Auckland Refs go back to school to tidy up sideline behaviour
As part of Auckland Rugby’s ongoing efforts to encourage appropriate sideline behaviour at rugby fixtures across the union, a new initiative by the Auckland Rugby Referee’s Association in collaboration with De La Salle College has been trialled and supported by the school before the season kicks off this weekend.
Auckland Rugby Match Officials Manager Smudge McNeilage has been working with De La Salle and the Auckland Rugby Referees Association (ARRA) to roll-out a programme of events at the college looking to create a more enjoyable game experience for those on and off the field.
McNeilage commends the De La Salle staff – Myles Hogarty (Principal), Nigel Hurst (Director of Rugby) and Andrew Va’a (1st XV coach) for their proactive stance and practical measures that are in place for the start of the 2013 season.
“For every boy who plays rugby for De La Salle, a parent or guardian has to attend an educational evening about appropriate sideline behaviour standards, the roles of Ground Managers who will monitor the school’s home rugby fixtures and the importance of positive sideline support.
“Our messaging is very clear. Rugby is a fantastic game to be part of and we want everybody involved with the game to enjoy the whole match experience. Those who jeopardise that need to know it won’t be tolerated. A school rugby community needs positive role models and encouragement on the sideline – nothing less,” said McNeilage.
In the interest of upskilling and educating those with an active interest in the school’s rugby, McNeilage will run a compulsory Associate Referees Courses at the college for all coaches and managers as well as offering the same opportunity to parents and Old Boys who have been encouraged by the school to take an active role in rugby at De La Salle.
“We held an interactive event for 10 referees and all rugby playing De La Salle students (approximately 400) ensuring all young players have a clear understanding on the rules of the game – the laws to which the match officials follow. This was done to both inform and encourage positive relationship-building between the referees, students and their supporters.”
As part of the new initiatives, McNeilage is soon to run a You Make the Call course at De La Salle for student leaders and others identified by the school who would benefit from this opportunity. At the completion of the three-day theory course run at the school, the students will be required to referee at three tournaments during the year and when they pass the course will receive 10 Level 3 credits.
“This combines the opportunity to not only upskill and educate these students but also engage them in an active learning module in which they are already interested as rugby players. It’s a win-win scenario . I am looking forward to seeing some really positive results from all of us working to be part of the solution rather than just dealing with the fall-out. I hope to take it to more schools across the union in the future,” McNeilage said.
Principal Hogarty agrees. “This is a positive step in the right direction. We believe that this programme, by involving parents, coaches, students and match officials and providing them with an opportunity to meet and share their knowledge of the game will enhance the pleasure and satisfaction that everyone gets from the sport. We’re grateful to Smudge McNeilage and Auckland Rugby for working in collaboration with the college and we look forward to seeing positive outcomes from this initiative.”
However, McNeilage makes no apology for those who suffer the consequences for jeopardising the safety and rugby experience for others through unacceptable on-field or sideline behaviour during the season.
“Parents who step outside acceptable behaviours only hinder their child’s rugby opportunities as the child will be removed from playing for their school. Nobody wants to see that, however it’s important we are very clear on expectations and consequences.”
There will be more monitoring systems at all Secondary school fixtures from the start of the season to ensure the standards put in place are being met.
As a passionate rugby man and referee, McNeilage offers a poignant reminder:
“People often forget that their child is able to be part of a team playing Saturday morning footy, because someone has volunteered their valuable time to referee, coach or manage players in that match. Without these volunteers, those games wouldn’t exist. Refereeing is a great way to contribute to the game and help ensure kids in our community get to play the sport they love.”
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