within a reasonable time period), to raise their fitness to the required standard.

5) Demonstrate the basic competencies of a good referee:

Notes:

In Appendix B are listed some of the basic competencies which referees and Referee Assistants must strive to attain.

A member’s frequency of achieving the basic competencies can be matched to levels

on the graded list with the following descriptions:

Ungraded: a few of the competencies, some of the time, C3: Some of the competencies, some of the time C2: A majority of the competencies, most of the time C1: Almost all of the competencies, almost all of the time.

A member who is ungraded will receive appropriate coaching and strive to reach the

“minimum C3 level” as soon as possible i.e. within their 1st season of society membership.

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Continuing on the Local Society “C” Panel To remain on the Local Society’s “C” Panel (or President’s List), a member must:

1) actively referee as much possible (ie with consideration for work, injury etc.) 2) Annually register as an official with Rugby Canada and the BCRU 3) Annually complete the on-line World Rugby tests available for Laws and Rugby safety. - World Rugby Law Test (http://laws.worldrugby.org) - Rugby Ready Test (http://rugbyready.worldrugby.org) - World Rugby’s online Concussion Management For the General Public module (http://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/concussion) Note: - the certificate of successful completion of each course must be downloaded by the referee and sent to their local society. - Local Societies will maintain records of completion of its members 4) Every 2 years the member must complete an approved aerobic test (a Multistage Shuttle

Run or 2400m run) and the 40m sprint test, to the minimum standards described below: Shuttle run minimum standards: Leger 20m Beep test: Level 5 or higher

or Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Beginner Level 1 test: Stage 2-1 / Level 2 (80m) or higher

Note: Referees only seeking this minimum level are NOT to complete the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Advanced Level 2 test.

2400m run minimum standards: under 14:55mins 40m Sprint (from standing start timed from first movement) minimum standards: under 7.0secs (laser) or < under 7.3sec (hand held)

Notes: Should a referee’s fitness level not meet the required standards, they will be given an

opportunity (within a reasonable time period), to raise their levels to the required standards.

Alternately, if a member does not meet the minimum BCRRS fitness standards, they

may be observed refereeing a game by a CMO. If the CMO determines that the member’s fitness standard is sufficient to the level of game the member was refereeing, the member may continue to referee at that (or lower) level. Unless they successfully meet the minimum BCRRS standards of fitness, they may not referee any higher-level games.

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5) Demonstrate the basic competencies of a good referee:

In Appendix B are listed some of the basic competencies which referees and Referee Assistants must strive to attain.

A member’s frequency of demonstrating the basic competencies can be matched to levels on the graded list with the following descriptions:

C3: Some of the competencies, some of the time C2: A majority of the competencies, most of the time C1: Most all of the competencies, almost all of the time. President’s List: as C2

BCRRS “B” Panel The local Society “B” Panel has 4 levels: B3, B2 and B1 (in ascending order). The BCRRS Executive determines the membership of the BCRRS “B” Panel. Placement onto or continuation on the BCRRS Panel is based on the following requirements that the referee:

1) shall be recommended to the BCRRS Executive by the member’s Local Society or BCRRS Coaches.

2) make a 3 to 5 year commitment to developing their refereeing skills, knowledge and

ability.

3) must have completed the World Rugby Level 2.

4) Annually register as an official with Rugby Canada and the BCRU.

5) annually complete the on-line World Rugby tests available for Laws and Rugby safety. - World Rugby Law Test (http://laws.worldrugby.org) - Rugby Ready Test (http://rugbyready.worldrugby.org) - World Rugby’s online Concussion Management For the General Public module (http://playerwelfare.worldrugby.org/concussion)

Note: - these on-line tests must be completed each year of membership - the certificate of successful completion of each course must be downloaded by the referee and sent to the BCRRS’s Chair of Coaching. - The Chair of Coaching will maintain records of certificates completion

