SARU appoints for Classic Clashes
The South African Rugby Referees' Association (SARRA), which manages the appointment of referees in the schools game in association with SARU, has changed its policy slightly on appointments to high-profile schools matches.
In the past it has made appointments to some of the Easter Tournaments organised by schools. It will now cease to do that and instead appoint referees to the FNB Classic Clashes of which there were just over fifty last year.
The FNB Classic Clashes, an idea first mooted by Derek Carstens of FNB and developed by Francois Pienaar takes place over the who season with sometimes as many as six on a weekend. It also has a wider (less elitist?) range, from powerful rugby schools such as Grey and Affies to rural schools south of East London. For all the schools the Classic Clash with its exposure and generosity having a Classic Clash is a great opportunity.
André Watson, South Africa's refereeing boss, has been in discussion with Pienaar and in 2015, SARU, in conjunction with SARRA, will appoint the referees to the Classic Clashes, adding to the exposure of the referee and the status of the match.
SARRA's intention is to appoint panel referees and referees of identified potential to the Classic Clashes. Watson says: "This will be a great opportunity to scout and develop the 'next tier' of referee for possible uptake into the SARU panels.
"This will/should have as a result higher calibre referee handling these games throughout South Africa, which is something that excites Francois Pienaar and his team."
For the referees it means being watched and assessed and scouted with the possibility of being fast-tracked onto panels.
Last year SARRA appointed referees to the Easter Tournaments at St John's and King Edward VII. There were three assessors and a coach at each tournament to develop the referees. That will not happen in 2015. Instead the schools, as in the past, will find their own referees, which should not be difficult.
It is recommended that referees from the host's local union and from neighbouring unions be inspanned for these matches.
SARRA undertakes to provide assessors and coaches for these tournaments if referees of a high level are chosen.
