Jonathan Kaplan is in Sydney now preparing to referee Saturday's big clash between Australia and New Zealand, but before he left he answered readers' questions.

1. Name: Donal Treacy 

Question: I am a young referee (20 years old) and have done well so far. I'm a year ahead of where I was originally aiming in my short and long term goals but am interested in going further and not resting on my laurels.

I had considered getting a mate of mine to record my games so I can check positioning, fitness, body language, etc, which I consider to be my weakest aspect to my game.

Is this a worthwhile thing to do or should I simply follow my assessors' advice as I get reports. The IRFU do a programme called Refcam which involves filming referees at least once a season so I'm sure ill see a video clip soon enough.

Any tips on how to improve this aspect.

With thanks from Ireland, Donal

Jonathan Kaplan: Self analysis is pretty important! Its probably the foundation of your work. being able to be honest with yourself and comfortable in your own skin is paramount. Try and get information and tips from people that you trust and listen to the advice of assessors and Joe public. Don't try and be anyone else except for who you really are with an eye on improving all parts of your game on a constant basis.

2. Name: Peter Shortell

Question: We are about to start our season, and I have not heard if the question about a Quick Throw-in counts as putting the ball into the 22. Over here we are told that what matters is where the ball crosses the touch line.  If that is inside the 22, then the kicker put it there and if the ball is received from a QT, it can be kicked to touch for a gain in ground.

Elsewhere (South Africa?) I believe it is allowed if the ball has subsequently rolled past the 22m line (or rather a virtual extension of it.).

It has also been pointed out that the ELV required the immediate opponent to the thrower at a line-out to be at least 2 metres for the line of touch.  The

2009 law book says specifically 2 metres.  A slip, or deliberate?

Jonathan Kaplan: As usual your synopsis is spot on. That is my understanding of the Law and I have checked it up with an IRB representative too. If the ball rolls out 5m from the 22m and then rolls of its own accord into the 22m area – albeit outside the field of play – and is then picked up and thrown in by the defender, there will be a gain in ground from the subsequent kick.
 
 The receiver must be 2m from the line-out. no slip there methinks.

3. Name: Bunny Bolton

Question: When does a tackle end? I have read on you website that there is no law which says when a tackle ends. Surely it must end at some time. How do you decide when the ball is out and players can come in from all angles to grab the ball?

Jonathan Kaplan: In reality this is just a theoretical observation as the tackle WILL end when more players converge to contest for possession and the subsequent post tackle and then ruck laws will apply.

4. Name: Bryan Combrinck

Question: Do referees play any part in the citing or judicial process? Can they recommend to the citing commissioner that he should cite so and so?

Jonathan Kaplan: Referees play a part in the citing process only if and when asked by the citing commissioner. we don't recommend citings. maybe this is something for future; or at least a review of certain incidents. Not sure?

5. Name: Wilko  Esterhuizen

Question: Hi, meneer.

Ek is 'n skeidsregter in die Noord-Vrystaat by die Griffons.  Ek en been van my mede refs is indirek aangewys as die twee opkomende jong refs hier.  Maar wat kan ons of ek doen om raak gesien te word om dalk 'n kans te kry om bevorder want ek wil dit graag doen met die passie en die gevoel van die "game"? As julle my dalk kan help om dit reg te kry sal ek dit baie waardeer.

Groete, Wilko 

Jonathan Kaplan: Jy moet deur jou eie unie aangewys word vir bevordering tot hoer SA panele. met ander woorde, jy moet een van die bestes wees in jou gebied, en dan wanneer jy jou kans kry, en gewoonlik is daar nie baie nie, die wedstryd goed blaas.

Sterkte vorentoe!