LONESTAR TEXAS RUGBY REFEREE TRAINING: HOW CAN YOU BE A BETT

• The scrum engagement sequence (crouch, bind, set).
  Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the players to let you know if they are not ready when you call “crouch”. Also, what you expect to see: “six shoulders”.
• Scrum wheeling (if it’s not deliberate and not more than 45 degrees).
  Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the players to keep the shove straight, as there is no turnover ball and continual resets will just get frustrating.
• Scrum lifting/dropping. This is dangerous and will be penalised.
  Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the players to keep the hips low and backs straight.
• The scrum shove for U18 and below (if it’s not more than 1.5m).
  Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the players to take two steps forward, then hold.

• Ask the players to step back half a metre from the mark to form the  gap. You can do this in the pre-match briefing or leave it to the first lineout in the game.

• At scrums. Have a quick, straight put in.
  Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the players to use your mark as the guide.
• The scrum offside line.
  Key rugby coaching tip: For the first few scrums, tell  the players to make eye contact with you and ask if it’s okay. This also  can lead to a positive rapport with these key players.
• Quick tap penalties. These must be visible, near the mark and safe.  Tap within one metre of the mark, but this must be in front of you. If  they deliberately run into an opponent who has not retreated 10 metres,  you’ll play on.
  Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the players you will shout “no quick one” if there is a pile up or the front rows are still engaged.

• Scrums, rucks, mauls. Keep your backs behind the back foot until the ball is out.
  Key rugby coaching tip: Don’t commit yourself to letting them know when the ball is out. It’s their responsibility.
• Lineouts. Let the players know if/how you will signal/call if the  ball is held and when they can advance beyond the 10 metres. This is not  usually an issue at youth levels, as the “no supporting” law means the  ball usually comes straight out.
  Key rugby coaching tip: Raise the arm vertically when the ball is held and drop it when the lineout ends.

Discipline. It’s the captains’ responsibility to keep discipline, not yours.
Key rugby coaching tip: Tell the captains to ensure  their teams listen to your instructions and accept your decisions. Any  questions or issues should be fed to you via the captain at the next  scrum, lineout or stoppage.

https://www.rugbytoolbox.co.nz/referees/referee-development/l2-alert-ref-practical-training-session

Good solo training video to help you get into the correct position every time and thus have a better day.

https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/home

• Integrity
• Passion
• Solidarity
• Discipline
• Respect

Respect for Teammates, Opponents, Match Officials and those involved in the game is PARAMOUNT!

This rugby referee training program is designed to improve your basic communication skills by developing whistle tones and lengths, crisp signals along with fitness. Below is the starting point and can be modified to what suits each Texas rugby referee as they grow. Practice your signals at home in a mirror.

Series 1- Up and Back is 1. Do three take 2 min and do three more, take 1.5 min break and do three more, take 1 min break and do two

* Decide which direction is team Blue and team Red

* Sprint from goal line to 22M line (whistle, signal-primary and secondary)

* Jog to Mid Field (whistle, signal-primary and secondary)

*Sprint to 22M line (whistle, signal-primary and secondary)

* jog to goal line (whistle, signal-primary and secondary)

*sidestep to Dead Ball Line and Back to goal line  

Training Alone

At each point where you are to whistle, signal-primary and secondary signals, pick a penalty, try, minor infraction and who gets the award 

Group Training

Have someone call out to you what you are to call at each point 

Having crisp signals along with your whistle will help in many facets of the game and your referee experience.

https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/signals/primary

The best way is to practice in front of a mirror. This may sound silly but it will pay dividends.

https://www.rugbytoolbox.co.nz/referees/referee-development/l2-alert-ref-practical-training-session

Good solo training video to help you get into the correct position every time and thus have a better day.