This was a great opportunity for me to referee a lower level of rugby and help "teach" younger players. I was told to be lenient with many of the players with law explanations, but be very strict on high tackles, late charges, and any kind of "dangerous" play.
Being a low level of rugby where I am allowed to do a bit of "teaching" was great for me as a new ref, because in explaining the laws to many of these young'uns, I further understand the intracicies of the laws and their purpose much better. The tournament was also a great opportunity for me to be watched by other referees and receive feedback. The feedback was great, I was told new methods for positioning and watching the offside line, offering commands to the players (tackler release, hands out, use it), signals, and much more. One of the most significant things I took from this tournament was facing North and South as much as possible - as this has helped me form my checklists in each facet of play (i.e Ruck....find the ball....won.....back up to pocket......check offsides.....continue).
I refereed this tournament with clubmate (NCSU) Joe Hogan, in what would be his first proper experience refereeing. Joe Hogan is on his way to Irag at the moment, so best of luck to him in his work for our country and Marines.
I was assigned to referee three B-side games and one U-15 game. (East Chapel Hill, Myers Park, Charlotte Catholic, VC Gold, Monroe U-15, Chapel Hill U-15) I was impressed with the number of players these clubs are getting, and I really hope these clubs continue to grow. It looks like there's a bright future for North Carolina and USA rugby with all these young rugby players coming through.
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