USRFR hold special online event to call time on the season

The Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees held a special online event on Wednesday 31 March to blow the final whistle on their formal meeting and workshop schedule for the season. Following on from the huge success of the online 70th anniversary celebration event back in December, the USRFR Management Committee, chaired by Tim Lowry, organised another online event which was hosted by well-known local sports commentator, Mark Robson. Robson interviewed four well-known and highly respected members of the USRFR during a memorable 90-minute event attended by almost 100 people. Brian Stirling, Denis Templeton, Simon McDowell and Chris Busby – a representation of some of the Society’s most high-profile referees over the last few decades – answered questions on a range of topics, from managing some of the characters on the pitch in the old amateur days to the challenges of the modern professional game and the influence of the TMO. The experiences shared by the four officials gave a fascinating insight into how the game of rugby has changed over the years, yet reminded everyone that the key pillars of refereeing – safety, consistency, communication and control, fitness and law knowledge - have not changed much. This event was the final formal meeting of what has been an incredibly busy year for the USRFR. Despite no on-field action due to the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on domestic rugby, a full training and education programme continued, led by Referee Development Manager Richard Kerr. Richard commented, “Whilst it has been frustrating for all USRFR members not being able to get out onto a pitch with their whistle / flag / notebook in hand (whether as referee, assistant referee, evaluator or referee coach) it has been hugely encouraging to see our members continue to want to learn more and improve their refereeing craft. From monthly area meetings to weekly ‘drop-in’ sessions, all held online, our members have really shown their enthusiasm and commitment to up-skill and this will hopefully stand them all in good stead for the return to domestic rugby”. “Whilst several of our top referees and citing commissioners have remained actively involved at the top level of the game, the majority of our members have really missed the buzz of crossing that white line on a game day. It hopefully won’t be too long before we can all get back out onto a pitch to facilitate games of rugby at all levels in the province”. The USRFR appoints officials to all domestic games in Ulster and provides referees to the IRFU National Panel. If you are interested in refereeing or simply want to find out more details of what is involved, please contact Richard Kerr (Referee Development Manager) richard.kerr@irfu.ie / 07493 868388