I had the pleasure of being an assistant referee for the NERFU D4 Championship final between the Central Maine Stripers and Monadanock RFC.
From an AR's perspective in this game I was shown the real value the positioning and judgement of kicks at goal. On two occasions during this game, if it werent for correct AR positioning, some successful kicks may have been called wrong. On one occasion, straight in front of the posts, the AR's lined up with the posts. Now the kick curved well to one side, almost to the point where it might have hit the post had it been higher....and the other AR AND referee could not tell if the kick was successful or not, requiring my confirmation. It is important to be on the spot to judge if the ball would have hit the post or not, in the event the provided goal posts are too short.
Now one thing I am not sure about in the AR role, when marking the 5 meter offside line on scrums......should one go to the attacking side, the other to the defending? or should both just mark the defending. It is important to check the attacking side in the event of a turnover at scrum, many teams have a bad habit of advancing well before the ball is out of the scrum taken against the head.
Overall a good AR experience.
There was no foul play to respond to as an AR this game.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
4/6/2009 SUNY Albany @ Union College
Another Wednesday game for SUNY Albany....played at Union College in Schenectady, New York. Not quite a full size pitch, but an AMAZING location. The Union pitch is literally located in the center of the campus, beside the Nott Memorial. (the farside of hte building in the picture). There's a sewer drain in one try zone, they cover this with a purpose built pad exactly the size of the drain. I question the safety and application of this, but w/e. Many trees also reach over the end of the try zones into the field of play....but they are deemed in touch on contact.Game went pretty well, back and forth the first half with a close game at halftime. Albany really opened it up the 2nd half though, racking up the score. In the last few minutes Union began to resort to a bit of foul play with some kick obstruction and high tackles. This was penalized and the game ended at next opportunity...as the result was in no doubt.
It should also be noted that the Union side was absurdly abrasive...I had never had so much abuse for no reason.
Here is the SUNY Albany game report:
The Danes traveled to Schenectady, NY for the final test of the year in a Wednesday afternoon contest at Union’s historic pitch. The Danes started out with good pace and execution but fell in to disorganization as Union got on the board first with a long run down the sideline by #14 Jason Either. Union would continually knock on the door but stingy defense kept them out. Union pressure kept up inside the ten meter line but an overzealous forward was whistled up for over the top. Cono Cirone took a quick tap penalty and two passes later fullback Alex Wilman was off for 90 meters and paydirt.
The second half showed Albany at it’s best. They were able to stretch the defense by spinning ball to the wing and took advantage of keeping Union on the back foot. Mike Cyr [center] would score next under the left post. Lock James Wrynn would add a score as the result of a truck and trail inside the Union 15. Winger Jack Reissman took a score in from another quick tap penalty and James Richards would finish it off with a scamper down the right sideline ,from just past the 50 , to seal the deal and ending with a four game win streak
The Albany All ”B”lacks tied Union, 5-5. Albany again gave up the first try as Union winger Paul Earp sprinted in to the far corner to down the ball. Albany would counter when Lock Matt Zappala would score off the base of a ruck. Per coach’s orders ryan Sweet attempted a drop kick, instead of place kick, and it sailed wide. The Albany second side showed great improvement over the course of the spring and look to supply the first side with plenty of talent for the fall New York State Rugby Conference season.
4/2/2009 - 4/3/2009 NRU U-19 Ladies Championship (Head Referee)
On my way to the Worcester Charles River game, I was asked to help cover one Ladies U19 game on the way...in Springfield:4/2/2009
Rutland 5 - 0 Fairport (40 minute game, 20 minute halves)
Over the weekend the ladies were playing 22.5 minute halves...kind of strange to me but the U19 laws do not permit rugby players to play more than 90 minutes of rugby in a day.
4/3/2009
Bowl Championship
After returning from Worcester I had a number of things to work on after all the excitement from the night before (see previous post). This game was the last place game, overall played in good spirits but the ladies had a hard time understanding illegal zone entry.
LS 5 - 0 Union
Cup Championship, winner goes to national championship
Rutland 20 - 10 City Honors (Buffalo)
Rutland used excellent tactical kicking to gain territory and strong set piece to steal ball. They came ahead quickly in the first half. City Honors also struggled with illegal zone entry...I think the girls were trying to find ways to contest rucks already lost. Presumably, the City Honors coach had a word with his girls and this unfortunate tactic stopped in the 2nd half. City Honors then managed to gain a bit of possession and use their strength out wide to round out the ladies of Rutland, but not able to score enough...final score Rutland 20-10 City Honors...2nd half score Rutland 0 - 10 City Honors.
It was a pleasure to be the head referee of this event on sunday. Every game had two ARs from the support of Springfield Rifles, NERRS, and a new ref out of Buffalo. Well run event by Springfield....
4/2/2009 Charles River @ Worcester
In general this was a fairly fast-moving game by two evenly matched but not very well disciplined teams with players of mixed abilities. There was a reasonably large audience as this had been advertised locally as an exhibition game.
Charles River scored first, 8 man pick up close to the Worcester line through a couple hands and in the corner. Worcester replied with their own try from a great cut out pass to a lock who rumbled in. Charles River scored another try out wide while Worcester scored from a lineout driving maul.
Unfortunately this open and exciting game was marred with a number of petty fights. Evidently one team was good at getting a rise out of the other through a bit of niggle. About 30 minutes in the 1st fight formed, involving nearly all members of both sides. The captains were talked to. In the 60th minute there was once again some petty pushing after the whistle was blown, most members of both teams getting involved again. Although once again there was no clear cause for such actions, this niggling attitude was starting to affect the game. Captains were spoken with again and told that in the event of another major fight, the game would end.
