A walk through the law change proposals coming out of World Rugby in recent weeks. What is going on? What will actually change? And when?

In today's episode, I will walk through where this law chat has come from, the importance of World Rugby's Shape of the Game meetings and all the elements that are flowing from that event held at the end of February 2024.

More information mentioned in the episode:

1) World Rugby press release: Shape of the Game meeting. 29 February 2024

2) WR Press release 2 - World Rugby reveals phased plan to enhance rugby’s global appeal

3) Law Application Guideline: March 2024 - Reinforcement of current law

Also - Laws and the change programme were discussed in the WR Player Welfare & Laws Symposium held on Monday 8 April. You can watch the session here

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Today, I walk through some great tips for all those rugby coaches out there who have to take charge of a match as a referee.

Are you a Coach with a Whistle (TM), rather than a rugby referee? Maybe you're a reluctant ref - a volunteer being thrust forward because you had too much to say during a match? Maybe you just didn't avoid eye contact quickly enough when your parents group were asked for help?

Or maybe you're just starting to think that you might want to give refereeing a go!

Well, firstly THANK YOU!  Especially if you're the former, we know you’ve already given up so much of your spare time to dedicate to the kids under your charge. To cajole them from the proper littlies, through tag and into tackling rugby. That takes some doing and we know just how many of you are out there doing an awesome job. We all appreciate that.

If you're any of the latter, THANK YOU too! It's not easy to make those first steps, whatever reason sits behind it.

And, as the kids get older, the games of rugby they play get better, more structured, more… well.. rugby like. And so they need refereeing more too.

Our goal is to "Make rugby better - By making better referees", so here's six tips  to help make rugby better for the kids in your matches.

1. Tweak your mindset - We'd encourage you to shift  your mindset from one where you’re approaching the game 'because no one else will do it', to one where you’re approaching a game 'to enhance the experience of the kids who are playing in it.' It's a subtle shift but how you approach that match and how you're seen to approach it, will then be very different. We want kids to keep turning up on a Sunday (and Wednesday), and staying involved in rugby. The experience they get through these formative years is crucial, and a slight mindshift when it comes to the whistle blower, might just help them (and you)
2. Confidence - Take the confidence you have as a coach onto the field.  You have no problems telling and showing players what to do. Do the same as a referee.  Do anything  with confidence, they'll believe you!  You can explain tackle drills easily, tactical plans with comfort, and come with an explain  lineout calls with superheroes/travel modes with ease - take those skills onto the field when you have a whistle! Half the 'sell' to everyone is the blag! Even if you don't believe it deep down, they won't notice if you do it confidently
3. Communicate - You're a coach - so you can communicate already! Just take that with you when you referee. Short simple phrases to players on the field will get them to do what you want/need
4. Look the part! When was the last time you watched a game where the referee was wearing an untucked shirt, muddy tracksuit, or odd coloured socks round their ankles?? Just make a bit of an effort to look like the referee when you’re on a field refereeing a game. Not saying you need to get a replica RWC referees shirt - just find a neutral top (pref one without your club logo/emblem on it) that will make you look and feel more neutral. That'll rub off on everyone else.
5. Get a good whistle!!  If you’re using a crappy whistle that you won in a Christmas cracker put it in the bin (or use it to train the dog!) Please get the proper whistle - Im not sponsored or supported by them in any way, but a good old trusty, solid Acme Thunder of some type are my go to - and then, for the love of God, blow it properly!  The difference the noise makes in the different way you can blow it will definitely make the game better experience. I know it sounds really silly but a simple blown whistle well can make a huge difference to everybody around who’s watching that game and being involved in it. [Edit: Since I wrote/said this, the kind people at Acme have given

Today, we're joined by Graeme Bloom - a unique person in the rugby refereeing community.

Graeme's a keen supporter of match officials and, despite an MND diagnosis in 2019, he remains committed to staying involved in refereeing our great game.

During the conversation we hear about his story and his ambitions to be a referee. We hear a little about his experiences in match officiating so far around the world.

We also chat about what he's done since his diagnosis, and what he'd like to be doing while he's able. He's been a match official in Cardiff, London, Edinburgh and in Italy, as well as supporting referees in London, Oxfordshire, Bristol and Kent Referees' Societies.

This weekend (12 August 2023) he arranged and hosted a charity match raising funds for the MND Association. Do support them if you're able.

Links:

Graeme - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemebloom/

Fundraiser website: https://www.rugby4mnd.co.uk/

Fundraiser link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/graemes-big-40-challenge 

During the conversation we mention:

• Alex Lambe - Rugby referee with Autism: https://www.world.rugby/news/569717 & https://www.facebook.com/AutismInRugby/
• Mixed Ability sport - https://www.mixedabilitysports.org/ 
• International Mixed Ability Rugby - Cork 2022 - https://www.imartworldcup.org/ 

And some helpful resources to help understand Autism and Aspergers, and how we might communicate with players

• https://www.healthline.com/health/aspergers-symptoms-in-adults#takeaway
• https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication/tips

If you have any comments about this episode, or suggestions for future shows, then drop me a line at ref@rugbyreferee.net!

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