Advantage Over podcast for rugby referees (RugbyReferee.net)

It's a Happy New Year to you all! Today, Keith Lewis, founder of RugbyReferee.net and host of the Advantage Over podcast talks through a new World Rugby 2023 Law Application Guideline for 2023.

While much of it is targetted at the elite end of the game, the principles within it covers all of rugby no matter what level we're refereeing! So we need to be aware of the drive by World Rugby in these areas. The episode covers the six areas in the new Law Application Guideline (the link here includes some video clips)

1)    Speeding up the game

• I reference ball-in-play data from StatsPerform: https://www.statsperform.com/resource/revolutionising-rugby-a-statistical-analysis-on-how-the-game-has-evolved/

2)    TMO usage

3)    Water carriers

4)    Negative player actions

5)    Players on the ground

6)    Deliberate Knock ons

The blog version of this episode is at: https://rugbyreferee.net/2022/12/30/speeding-up-the-game-in-2023-world-rugby-law-application-guideline-issued/

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

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook: Page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook Group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

In this episode, Keith talks through the announcement from World Rugby following the Council meeting on 14 November which agreed to the introduction of four Global Law Trials for new competitions/leagues after 1 January 2025.

References to "previous episodes" relate to Episode 40: Ep 40 - What is going on with laws and law changes at World Rugby?

We talk about:

• Quicker conversions
• A new set time to form a lineout (in line with 30 seconds at the scrum)
• Cleaner play away from the ruck/maul/scrum
• Not straight at uncontested lineout = play on

The following were not approved for progression

• One stop maul
• Mark from a kick off/restart
• 20 minute red card replacement - decision deferred to 2025

Plus two new approved TMO protocols.

For full law wordings, and download links to TMO protocols you can visit: https://passport.world.rugby/laws-of-the-game/laws-news/global-law-trials-1-january-2025/

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

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook: Page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook Group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

Hi, Keith Lewis from RugbyReferee.net here with a general update on refereeing news! Plenty to chat about from the referees and refereeing world at the moment!

In this episode, I walk through:

1) New formal Law clarification - grounding on a thing in in-goal

2) Law issues

Loose ball brought to ground is classed as "held/holding"

• 2012 Clarification
• "The player is considered to be carrying the ball as the ball is in the air when it is first played"
• SuperSport discussion: 
• Laws: Scoring from in in-goal - 8.2e: A try is scored when an attacking player: Who is in touch or touch-in-goal, grounds the ball in the opponents’ in-goal provided the player is not holding the ball and then again in 21.9 - If a player is in touch or touch-in-goal, they can make a touch down or score a try by grounding the ball in in-goal provided they are not holding the ball.

Tackle law around the goal line

• Tackle law - https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/law/13
• Let me know your views on how the law could be changed (if at all) at keith@rugbyreferee.net

3) Appointments

Rugby World Cup 23 officials

U20s Championship & Trophy officials

4) Smart ball - Full story here

5) Tackle height news: 

World Rugby confirm lower tackle height opt-in global law trial

Ireland - Rugbyreferee.net story

England - RFU Tackle Height Hub

Scotland - SRU Tackle Height Hub

New Zealand - Rugby Toolbox tackle hub - I reference the podcast chat with Mike Hester from NZRU - you can either scroll back through the other episodes, or head here.

Like...

Today, it's a solo episode with Keith talking through all the new law changes and amends that have now come into play from 1 July 2022.

In summary, Keith talks about

• All the Global Law Trials from last season which move into full law
• Two new GLTs – scrum brake foot, and restrictions on medics/water carriers
• Some minor wording where there have had to be a formal clarifications in law in recent years
• Minor amends following Union, player and match officials feedback
• Updated TMO protocol (download a copy here)

Some good videos at https://www.world.rugby/the-game/laws/global-law-trials showing the scrum brake foot and water carrier poor behaviour

You can also view and download the law changes summary document at: https://rugbyreferee.net/2022/07/01/law-changes-come-into-play/

Like what you heard? Buy Keith a coffee here

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

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook: Page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook Group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

Today, we're joined by Nick Marshall, active referee and organiser of Marshalling Men's Minds - a community and support network for those with poor mental health,

We talked about his refereeing and mental health journeys (one upwards, one less so..) and how he overcame it.

