How to become a Golden Lions Rugby Referee

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this introductory briefing is to encourage persons to start this essential and enjoyable aspect of the game. WHY RUGBY REFEREEING The most common reasons given by current referees is the following: -    To remain active in the game of Rugby -    To give back to the game of Rugby -    Got injured and having to stop playing it is a way to still be on the field of play -    The enjoyment of being involved ENJOYMENT This aspect is very important and is factually so as it entails the following areas of enjoyment: -    The referee is the closest onlooker to the action (i.e he or she has the best seat on the park!) -    You get the necessary exercise you need (i.e. keeping up with play) -    You get to sprint, think at speed and even get to outwit the players who test the referee by, refereeing and reading the game -    There is also opportunities to travel both locally, to the Golden Lions Schools and Clubs and outside the Unions boundaries (other provinces) -    If you are even more successful there is also opportunity to travel internationally IS IT DIFFICULT TO REFEREE? Beginner referees will initially feel that it is difficult but there is a lot of guidance given to the beginner by the Golden Lions Rugby Referees’ Society. A great advantage is for you to have played the game and coupled together with an empathy with the players you will soon become more experienced and feel at ease. AT WHAT AGE DO I START? Many a referee has started at school going age a stayed involved to a very ripe old age. It is advisable to start refereeing at an early age if you want to go to the top. Persons who have played the game for some time will however also join refereeing with the necessary confidence of knowing that they have accumulated enough playing experience to have the necessary understanding and feeling of the game. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A REFEREE? For the exceptionally talented few it takes a few months to become an active referee in the Society. The society allows a two-year period for beginners to qualify. There is a well-organised structure and path for referees in the Society. As referees progress the competition gets more keen and tougher. The progressing referee will get screened then trained and get the necessary experience by firstly being a touch judge and then a referee within the Golden Lions Rugby Refereeing Society where his progress will be monitored by referee coaches and later by assessors and or performance reviewers. Secondly if you have the ability you will be assigned to represent the Society outside its area and eventually on a national basis. The Society will at all times take a keen interest in your progress through the career pathing portfolio. The successful referee is not necessarily the one who always gets to the very top but is the one who gets the required enjoyment! IS IT A LONELY OCCUPATION Only at the beginning when you join the Society and you do not know your way around to the various training facilities, schools and clubs. Attendance of the Society meetings will assist, as you will soon become friendly with fellow members who will make it easier to be recognised and be welcomed by players, club officials and administrators. You will be part of the rugby scene quicker than you expect. Being part of the Golden Lions Rugby Referees Society’s activities will overcome any feeling that you are alone. ARE REFEREES ABUSED? The Golden Lions Rugby Union will penalise any player, official and or administrator very heavily if found guilty of referee abuse. Despite this there will be abusive behaviour from the minority. As you will be concentrating on your match you do not always hear it. There are however humorous comments made towards you that will amuse you too. The newly appointed referee will initially referee matches, which do not have many spectators or even touch judges. This will also assist in learning his craft. DO REFEREES GET PAID? Only referees who officiate on the national refereeing panels or that are professional referees get paid. The referee at the Golden Lions Rugby Referees’ Society however gets a match compensation based upon his grading status. The referee is responsible for purchasing his own kit, unless there is a funding (possible sponsorship) due to members as arranged through the society. Most schools and or clubs will at the matches extend their hospitality to some refreshments (beverages) and on the exception a meal. WHERE TO NOW? To get started: - Email Karin on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for the registration form - Briefing session with the Society - Undergoing a selection process - Registration approval - Training program