Dear Coach/Official
Welcome to the third edition of Coaching & Officiating E-News for 2007.
This issue's highlights include articles on the updated Scrum Engagement, Warming Up,the National Championships, and the Re-Accreditation Process. We hope the newsletter continues to provide you with information you'll find useful in your role as a Rugby coach or referee.
All the best for the end of the 2007 season!
LAW CHANGE
UPDATED SCRUM ENGAGEMENT SEQUENCE
The iRB has recently updated the calling of the scrum engagement sequence. The revised sequence is designed to provide the safest and most effective process for calling the scrum engagement, particularly at the Community level of the game.
The Law is quite specific that the engagement must be a 4 stage procedure, however problems have arisen when there has been considerable delay between each of the calls, particularly the TOUCH and PAUSE.
The correct sequence to be followed by referees, for games at all levels, is:
CROUCH – the teams should crouch without delay
TOUCH PAUSE – the referee calls TOUCH immediately followed by PAUSE (once the TOUCH has been completed)
ENGAGE – the referee calls engage to complete the engagement sequence
Referees should be strict and consistent in applying this engagement sequence and apply the appropriate sanction (FREE KICK) for teams who engage prior to the ENGAGE call. The ARU Game Management Guidelines recommend a ZERO tolerance for early engagement.
COACH AND REFEREE ARTICLES
Warming Up … Preparing for Combat
The importance of warm up prior to training and matches should not be under-estimated. Preparing the body, both physically and psychologically for contact can make the difference between winning and losing.
The reason for warming up is to allow the muscles to function to their potential. A warm muscle stretches more readily and contracts more quickly, effectively minimizing the risk of injury. Prior to a match there should be a gradual increase in the level of intensity until the athletes are completely ready to safely produce maximum effort. How should the warm up be structured? How long should it take, and when does the coach know if the players have warmed up for too long?
Firstly, the warm up prior to a match should be structured so that the players “practice” what they are going to do in the match. For that reason, passing the ball and supporting are worthwhile activities to begin with to get the body moving. The ‘passing’ should always be in accordance with the law – backwards. Too often we see the “Star Passing Drill” where players run from one of four corners and pass forward to an approaching player.
Following the passing activities, it is always preferably to complete some dynamic stretching (legs, torso, shoulders) so that the muscles fibres are firing and readying themselves for ballistic movements. These stretches can be in the form of lunges, running ‘butt flicks’, ‘sumo’ jogging, ‘karaoke’ running and the like.
The intensity should be increased towards game level, and often some type of tackle contest drill is beneficial to the players. This type of work can include some ‘tracking’ activities, tackling activities and post-tackle (driving players off the ball) drills. Add to this some balance and stability work, one-on-one scrum body shape work and perhaps some lineout or backline plays. Finally, having the whole team run unopposed or semi-opposed allows for match rehearsal.
Each players should be allowed some time for themselves to complete any personal technique/skill that they wish to emphasize.
The total time allocated for warm up should be pre-determined by:
a) the weather conditions
b) the field space allocated, and
c) the physical state of the area allocated.
For example, if the warm up is occurring in Darwin and the temperature is 33 degrees (in the shade) then the warm up should last no more than 15 minutes. Conversely, if the warm up is in Hobart and its only 5 degrees, then it may take 30-40 minutes to have the body ready.
The space allocated, be it half a field or 20m x 20m will also determine what can be programmed. Likewise, if the surface is grass, then contact with the ground is appropriate, whereas, if the surface is hard (e.g. changeroom floor) then contact may not be appropriate.
The coach will know that the players have been warming up for too long if they are tiring when they should be at 100%. A good indicator is for the athlete to have beads of perspiration on their brow. If the player is sweating profusely, then they may have spent too long and are possibly lactating.
Lastly, the mental rehearsal for players is possibly as important as the physical side and some time should be allocated for the players to visualize what they have to do pre-match.
Warren Robilliard
Coach Education Manager
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Commencing on 23 June a number of national championships were held in various centres around Australia. The National U16 championships will also be held in October. The ARU provides the match officials for all these championships with the assistance of the local referees. These championships are an integral part of the ARU referee and referee coach pathway and those attending receive intensive coaching and development over the period of the championship. Selections for the championships are made by the ARU Referee Selectors from nominations submitted by State Unions.
