Friday Bulletin, 9 December

It’s getting cold out there..!

With the sudden cold snap, it’s now frozen ground (rather than the dry ground we had in September) that is currently putting some matches in doubt. Please therefore remind yourselves of the guidance notes below:

• Click here for the RFU regulations on calling off a game
• Click here for Society guidelines on the role of the referee in any such situation

Ask the Expert

There are two new law clarifications from the Expert, which can be found on the Ask the Expert page. They are:

• When is the ball in touch (relating to players jumping and/or tapping the ball back into play)
• No 8 ‘slingshot’ binding in scrums

Kit update

We are still in negotiations with two kit suppliers so that we can better supply new and current members with suitable refereeing kit. Amongst the many issues to iron out have been:

• Ensuring there is no minimum order threshold
• Enabling direct sending to members rather than a Society contact
• Kit that is appropriately designed / fitted for female referees

Further updates will follow, probably in the New Year

DBS Certificates

Some referee members have still not completed a DBS check with the Society. It’s Society policy not to appoint any adult referee aged 18 or over to age-grade matches (Colts/U18 and below) until they have completed such checks. Please note that even if you hold a current DBS certificate from another organisation (school, club etc), you still need to undergo a separate check for the Society.

If you need further information or would like to check that your DBS is current and up to date, please click here to email Rod Blaine our Safeguarding Officer