Advice for Tappe and his TJ's
Retired referee Tappe Henning has come in for some harsh criticism following his handling of the South Africa versus World XV match in Johannesburg last Saturday. Even some respected officials wondered if it may have been one match too many.
Our columnist Duncan Bech reflects on what he makes of England's coaching shake-up and gives us his views on the possible return of a certain knight of the realm…
But rather than just criticising Henning for what he did or didn't do, maybe we should look at what is required of match officials.
And who better to ask than a referees' society.
We found this little gem in the latest newsletter of the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees' Society. We reproduce it with kind permission of the Blue Bulls Rugby Referees' Society.
Advice to Referee’s and TJ's:
Referees:
* Believe what you see – it is possible that a punch or dangerous tackle occurs early on in the game!
* Have the guts to make the calls according to law!
* Don't be hell bent on playing advantage, especially not when a law 10 transgression has been committed.
* Flow and continuity is far too important in some of your minds – referee the game in front of you and apply the law, including the advantage law.
* Set the standards early and you'll have all of the advantage, flow and continuity you want later in the game.
* Treat the players with respect yet be firm, after all, they are the clients!
* Know your laws!
TJ's
* Know the laws of touch and foul play
* Do the primary duties 1st and if you get them 100% correct, then do the secondary duties!
* Stop being smart and ‘co-referee’ the game. Leave it to the man in the middle.
* There are far too many mistakes made by TJ’s to be acceptable and it is currently a blight on the game.
* Concentrate for the full 80 minutes and be a TJ, not a sideline referee!