Details of the championships and those attending are:
Australian Schools Div 2 Championships (Geelong 23 – 28 June)
Referees – Julian Lunn (NSW), Paul Haydock (QLD), Rohen Skiba (WA)
School Student Scholarship Referee – Tom O’Grady (VIC)
Referee Coaches – Geoff Pegg (QLD), Rick Watsford (VIC), Jock Hossack (VIC)
Referee Manager – Roberta Barnett (NT)
Australian Schools Div 1 Championships (Canberra 3 – 8 July)
Referees – Grant MacNeill (NSW), Sarah Corrigan (ACT), Craig Hiils, (QLD), Paul Twomey (QLD)
School Student Scholarship Referee – Brad Dale (ACT)
Referee Coaches – Mick Keogh (ARU), Scott Young (QLD), Brendan Taylor (NSW)
Referee Manager – Brett Bowden (ARU)
National Women’s Championships (Sydney – 5- 8 July)
Referees – Tim Willis (NSW), Richard Goswell (NSW), Anthony Moyes (NSW), Andrew Schwilk (SA)
Referee Coaches – Ian Hailes (WA), John McCarthy (NSW), James Leckie (ARU)
Referee Manager – James Leckie
National U16 Championships (Brisbane 1 – 5 October)
Referees – Angus Gardner (NSW), Luke Colbron (NSW), Steve Hardy (NSW), Nathan Kearns (ACT), Warren Lynch (WA), Michelle Colgrave (QLD), Sam Christopherson (VIC)
School Student Scholarship Referee – Haydon Johnson
Referee Coaches – Andrew Cole (QLD), Mick Tanzer (NSW), Greg West (NSW), Peter Liddle (WA)
Referee Manager – Geoff Pegg (QLD)
ACCREDITATION
Updating Accreditation
Accreditations for Coaches and Match Officials are issued for a 4 year period and are required to be renewed at the end of that period.
State Union staff are responsible for the administration of the national accreditation and re-accreditation policies for both coaches and match officials. If your accreditation expires at the end of 2007 you should contact your state union Coaching Director or Referee Manger/Development Officer to ensure you are able to meet the requirements for re-accreditation. The national policies relating to re-accreditation are detailed below.
Coaching Accreditation
Accreditation
To obtain an accreditation as a coach the requirements as detailed in Table 1 must be met.
Re-accreditation/Renewal
For an accreditation to be renewed at the end of the four year period the individual must have met the requirements as set out in Table 2.
Renewal of accreditation is based on coaches being actively involved in at least two of the four years (Level 1) and three of the four years (Levels 2 and 3) for which the accreditation is current. Active participation means coaching at a minimum of 12 weeks in each of the two/four or three/four years of the accreditation period. This means that it is not possible to obtain an accreditation, not participate and still “claim to hold the accreditation”. Coaches who actively coach for one/two years of the accreditation period will have to prove they are still competent as detailed in Table 2.
By successfully completing the accreditation requirements for the next level the original accreditation will be superseded. The four year accreditation period recommences at this time.
| Table 1 – Coach Accreditation Policy |
Level 1 Coach
1. SmartRugby compliant
2. Complete the Level 1 Law Theory exam and gain a minimum of 90%.
3. Demonstrate a minimum of 30 hours of coaching practice through documentation showing planning acting and reviewing.
4. Be successfully assessed against the Level 1 Assessment criteria statements.
5. Sign the Code of Conduct form and return to State Union office. Level 2 Coach
1. SmartRugby compliant
2. Complete the Level 2 Law Theory exam and gain a minimum of 90%.
3. Demonstrate a minimum of 60 hours of coaching practice through documentation showing planning acting and reviewing, or be a current Level 1/2 Coach Educator and Present at a minimum of 3 Coaching Courses in a calendar year.
4. Be successfully assessed against the Level 2 Assessment criteria statements.
5. Sign the Code of Conduct form and return to State Union office. Level 3 Coach
1. SmartRugby compliant
2. Complete all assigned tasks (11 in total) as part of the 12 month program, or be a current Level 2/3 Coach Educator.
3. Demonstrate a minimum of 100 hours of coaching practice, or Present at a minimum of 5 Coaching Courses in a calendar year.
4. Sign the Code of Conduct form and return to State Union office. |
Table 2 – Coach Re-Accreditation/Renewal Policy
Automatic re-accreditation will be granted at all levels with coaches complying with the following:
1. SmartRugby compliance
2. Coaching for 2/4 (Level 1) or 3/4 years (Levels 2 and 3) of the accreditation, or Coach Educating at the appropriate levels as deemed in Table 1. If a Level 2 or 3 Coach only coaches for two of the four years and attends an Advanced Coaching Seminar (or equivalent) in their final 24 months before expiry they will qualify. Advanced Coaching Seminars must have a minimum of 12 hours of education to qualify. An accompanying letter from an individual’s club/school/Union confirming that the coaching criteria was met would be required.
