The state of refereeing

[ScrumAndCoke]

Is anyone else concerned that some lower-level referees are being asked to officiate games above their current ability and experience?

Everyone has to learn, and nobody expects international-standard officiating on a Yorkshire club pitch. But when a referee struggles with the pace of a game, consistency at the breakdown or controlling the scrum, it affects both sides. Frustration builds, the game suffers and the referee ends up having a miserable afternoon as well.

There has to be a sensible balance between giving referees experience and putting them into matches they are equipped to manage. If appointments are being made simply to get somebody holding a whistle, are those officials getting enough support before being asked to step up?

What channels are actually available for clubs to give constructive feedback to referees and the Yorkshire refereeing organisation? Is there a recognised process, who receives it, and do clubs get any response explaining what happens next? Can match footage be submitted so concerns can be looked at properly?

Equally, does that feedback help identify where someone needs coaching, an assessor alongside them or more time at a suitable level?

We all benefit from having capable, confident referees. Respect for officials and an honest discussion about standards should go hand in hand.

Would be interested to hear from clubs who have used the feedback process, and any referees who can explain how it works from their side.

[backrowbandit]

I believe there is a chronic shortage of referees.....which may result in some taking games at a higher level that they are comfortable with.

As a general rule, clubs should assess how many teams they have in their club and ideally should also have that many society referees.

It will be easier to raise standards when the overall number of officials is higher.

We've found the standard of refereeing at R1 to be excellent - but I think your point was about leagues lower down.

[gateprop]

Double the refs required at levels 8 and 9, triple at 10. I think the standard of reffing has been a lot higher in Y4 this season than previous years in the lower merit leagues. At the lowest level of league rugby it's probably less noticeable than at level 8 for example. Until there are more refs available there's not a tonne we can do in terms of raising standards.

What we can all do as clubs is encourage players to explore refereeing, especially if we would be losing 30-40 year olds from the game due to injury, retirement or whatever. We have two former players reffing now and one is progressing rapidly though the pyramid. The other thing clubs can do is stamp out player and supporter harassment/abuse to make it an enjoyable experience to be a referee.