We talked about how to spot if you're struggling, what triggers you (or your nearest and dearest may see) as well as how that manifests when you head onto the field.

We covered some ground around dealing with pressure on the pitch, and some tips on refocussing when you need to.

Nick talked briefly about the Dodger 7s team who are an invitational side made of those who have suffered from poor mental health, or have been around it. Check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dodgerrugby/

The key thing around the whole mental health issue is to talk. To anyone. But please do. You can contact Nick via the website or on Facebook or, for those outside the UK, you can head to mentalhealth.org to find local resources to where you live.

#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Bonus episode as World Rugby have today outlined 10 possible temporary law changes so that rugby can restart in a post-Coronavirus world.

It will be up to individual Unions and competition chiefs to decide whether to introduce the, and which ones, on a temporary basis to suit local regulations or guidance.

For full wordings and story, visit: https://rugbyreferee.net/2020/05/28/post-covid-19-law-variation-options-announced-by-world-rugby/

Welcome to episode 24 of the Advantage Over podcast.

This is the first of series of shorter podcasts aimed at keeping your refereeing mind ticking over - especially given the events we’re all living through all over the rugby globe.

Today, we're looking at in-goal. Why? Well, it's the most queried area of the game in our community discussions over on Facebook. It’s such an important area, and without fully thinking it through, could have big repercussions on the game if we get it wrong!

So, in the podcast, we go through:

1. The Law - what is dead, and how the law is written about restarting:
2. What that means for restarting - hint: it's all about who puts the ball into in-goal!
3. Charge downs which go dead
4. Knock ons into in-goal

We hope you enjoyed this shorter form podcast. We’ll have a few more like this in the near future, as well as the longer form ones in the pipeline too.

If you have any law queries or specific things relating to refereeing, you can drop us an email at keith@rugbyreferee.net or you can voice record your question and send that as well and then you can be part of the podcast too!

We’d always appreciate your ratings and views wherever you found this podcast - and if you really want to support RugbyReferee.net to allow me to keep bringing you great content like this, you can buy me a coffee (or a few coffees) by heading to rugbyreferee.net/coffee

In this week's episode, we speak to Alistair Falconer Hall, a new referee in Oxfordshire, England.

He talks to us about why he decided to get into refereeing, his thoughts on the training he went through and what it's been like in his first few games.

Hopefully you'll be inspired by his journey and want to get involved - let us know!

Other things mentioned in the podcast:

• #RefSquad - You've seen us using that hashtag on our social media content. If you're posting your own content, then add that hashtag so we can all join up!
• You can also head to refsquad.com to join our Facebook referee community. There's some application questions to answer and then we'll let you in asap!
• Want to contribute to Keith's coffee pot? Then head to rugbyreferee.net/coffee and you can help us keep the podcast coming, the emails and website up and running! We'd be extremely grateful for any support. Thanks in advance!
• Links to get started as a referee: rugbyreferee.net/links

Today, it's a solo episode looking at the one of the less pleasant sides of our game - the general increase in angst and poor behaviour on and around the rugby field.

We have a look into how to manage and deal with these types of situations, whether it's players baiting each other, angsty touch judges, coaches, replacements and spectators.

There's some helpful lines and approaches that we have discussed in our referee community group, so my thanks to those who contributed their thoughts and experiences.

I hope you can take something from the episdoe - even if you disagree with some it. There's no monopoly on the correct approach, and as Keith says, what works for him, may not work for you.

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

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook: Page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook Group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

I'm joined by Andrew Macpherson, now the High Performance Match Official Manager from Scottish Rugby to talk about their new three year Refereeing and Match Official Development Strategy

We chat about:

• Why there's been a 17 year gap between Scottish international referees
• The new Match Official Strategy and how it'll help reduce the 17 year gap before the next one
• How to attract referees up and down the rugby pyramid
• Creating CPD for referees - and accrediting new trainers
• How great referees need great referee coaching
• How Scotland aim to increase the number and diversity of officials but also to improve retention rates at all levels of the game.
• Bringing in skills expertise outside of rugby to help referees develop

You can connect with Andy on LinkedIn here

If you like what you've heard, and you want to support the Advantage Over podcast, you can buy us a coffee. Head to rugbyreferee.net/coffee

World Rugby have today (12 May 2020) changed the scoring law, removing the ability for a player to score a try by grounding the ball against the post protector.

