The Blue Bulls Rugby referees' Society, with the blessing of the mother union, are offering a training course for candidate referees, starting on Saturday, 24 October 2009. Their manager, Kosie Horn, has sent out information about the course.

INTRODUCTION

The presence of sport in a person’s life carries enormous benefits for social, physical and personal development while broadening cultural awareness. Rugby is a uniquely inclusive sport, and you as “the referee to be” hold a position of genuine influence over the player’s safety and game enjoyment.

Rugby is a sport which involves physical contact. Any sport involving physical contact has inherent dangers. It is very important that players play the game in accordance with the Laws of the Game and be mindful of the safety of themselves and others.

It is the duty of the referee to apply fairly all the laws of the game in every match.

Being a rugby referee is therefor no easy task.

The Blue Bulls Company (BBCo) acknowledges that rugby referees have a very important and significant role to play in the game and referees are a valuable asset in the organization.

SELECTION PROCESS

Candidate referees are subjected to a selection process before being appointed as a member of the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees' Society (BBRRS).

The selection process contains the attendance of an IRB Level One Officiating Course, fitness test and a rugby laws examination. The candidate needs to be successful in all these activities.

The successful candidates will be invited for an interview (approx 10 minutes) with the Selection Committee, whereafter they will be appointed as a member of the BBRRS. The newly appointed members will attend an Induction Course, where they will be informed of the functioning and operation of the BBRRS.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

New referees will be appointed as Assistant-Referees for the first few weekends in the 2010 season before they will officiate in school matches (Under 14 and 15). Referees will also be guided by Referee Coaches who will attend their matches and from there onwards, referees determine their own pace and progression.

As members the new referees will be required to be actively involved in all the activities of the BBRRS. There are monthly members meetings, 2 x law examinations, 2 x fitness tests and advanced training sessions from time to time. New referees will receive a 2010 year programme.

Membership fees are R300-00 per year payable before the end of March. New appointed members must buy their own kit.

LEVEL ONE OFFICIATING COURSE (IRB)

Date: Saturday 24 October 2009
Duration: 08.30 to 17.00 (full attendance required)
Registration 08.00 to 08.30

Venue: Auditorium Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Cost is R300-00 per person (handbooks, certificate, lunch and refreshments included)

Certificate of Attendance issued by the International Rugby Board.

The course aims to create a platform for developing match officials and motivate them to collect some refereeing experience on their way. It uses three different modules to explain, demonstrate, practise, perform and analyse officiating skills. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to practise your officiating skills. Bring own whistle.
Dress code is sports gear, as you will be required to participate in physical exercises

FITNESS TEST

Date: Wednesday 14 October 2009
Duration: 19.00 to 20.00

Venue: B Field Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Test: Multistage fitness test (bleep test) (20 metre-shuttles)
Minimum requirement is level 8.5 (66 shuttles)

Cost: No costs

LAWS EXAMINATION

Date: Wednesday 14 October 2009
Duration: 18.00 to 19.00

Venue: Auditorium Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Minimum requirement is 50%

Cost: No costs

INTERVIEWS WITH SELECTION COMMITTEE

Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2009 and Thursday, 29 October 2009
Duration: 18.00 to 21.00

Venue: Referees Suite Loftus Versfeld, Southern Stand, 3rd floor (Suite 301)
Individual appointments will be made

INDUCTION COURSE

Date: Wednesday 4 November 2009
Duration: 18.00 to 19.00

Venue: Auditorium Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Spouses of candidates and parents of schoolchildren are welcome to attend

Cost: No costs

INTRODUCTION TO Blue Bulls Rugby Referees' Society

Date: Monday 16 November 2009
Duration: 18.30 to 19.30
AGM

Venue: Referees Suite Loftus Versfeld, Southern Stand, 3rd floor (Suite 301)

PAYMENTS

Payments can be made per internet banking. Cheque or cash payments can be made on 24 October when registration is done, receipts will be issued.
Account holder: Blue Bulls Rugby Referees Society
Bank: Absa Bank Centurion (632005)
Account number: 4052703080

Please use your name as reference when paying per internet and forward proof of payment to fax number 086-594-0034.
 
GENERAL INFORMATION

• Please confirm attendance by e-mail or telephonically not later than Friday 9 October 2009. Registration form is attached and is to be handed in at registration on 24 October
• Rugby Law books and DVD (R50-00 each) are available at my office, Loftus Versfeld, Northern Stand, 2nd Floor , please make pre-arrangement/appointment for collection
• Law book 2009 edition can also be downloaded from www.irb.com and go to laws & regulations page
• You are required to study the rugby laws in your own time. Please visit the website www.sareferees.co.za or www.irblaws.com for further training and up to date information
• Participants who requires only the qualification and not intend to become a member of the BBRRS, do not need to do the fitness test or examination
• Please bring own suntan lotion and cap, as we will be on field for approx 3 hours
• Candidate referees need to be fit to referee and not referee to be fit. They also need to know the laws of the game