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5) annually complete an approved aerobic test (e.g. Multistage Shuttle Run or 2400m run) and the 40m sprint test, to the approved minimum standards given below:

for the B3 level

Shuttle run minimum standards: Leger 20m Beep test: Level 8 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Advanced Level 2 test: Level 2/Stage 2 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Beginner Level 1 test: Level 24/Stage 7-5 or higher 2400m run minimum standards: under 11:45mins 40m Sprint (from standing start timed from first movement) minimum level: under 6.4secs (laser) or < under 6.7sec (hand held)

for the B2 level

Shuttle run minimum standards: Leger 20m Beep test: Level 9 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Advanced Level 2 test: Level 9/Stage 4-1 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Beginner Level 1 test: Level 33/Stage 8-6 or higher 2400m run minimum standards: under 10:55mins 40m Sprint (from standing start timed from first movement) minimum standards: under 6.3secs (laser) or < under 6.6sec (hand held)

for the B1 level

Shuttle run minimum standards: Leger 20m Beep test: Level 10 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Advanced Level 2 test: Level 20/Stage 5-3 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Beginner Level 1 test: Level 43/Stage 9-8 or higher 2400m run minimum standards: under 10:10mins 40m Sprint (from standing start timed from first movement) minimum standards: under 6.2secs (laser) or < under 6.5sec (hand held)

Note: Should a referee’s fitness be slightly below the required standard, they will be given an

opportunity in the next grading period to do so, at which time their position on the panel will be reviewed.

The referee must report all injuries as soon as possible after they occur. Should medical

treatment be sought (doctor/physiotherapist), the referee is encouraged to obtain clearance documentation from them before resuming training. The referee must demonstrate recovery from the injury before returning to refereeing.

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Match officials are expected to learn and develop the skills, knowledge, physical fitness and

psychological attributes to perform the role of referee, touch judge/assistant referee and that of the #4, #5 & #6 official

A comprehensive career review will be conducted on an annual basis for every provincially

graded referee. The BCRRS Vice-President (Coaching/Reviewing) or another member of the Executive will be responsible for the review.

Chronological age, by itself, will not be taken into consideration during grading of a referee.

However, it must be noted that the BCRRS expects 3 to 5year contribution to refereeing after nomination to the panel is accepted. It must also be understood that age contributes to every person’s ability to improve as a referee, as well as an ability to maintain pace with the other 30 high performance athletes on the field. The important issue is the impact that the person’s age has upon their refereeing ability rather than their chronological age itself.

6) Demonstrate the basic competencies of a good referee:

In Appendix B are listed some of the basic competencies which referees and Referee

Assistants should attain.

As referees on the BCRRS Panel will more often be assigned games played with better skilled players, greater pace of play and subtlety of infractions, it is expected that referees on the BCRRS Panel achieve these competencies at a higher frequency than referees in the Local Society Panel.

Members of the BCRRS Panel need to possess a better “referee skill set” than their

colleagues on the Local Society Panels.

Members of the BCRRS Panel must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the Laws of the Game and be able to apply them accurately to game situations.

Within the sub-gradients of the BCRRS Panel, the frequency which the members

demonstrate the referee competencies, a refined skill set and correct decisions in Law, increases from B3 to B2 to B1.

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Canada “A” Panel The Rugby Canada Refereeing and Laws Committee determines membership on the Canada

“A” Panel. From time to time, the BCRRS executive may recommend, to them, the name of a BCRRS Panel referee for their consideration.

To be eligible for the BCRRS executive’s recommendation, the referee must fulfill and accept

the requirements of the “The Pathway to Rugby Canada’s National Referee Panel”. Fitness Standards for Canada / International

Shuttle run minimum standards: Leger 20m Beep test: Level 11 or higher Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Advanced Level 2 test: Level 30/Stage 6-4 or higher

Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Beginner Level 1 test: Level 51/Stage 10-8 or higher 2400m run minimum standards: under 9:35mins 40m Sprint (from standing start timed from first movement) minimum standards: under 6.0secs (laser) or < under 6.2sec (hand held)

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Appendix A BCRRS and Local Society Grading Policies - All referees will be reviewed with specific competencies in mind (see below). - Decisions pertaining to a referee’s promotion, continuation or relegation can occur at any time

in a calendar year, though will occur grading meetings, held on a bi-annual basis in December/January and again in May/June.