Why? Well listen in and find out! (Hint: player safety)

Full story: https://rugbyreferee.net/2020/05/12/law-change-grounded-against-post-protector-removed-as-scoring-possibility/

Today, we're joined by Tim Wyatt, a Sport and Exercise Psychologist (in training) to chat about... well.. sport and psychology! Especially for us as rugby referees.

We chatted about identifying your own values for refereeing, and then how we prep for a game, cope during the game, and finally the importance of reflection.

The article to go with this can be found at: https://rugbyreferee.net/2022/06/28/mental-skills-for-refereeing/

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You can find Tim at:

Website: https://www.timwyattpsychology.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimWyattPsych

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-wyatt

Email: timwyattpsych@gmail.com

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Enjoy the Advantage Over podcast? Well, you can buy me a coffee at rugbyreferee.net/coffee

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

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

I'm joined for a second time by Ross Hanbury, a referee fitness specialist who's been working with various referee societies and referees for some years now.

We talk about all sorts of things through this episode - from finding small ways to keep mobile while working from home, to getting started again, staying fit when we're all stuck at home, some mobility and speed suggestions.

We also go through the various fitness tests which rugby referees can do to set a benchmark for future attainment. And we also cover some advice for those of you who may be of more advanced years.

To contact Ross to discuss his 16-week referee fitness programmes, drop him an email at rosshanbury@gmail.com or find him at @rugbyrefereesnc on Instagram.

A slightly different style of show for you here as I bring you the audio of a Facebook Live show, recorded on 22 July 2020, and hosted by Three Blokes, A Ball & Bod.

Co-hosted by Advantage Over host Keith Lewis and the show's own Big Joe Sheppard, we were joined by Bay of Plenty Referee Manager, Cam Russell and Premiership Rugby TMO (who had 110 appearances as a Premiership referee) David Rose.

We covered so much ground in the show and it was a shame not to bring you the audio. It was record live and involved contributions and questions from the live viewers as the show went on.

If you've enjoyed the show, do leave a rating and review wherever you found it. Those ratings help other folks out there find the podcast.

If you'd like to support the work of RugbyReferee.net, then you can buy us a coffee over at rugbyreferee.net/coffee - we'll be most grateful!

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

If you're a match official, please do come and join our RugbyReferee.net Facebook Community 

And if you appreciate this podcast, please do buy me a coffee to say thanks!

Feedback always welcome: ref@rugbyreferee.net  or come and find us on social media usually at the @rugbyrefereenet handle

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!

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook: Page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook Group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

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

Sam Needs - Super Rugby prop and creator of ScrumStrong.com joins us to talk about all things related to the scrum.

We chat about the different elements of setting up the scrum, what to look for, and they how to spot the issues that often crop up from a refereeing perspective.

We also discuss Sam's idea around "Scrumpires" - speciality referees who come on to officiate the scrums. Read the article that prompted our discussion https://scrumstrong.com/a-solution-to-refereeing-the-scrum/

Follow Sam's work at instagram.com/scrum.strong

Today, I'm joined by New Zealand Rugby's Mike Hester to chat about their law variations for the 2023 rugby season. They include a lower tackle height, a restriction on scrum halves and for the pack as a whole. All three are important for all referees and match officials across Aotearoa.

Mike is NZR's Game Participation Manager, and he tells me about:

• His background as an elite referee - in football!
• His shift into game participation
• The shape of New Zealand rugby and the challenges they face
• The tackle height changes in New Zealand for 2023 and what's behind them
• Other changes in the game - scrum half restrictions, 1.5m push
• Future consultation on changes to the breakdown
• Referee recruitment and retention in NZ - this is the research Mike mentions about the early refereeing experience of community referees

More on the changes: New Zealand Rugby game innovations 2023

Contact Mike via LinkedIn

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

You can follow us here:

Twitter: RugbyRefereenet

Instagram: RugbyRefereenet

Facebook: Page: RugbyReferee.net

Facebook Group: RugbyReferee.net Community

Or you can connect with Keith personally on Twitter or LinkedIn

This episode is all about you and something I've created for you. It's the sort of thing that I never knew I needed, but now it's a real, physical thing, Im hoping it helps you and your refereeing.

