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.
- 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)
- 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
