Administration is a mix of policies, meeting info, and the other boring – yet very important – stuff that is otherwise uncategorizable without being called “miscellaneous”.
Registration with Rugby Canada (RC) is mandatory for all players, coaches, club administrators, and everyone else involved in Alberta rugby, rugby anywhere in Canada actually. Northern Alberta match officials, or ERURS members in general, need to register through the ERURS so that the match official is recognized as our “club” member. How to do this:
- Get a Rugby Canada registration form from the ERURS Secretary or the on-line RC Registration form at the RC website.
- Fill in and / or print off (and save) a copy of the registration form.
- Give the form to the ERURS Secretary BEFORE the season starts, this means by April 15/10.
- Pay your ERURS Membership dues of $25 by cash in person, or by cheque, also to the ERURS Secretary or Treasurer.
The list will be available in a handy pamphlet as well, but as a quick and paperless reminder. Remember to bring:
- 2 whistles
- 2 watches
- 2 water bottles
- 3 different jerseys
- shorts and socks
- cleats
- cards, score cards & many pencils
- coin for toss
- game journal
- 2 large zip-lock bags
- extra gamesheets
Of course, this is only a suggested minimum. You will of course be able to referee successfully without some of the above; however, if you referee enough games, you will need all of the “extras” at some point.
This section will have the best practice game procedures for ERU games. But for now please consider the suggestions of:
- Arrive at the pitch at least 30min before scheduled kick-off.
- Check the pitch for painted lines, ropes, and possible hazards.
- Introduce yourself to the coaches and captains as soon as possible.
- Have the coaches complete the gamesheet with their team rosters.
- Collect each team’s player registration cards.
- Verify that each player on the gamesheet has a registration card.
- Put each team’s player cards in a zip-lock bag to protect them.
- Check all players’ equipment.
- Referee the game.
- If there are any red-card send-offs during the game you will have to complete and send-in a report within 48 hours. The forms are below.
- At the end of the game, shake the hands of the players and coaches.
- Complete the gamesheet by noting the score, including any bonus points. Sign and date the bottom, including the names of your empowered touch judges if you have some.
- Return the team’s player cards when you have both of the captains sign the game sheet.
- Distribute the gamesheet copies appropriately, reminding the winning team to be sure to fax the gamesheet in to the ERU within 48 hours.
- Retire to the changeroom after 5-10min of game question exchange.
- Excuse yourself and go to the officials’ changeroom, and have a shower.
- Take a few minutes to write in your game journal.
- Get changed, grab a beverage and something to eat.
- Hopefully you will be able to stay at the clubhouse for another 30min, making yourself available for conversation with the players and coaches.
- Travel Expense Claim Form (will be attached)
- Game Expense Reimbursement Form (will be attached)
- Discipline Policy and Send-Off Forms (Red Card Report) —
Unfortunately, there are occasionally the need for serious discipline of players, coaches, club administrators, and even match officials. For the situation of player discipline, there is a formal Discipline Policy available for reference on the ERU and RA websites. This can also be applied to coaches and administrators.
If a match official has had to send off a player, coach or administrator, there are a few steps that must be completed during the send-off, and also immediately after the game.
- During the game, when the send-off occurs, take note of 1) name, 2) number and position played, 3) time in the game of the send-off, and 4) the score.
- At the end of the game, let the coach know that that player who was sent-off will not be able to play until the discipline committee has determined the sanction (punishment of missing games).
- After the game, the referee must complete a Send-Off Report form and send it in to the ERU Director of Discipline within 48 hours of the game.
- If the send-off was due to the input of a Touch Judge (assistant referee) then the Touch Judge or Touch Judges must also complete a Touch Judge Report of a Player Sent Off form.
As match officials, we all consider ourselves ambassadors of not only the sport but also the Referee Society. However, in the rare occasion of someone feeling the need to complain about the behaviour of a match official, they can contact the ERURS President and / or the RAMOA Chairperson, preferably in writing.