Largest ever attendance at Leinster Referees Seminar
Sunday August 17th 2008 saw the biggest ever attendance at the Pre-season Seminar organised by the Leinster Association of Referees .By 9:30 am 184 members had signed in. The explanation is simple. Association President Brian Pender had communicated to referees that they would not be appointed to games until such time as they had attended an E.L.V. presentation.
The I.R.F.U. were in charge of the opening presentation outlining the 13 experimental law variations that will apply here from August 1st 2008.This session was taken by Dave Mc Hugh and he gave a very succinct presentation which clarified the key issues for all present. He highlighted that experimental law variation 3 (“players are able to defend a maul by pulling it down”) will not apply to games in Ireland played where under 19 variations apply. He also took the time to remind referees of the need to be strict in applying the tackle law and to sanction the handling of the ball in ruck situations.
Fran Nolan then outlined the new structures that will apply for referee assessment. He gave a public commitment that all referees not assessed last season will have an assessment prior to the end of the calendar year. Dermot O’ Mahony complimented referees for the speed with which they submitted results to the Branch. He asked them to record all yellow cards deemed necessary throughout the season.
The Afternoon session started with a Q&A format with Alan Gaffney fielding the questions. He was asked about the difference between working with Munster and Leinster professional squads. Interestingly, he articulated his view that Leinster has the best structures in place for the advancement of developing players. He is optimistic that Leinster has the players and management team in place to be a serious force in European rugby this season.
The final module of the day was taken by Steve Griffith (I.R.B.) who provided a fascinating insight into the process that led to the introduction of E.L.V.s. He clarified what is currently happening throughout the world and what will happen when the various experiments have to be reviewed. He rejected the suggestion that any type of simplistic Northern hemisphere versus Southern hemisphere divide will emerge. He argued strongly that proposed law variations must be experimented with and legislators must make their decisions based on a wealth of feedback data. Everyone present was given a copy of the I.R.B. guide to E.L.V.s.
In addition, David Keane delivered a level 1 programme to 25 people who hope to take up refereeing. He was assisted by Gearoid Ferrick, Brian Gildea and Eanna O’Dowd.
From the point of view of the Association, it was most encouraging that so many organised themselves to be there for the day and are now able to return to all levels of the game and explain the E.L.V.s. The final word is for people not to forget that all other Laws remain in place and will apply throughout the season.
Finally, a sincere thank you to all those who put in a lot of work to ensure that the Association is ready for the challenges that this new season will present.
Gerard Maher, Seminar Co-ordinator August 2008.
Presidents Address 08
I am very honoured and proud to be elected as your President for the coming season. I would like to thank Norman Camier for proposing me and I know that I have a hard act to follow, given the tremendous work done last year- particularly in the areas of recruitment, retention and communication.
Our Association faces many challenges in the months ahead not least in maintaining the momentum on recruitment and retention. We are fortunate in having David Keane focused on recruitment in Leinster and a heightened awareness among the Area Reps. of the importance of retaining these recruits mainly through ensuring that they get matches. I believe it is the responsibility of every member of the ARLB to be constantly on the look out for potential new members and to pass on their details to David Keane.
Last season we introduced a new assignment system for assessors which like any new system needed time to bed in and be tested. This system has now been refined and a huge amount of work has been done by Jerome Counihan, Fran Nolan and Bernard Boland. This system will work and it requires the commitment of all concerned to ensure it does – Assessors and Referees alike !. It is our ambition that every active referee will be assessed at least twice during next season.
The impending introduction of the Experimental Law Variations, ( ELV )s, has been well publiscised. ELVs will be the keynote topic at the Seminar on August 17th. , delivered by IRFU personnel. It is imperative that all active referees attend the seminar as our selectors are not allowed to appoint match officials who have not attended an IRFU presentation on ELVs. I would also urge all active referees to ensure they maintain/improve their fitness levels as fitness will be more important than ever next season.
I would like to take this opportnity in congratulating John Montayne on reaching the AIL National Panel and to John Carvil on receiving an IRFU contract. Well done to you both.
Finally I wish you all a successful and enjoyable season in whatever role you fill in the ARLB. I am always available to take suggestions and constructive criticism and I look forward to meeting you all on August 17th.
ARLB Mission Statement
“To recruit, retain and continuously develop qualified referees to meet current and future demands of the game.”
The Referee Development Plan is the vehicle through which an agreed, effective and integrated Refereeing Recruitment, Training and Development framework will be achieved.
Under the leadership of the Irish Rugby Football Union, Leinster Branch and in partnership with the Association of Referees Leinster Branch the provision of more enjoyable and fulfilling opportunities will be achieved through the delivery of high quality programmes, structures and facilities.
Child Welfare Document
The Child Welfare Document has been ratified by IRFU and came into force on 1st September 2007. It will be posted to all members (over 300) within the first week of September. I would urge all members to read the Document carefully and please sign the acceptance form and return ASAP. If any member requires additional information please contact me at 086- 6047683 or email honsecarlb@eircom.net
Our document is part of the IRFU Child Welfare Document, which will be ready in mid season.
Please Note:Failure to sign the acceptance form will result in the termination of your membership of the Association of Referees Leinster Branch