Friday Bulletin, 18 November: lots of reminders and clarifications!

IMPORTANT: Sunday appointments

The Society is currently without an appointments officer for Sunday matches. This role is vital in the development of the Age Grade and Women’s’ games in our region, and includes appointments to all junior cup matches and Colts league matches played on Sundays. If you are able to help with this important task, please contact Kelvin Roberts as soon as possible chair@northmidsrefs.co.uk

Reminder: Next Meeting

A last reminder that our next Society meeting takes place on Thursday 24 November at Kidderminster Carolians RFC, Marlpool Ln, Kidderminster DY11 5HP. Please arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm prompt start

Reminder: Game-on principles

Now that we’re well into the season and player numbers are down due to injury or other commitments, please bear in mind the RFU’s Game On principles, which permit a game to take place with number and law variations. Full details on the flexibility offered by this scheme can be found on the RFU’s website here

Reminder: talking to the ref

A reminder that RFU regulations prohibit players, coaches or club officials from making any approach to match officials until 30 minutes after the final whistle, and they may not enter the referees’ changing rooms without invitation. Please don’t be afraid to enforce this (diplomatically of course!) especially if you feel you need breathing space after a match. There are many times when coaches approach referees, half time especially, in a positive manner and ask questions such as “Is there anything for my team?” However, this is contrary to the regulations and in practice can cause difficulties, for example where one coach is positive and one not so. It is suggested that before the game starts referees remind coaches that even at half time ‘any message’ has to come through the captain thus preventing the coach(s) breaching the regulation

Clarification: Serious injury form

Active referees should refresh their knowledge of whether to report an in-game injury as serious or not, by checking the RFU guidance on the matter which can be found here

..and finally: Society refs in action!

Three of our refs were recently in action at Sixways, refereeing the annual Modus Cup match between the 1st XVs of King’s School Worcester and the Royal Grammar School Worcester. The YouTube livestream of the match can be watched back here