SA referees get new website
SA Rugby has launched a new website for referees, which went live on Tuesday morning.
Andre Watson, the former Test referee and current manager of SA Referees, said: “This site has been launched as an initiative at improving referees communication, profiles and, critically, facilitating greater public understanding of the laws and refereeing decisions. Referees perform under enormous pressure and are often subject to criticism”.
Watson feels that it is important that the referee’s perspective is explained so that the media and public are better informed. The initiative will offer increased transparency into the world of refereeing.
Interesting and controversial decisions will be explained, there will be video clips of key moments as well as explanations from top referees themselves. Other features include referee profiles and interviews, all the laws and jargon are explained, how to become a referee, the panels and structures, refereeing news.
Naturally the main emphasis is South African but there are profiles of referees around the world, news of referees around the world and discussion of laws and refereeing that is relevant to the game wherever it is played.
Every week a top South African referee will be on hand to answer readers’ questions and will take one into the life of a professional referee as well as introducing South Africa’s crop of up-and-coming referees. Readers will be able to test themselves in mock situations.
Steve Meintjes, the chairmen of SA Referees, said: “One of our stated objectives is to make the laws of the game more easily understandable for the rugby supporting public. Another is to allow our referees to be more accessible to the public at large. The website is one way that we believe we can do these. I would encourage all to visit our website, and to encourage all your friends and families to do so as well. Enjoy it.”
Entry into the referees website is via SA Rugby’s website, www.sarugby.co.za.