It can be a solitary life as a referee - often travelling on our own to matches, not seeing any advisers/coaches every week, and only monthly meetings with our peers. So how can we help you think positively about your refereeing and your progress?

This is where the Journal comes in. This has all the crib sheets, tick lists, advice, prep you need to help record your season and your refereeing. It's the place you can prepare for, and then analyse your performances through the season.

Keith explains how the journal came about, what's in it, and of course, where you can buy one (TLDR: rugbyreferee.net/journal - price £18.50)

What's in it?

• Place to set your season goals
• Place to record your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
• A checklist for your kitbag,
• A crib sheet to help you create your AR brief,
• A place to track your fitness tests through a season.
• And a season long Match Day Focus area - what are your big picture focus areas for each game area - Tackle, Ruck/Maul, Scrums, Lineout, Space, Safety/FP, Comms, Management.

And then of course, as it's a journal, it has a place for you to prep and review all your matches through the season! It has a calendar for the next few years, and then the meaty bit - the season-long journal

There's a monthly calendar sheets and then 4x match pages. For each match there's three key elements

• Prep page - all the things you need to get hold of and think about before your next match - colours, league positions, their form, Captains name if know, who your ARs and or Ref Coach/Reviewer. A place for logistics - directions, times, travel etc Any issues from last time/weekend to bring forward, and some focus areas for the match
• Match day check in - a chance just to use the journal to get your head in the game. There's prompts to ask say how you're feeling, to remind yourself what you want from the game, how you want to feel when you get home, and set some projections for what you want to do in the game. It's open ended and multi-interpretational. "In my refereeing today, I'm going to....."
• Match review - chance to record the match data, score, pens, cards, any fitness data you might have tracked
• Some simple quick game reflections on how you felt each area went
• 3 things that went well
• feedback points from others
• Any reflections from your prep page focus areas and then a section for overall reflections and work ons.
• And there's four of those sets of pages in each calendar month and 10 months to cover - so that'll help you with 40 matches sets. Some of you may not need that, some may need to tell me you want more in the next iteration of it! I'd love to know what you think.

All together, that's 178 pages of journal goodness, with a hard back and front and with sturdy wire binding. I wanted this to be strong enough to get you through a season of it being in and out of kitbags, cars, backpacks. So it's a quality item that will, hopefully last.

The good news is, Ive got a batch in stock now, and if that sounds like something that will help your refereeing, then you can head to rugbyreferee.net/journal for a little more info, or if you're ready to buy it right now - rugbyrefereejournal.net saves you a click and takes to you the buying page! Do your thing and I'll get one in the post to you straight away!

The buying pages has options for different currencies, and we can ship

In the second of our shorter form podcasts, we take a look into refereeing advantage in rugby.

It's one of those areas, plenty of people have a view on, so let's look into what the law says, and how we should best look to referee it.

As ever, we'd love to know what you think so let us know - find us on social media at @RugbyRefereeNet, or comment on the blog over at rugbyreferee.net

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Twitter: @RugbyRefereeNet

Instagram: @RugbyRefereeNet

Facebook: RugbyReferee.net

Referee Community group: RefSquad

Web: www.rugbyreferee.net

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If you enjoy the podcast, then feel free to support our work: rugbyreferee.net/coffee

Wayne Barnes, the RFUs most experienced rugby referee joins the Advantage Over podcast to talk about:

• his career highlights
• how he maintains his professional athlete status
• peaks and troughs and how he deals with it
• nutrition, training and sleep!
• His panel of advisers
• his future in rugby

A great chat - we hope you enjoy it!

A week after the Rugby World Cup final, we look at the top eight things we take away from the tournament - but from a refereeing perspective. What are our top eight?

#1 Introducing a big new ‘thing’ needs to be done earlier 

#2 All teams in a tournament need bedding-in time 

#3 The future elite group of referees looks bright 

#4 Don’t set out the stall to early

#5 We have to take the rugby audience with us  

#6 There’s room for referee personalities

#7 We have to sort out the breakdown  

#8 Diversity challenge  

Agree? Disagree? Let us know!