Referees
Training Programs for Referees
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has national training programs for referees, referee coaches and touch judges which are approved by the Australian Sports Commission under the National Officials Accreditation Scheme.
Associated with each training program is a separate, competency-based assessment process that leads to a national accreditation. Details of the accreditation process for each discipline and level are contained in the ARU Officials Accreditation policy
Foundation Training Program
Prerequisites: SmartRugby (SmartRugby is also covered in this training program)
Minimum age: 15 years and above
Course duration: 1 day
Outline: This program provides the training necessary to become a Referee or Team Coach. Participants completing this course will be provided with a certificate of attendance.
The Foundation Course follows the logic of:
a) Law
b) Tactics
c) Techniques
d) Coaching Practices - including progressions from technique to drill to game (skill)
e) Referee Management
So that the game can, at all times, be played in a safe environment the underlying priority in all these units is safety. This is emphasised by the SmartRugby program being incorporated into this course or as a compulsory pre-requisite (as well as for accreditation).
The Units included in the Foundation course include:
Rugby - The Game
Balance & Stability
Attack
Defence
Tackle/Ruck/Maul
Game Elements
Scrum
Kick-offs and Restarts
Lineout
Coaching
Role of the Referee
Individuals who wish to take the next step towards obtaining accreditation as a Level 1 Referee are required to complete a Level 1 Referee Competency Assessment Manual and a Law Examination as well as undertake a Competency Assessment “field test”. Arrangements for completing these requirements should be made with your State Referee Manager or Referee Development Officer.
The following resources will be provided to participants at the course:
Intermediate (Level 2) Referee Training Program
Prerequisites: Level 1 Referee accreditation, SmartRugby Compliant
Refereed for at least one year or a minimum of at least 20 games and capable of refereeing adult matches or at the minimum, U16 age games.
Course duration: 2 days
Outline: The aim of this training program is to provide participants with information and methodologies that will assist in taking their refereeing to the next level. The program focuses on the application of the Law, rather than the Law itself, as well as practical aspects of refereeing that will provide improved management skills.
The program covers
Effective refereeing - a broad overview of referees appraisal and coaching, goal setting, self analysis and understanding your personality.
Game management issues - on-field communication and positioning, relationships with captains and coaches, managing foul play and game understanding
Advantage
Game elements - Tackle, Ruck, Maul, Lineout, Scrum, general Play and Restarts
Game knowledge - current playing and coaching trends
Individuals are expected to take the next step towards obtaining accreditation as a Level 2 Referee. This requires the completion of a Level 2 Referee Competency Assessment Manual, a Law Examination and a Competency Assessment “field test”. In addition individuals must complete an Intermediate (Level 2) Touch Judge training Program. Arrangements for completing these requirements should be made with your State Referee Manager or Referee Development Officer.
The following resources will be provided to participants at the course:
Participant workbook
Laws of the Game (if a current copy is not held)
Refereeing in Practice booklet (if not already held)
Referee Coaching in Practice booklet
Current ARU Game Management Guidelines
Current iRB Match Officials Competencies
Current iRB Communication Protocol
Advanced (Level 3) Referee Training Program
Prerequisites: Current Level 2 Referee accreditation (including Level 2 Touch Judge accreditation), SmartRugby compliant. If not already completed, participants are required to attend a Level 2 player coaching course.
Course duration: 1 year (2 camps, monthly projects)
Outline: This course has been developed for referees who selectors believe can become higher level representative referees. One or two selected community rugby referees may also be offered a place in the program. Participants are exposed to the latest developmental information as it relates to physical training, technical understanding, mental skills, game knowledge and game management. The program is run in conjunction with the advanced (Level 3) Referee Coach Training Program. In addition, a number of sessions are completed with the Level 3 player coach participants.
Participants will be provided with a comprehensive workbook and a range of other resources to assist them in completing this program.
On completion of this program participants will be accredited as a Level 3 Referee.