3. Completing the Laws and Safety Update and scoring 90%.
4. Re-signing the Code of Conduct and returning to State Union office.
| Coaches who do not comply with the above will need to successfully complete the following: |
Level 1 Coach
1. SmartRugby compliant
2. Complete the Level 1 Law Theory exam and gain a minimum of 90%.
3. Be successfully assessed against the Level 1 Assessment criteria statements.
4. Sign the Code of Conduct form and return to State Union office. Level 2 Coach
1. SmartRugby compliant
2. Complete the Level 2 Law Theory exam and gain a minimum of 90%.
3. Be successfully assessed against the Level 2 Assessment criteria statements.
4. Sign the Code of Conduct form and return to State Union office. Level 3 Coach
1. SmartRugby compliant
2. Complete the Level 2 Law Theory exam and gain a minimum of 90%.
3. Be successfully assessed against the Level 3 Assessment criteria statements.
4. Sign the Code of Conduct form and return to State Union office. |
Coaches who do not qualify to be re-accredited against their accreditation level, may, at the SCM’s discretion be accredited at a lower level. For example, a coach who does not re-qualify at Level 3 (lack of coaching hours) may be re-accredited at Level 2, as long as the coach meets the requirements. The same applies for a Level 2 moving down to Level 1.
For most cases where this applies, the SCM should consult with the ARU’s CEM.
Match Officials (Referee, Referee Coach, Touch Judge) Accreditation
• Smart Rugby compliant (1)
• Active participation in each of the 4 years (2)
• Successful completion of a Law Examination every two years (3)
• For Level 2 Referee, a current Level 2 Touch Judge accreditation must also be held
• Successful completion of the relevant Competency Assessment in the 4th year of accreditation for Referees (4)
• Attendance at an officials update seminar or equivalent at least twice during the accreditation period
(1) In accordance with ARU Policy, SmartRugby must be completed every 2 years for Referees and Referee Coaches
(2) Active participation means officiating (as a Referee, Referee Coach or Touch Judge) at a minimum of 10 matches in each year of the accreditation period.
If participation lapses for more than 1 year, the official must complete an appropriate Law Examination and Competency Assessment.
(3) The relevant Level 1 or Level 2 Law Examination must be completed.
(4) It is expected that under normal circumstances, all Referees will be seen at least once by Referee Coaches during the year in which accreditation is to be renewed. Provided that the Referee Coaches are satisfied that the Referee continues to meet the competency standards a formal assessment would not be required. Similar arrangements would apply to Referee Coaches.
|
PROFILES
Craig Leseberg
Coaching Experience
How many years have you coached/officiated?
9 years.
What are your qualifications (coaching level)?
I have a Degree in Coaching Science, Diploma in Exercise Science and I’m currently completing my Level 3 coaching accreditation.
How did you get involved in coaching?
For me it was a natural progression from playing. I completed my University studies in sport while working part-time in Rugby Development at the Canberra Club level before being employed as Director of Rugby at Canberra Grammar School, a position I have held for 7 years. I have been full-time with Brumbies Rugby for the past 4 years.
Your coaching career highlight?
Overall the improvement in performance of Canberra Grammar rugby has been particularly rewarding.
Your future coaching aspirations?
It changes often, but presently I would like to coach in a Super 14 Academy environment.
What attracts you most to being a State Coaching Manager?
I really enjoy sharing my coaching experience. It’s great to be working in a sport that I am particularly passionate about.
Most difficult aspect of your coaching position?
Rugby “experts”!
Coaching idol/role model? Why?
I was coached by Chris Hickey (Eastwood Coaching Director) at Tuggeranong Vikings for 3 years and he has certainly had a positive influence. More recently it would be the Brumbies Coaching staff particularly Laurie Fisher and Matt O’Connor.
Best advice you could give a new coach?
Coaching is a continual learning experience. Don’t be afraid to challenge ideas.
Other interests aside from Rugby?
Tennis, Touch Football, Movies, Good Wine and Food
Favourite Super 14 team/favourite player?
The Brumbies, Stephen Larkham.
Tessa Pentony
Tessa has recently joined the Community Rugby Team at the ARU as the Community Rugby Coordinator.
How many years have you been involved in rugby?
5 years.
What are your qualifications (coaching level)?
I have a Degree in Human Movement, Diploma in Sports Development, and Diploma in Sport and Recreation. I've completed my rugby foundation course, and hope to become a Level 1 coach, plus I've done a referee course. (I'm also a qualified cricket coach and umpire).
How did you get involved in rugby?
It started while I was still studying, doing work experience with Brumbies Rugby. Soon after I got involved with managing teams, and I have been managing representative teams for the last four years. I was employed at Brumbies Rugby as Community Rugby Assistant and Women's Development Officer.
Your rugby career highlight?
It is very rewarding to see players on a team you've managed get selected for Australia, it has happened through both Womens and Colts teams.
Your future rugby aspirations?
I love organising the 'nuts and bolts' so people can play rugby - so continuing on my current path.
Coaching idol/role model? Why?
I love to watch good coaches - while I was at university I was heavily involved with cricket and sat in on Dennis Lillee and Bob Simpson, who really stood out for me. In rugby, I think both Matt Kaye (Secom Rugguts) and Craig Leseberg (above) are brilliant. All these coaches give clear, concise instructions that target their audience. In management, Bob Hitchcock is a great mentor.
Other interests aside from Rugby?
Music, dance, fresh vegetables and good cooking.
Favourite Super 14 team/favourite player?
The Brumbies, Guy Shepherdson.