- Following any grading meeting, the committee will clearly communicate any areas of

deficiency to the referees. - A great deal of emphasis will be placed upon coaching reports as well as a referee’s ability to

meet fitness standards and to maintain continual adherence to the documented protocols. - It is not the primary role of the BCRRS to prepare BC or Rugby Canada match officials.

However, in order that such appointments are continually made available to our members, the IRB / Rugby Canada protocols and expectations will be adhered to whenever possible.

- Chronological age, by itself, will not be taken into consideration during grading of a referee. It

must also be understood that age contributes to every person’s ability to improve as a referee, as well as an ability to maintain pace with the other 30 athletes on the field. The important issue is the impact that the person’s age has upon their refereeing ability rather than their chronological age itself.

- It is acknowledged that a referee’s commitment to furthering their “career” as a referee

changes over time as family and relationship expectations change and as employment circumstances modify. Should a referee’s situation outside of the game impact upon their development as a referee, it is essential for this to be incorporated into the referee’s pathway and be considered as part of that referee’s progress review.

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Appendix B

MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES Communication

Adhered to the communication protocol in every aspect.

Demonstrated ability to vary the form

and style of communication. Established rapport with captains. Communicated “advantage” and

“advantage over” by signal and voice. Control for identified incidents

Managed foul play (obstruction, dangerous play and misconduct) effectively, utilizing admonishment, cautioning and temporary suspension, and sending off, appropriate to the offence.

Managed foul play (unfair play and

repeated infringements) effectively, utilizing cautioning and temporary suspension.

Demonstrated management skills that

ensured control of the game. Advantage

Played territorial / tactical advantage in accordance with the conduct and spirit of the game.

Managed advantage so that the ball in

play time was maximized. e.g.by identifying clear advantage opportunities, not possible opportunities, and not playing advantage too long in the latter situation.

Managed not to return to the original

infringement after territorial / tactical advantage had been gained.

Played advantage without putting non-

offending players under undue pressure.

Significant events

Manage the match with no significant events where referee errors materially affected the result of the match e.g. scores, denial of scores, incorrect dismissals, lack of dismissals, failure to use other match officials effectively during scoring situations and foul play.

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TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES Tackle / Ruck / Maul

Tackler released the tackled player and moved away.

Tackled player made the ball available

immediately. Player entered the tackle phase and

joined ruck/maul correctly. Participating and arriving players did not

intentionally go to ground or contribute to the collapse of a ruck or maul.

Participants and non-participants

remained onside. Players hands were not used in the ruck,

or illegally in the post tackle phase. Scrummage

Awarded scrum throw-in to the correct side when the ball became unplayable.

Scrum engagement procedure was

followed with the scrum stationary and square to touch line until the ball was thrown in.

Applied appropriate sanctions for

management of scrums including offences for binding, standing up, collapsing and illegal wheeling.

Fair contest for the ball including throw-

in, foot up and delayed throw-in. Participants and non-participants

remained onside.

Line-out

Fair contest for the ball including maintaining the gap, quick and incorrect throws.

Applied appropriate sanctions for delay,

across and along the line-out offences.

Non-participants remained onside.

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Kicks, general play Restart kicks (ko/do/pk/fk) were taken

correctly (method and place) and players remained on-side from kicks in general play, and were ten metres from penalty kicks and free kicks.

All obvious knock-ons and forward

passes were detected.

REFEREE ASSISTANT COMPETENCIES

Touch, touch in goal, line-out

Adjudicated correctly for ball in touch, touch-in-goal and dead ball.

Indicated correctly for place where ball

to be thrown in. Indicated correct team to throw in. Adjudicated quick throw-in correctly.

Kick at goal

Adjudicated correctly on kick at goal. Foul play

Detected foul play and signaled correctly.

Verbally communicated foul play to the

referee in accordance with accepted protocol.

Provided appropriate recommendations

to the severity of the offence when required.

Communication

Communicated correct information relating to in-goal decisions.

Communicated essential information for

game management. Other Duties

Correctly assisting with other duties requested by the referee: ie. judging if the ball is thrown fairly at the line-out, judging if players in the scrum bind properly, judging if a try has been properly scored, etc.