10 minutes later (around the 70 minute mark) the teams took exception to a dangerous tackle - engaging in another major fight. The game was ended. A very unfortunate end to an otherwise highly entertaining game in front of a large crowd. Final score 10-10.
I was coached this game by a senior referee and he had many pointers to help me out...many tips for how I could have and should have handled the foul play...and to not back myself into a corner...always leave grey area...no definitive answer when players ask you what you are GOING to do.
4/26/2009 NRU U-23 Ladies (All Star Selection)
I had the pleasure of refereeing the selection tournament for the NorthEast U-23 Ladies in Amherst, MA.
The teams included the following:
MetNY
North (Maine/NH/VT)
East (Boston/RI)
West (NY, Western Mass, Conn)
The rugby was friendly as all the ladies were simply trying to show their skills to be selected.
One of my coworkers and clubmates with Albany was selected for the side and scored in the National Championship game....which the Northeast won with ease.
See the article here:
"Nevada is returning to Albany with a National Championship medal hanging
around her neck after the Northeast beat the Midwest yesterday 43-5.
Included in those 43 points was a try scored by Nevada- sweet!
On behalf of the club we just want to say congratulations and recognize
all of the hard work you put into making the NRU U-23 All-stars. When a
lot of us were taking a day off from rugby on Sundays this spring
season, you were putting in long hours at various try-outs and selection
games around the northeast. We're glad it paid off in a National
Championship for you.
-Lori and Jo
ps- Short article that re-caps the tourney below.
pps- Everyone owes Nevada a beer for scoring in a National Championship
match.
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Northeast U23 women’s all-star team
categorically defeated the Midwest 43-5 to win the 2009 U23 National
All-Star Championships.
The NRU team won despite lacking many players from the top programs in
the region. Their roster did include two Brown players, along with
players from MIT, Vassar, Providence College, UMass, Monmouth, Marist,
New Paltz, Rutgers, Beantown, Albany, Syracuse, Northeastern, Stonehill,
Cornell, Worcester, and Southern Vermont.
“This was a fun team to coach,” said assistant Tony Brown, also
head coach at Vassar.
Ashley Snyder, who transferred to MIT from Air Force and is playing for
Beantown, played a huge role as she kicked out of hand and for goal very
well. Her kicking put the Midwest’s very quick back three under
pressure, thanks in large part to the Northeast chasers.
The pressure forced errors that led to Northeast scores.
The NRU pack managed to limit the Midwest forwards ability to dominate
possession, and the solid attacking platform led to an early 21-5 lead
for coach Rich Ashfield crew.
Snyder ended up with a try and 13 points from the boot.
In the Tier 2 finals, the eighth-ranked USA Under-20 Women held off a
West second-half comeback to win 24-23 and earn promotion to Tier 1 for
2010.
After trailing 20-10 at half, the West came back within one, but the
USA Under-20s wouldn’t be outdone, propelled by a speedy backline and
fullback Sadie Anderson, who led the charge for the USA team with two
tries.
In the Tier 1 Consolation, the Mid-Atlantic beat the Pacific Coast
20-13 to remain in Tier 1, while Pacific is relegated to Tier 2 for next
year. And in the Tier 2 Consolation, the South All-Star side just barely
squeaked by with a win over the Southern California All-Stars. Led by
winger Kristen Hauratty, who touched down two tries, the South was able
to hold on and upset the Southern Cal side to finish this year’s
Championships on a high note.
“Unfortunately things didn't end up in our favor again today,” said
Pacific Coast coach Mari Therrien. “But today was a much better match
and my girls played well. They controlled much of the first half and
were making their tackles.”
Penalties and two sin bins put the Pacific Coast under pressure, but
they led 13-10 late until two MARFU tries put them through.
“Overall it was a great rugby match,” said Therrien, who noted the
play of captains Siche Green-Mitchell and Delaney Chapman. “We stuck
to the gameplan and executed well today but the penalty count eventually
caught up to us. We have a lot of young players who will be back next
year and now that they've played this level of rugby they know what to
expect.”"
The teams included the following:
MetNY
North (Maine/NH/VT)
East (Boston/RI)
West (NY, Western Mass, Conn)
The rugby was friendly as all the ladies were simply trying to show their skills to be selected.
One of my coworkers and clubmates with Albany was selected for the side and scored in the National Championship game....which the Northeast won with ease.
See the article here:
"Nevada is returning to Albany with a National Championship medal hanging
around her neck after the Northeast beat the Midwest yesterday 43-5.
Included in those 43 points was a try scored by Nevada- sweet!
On behalf of the club we just want to say congratulations and recognize
all of the hard work you put into making the NRU U-23 All-stars. When a
lot of us were taking a day off from rugby on Sundays this spring
season, you were putting in long hours at various try-outs and selection
games around the northeast. We're glad it paid off in a National
Championship for you.
-Lori and Jo
ps- Short article that re-caps the tourney below.
pps- Everyone owes Nevada a beer for scoring in a National Championship
match.
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Northeast U23 women’s all-star team
categorically defeated the Midwest 43-5 to win the 2009 U23 National
All-Star Championships.
The NRU team won despite lacking many players from the top programs in
the region. Their roster did include two Brown players, along with
players from MIT, Vassar, Providence College, UMass, Monmouth, Marist,
New Paltz, Rutgers, Beantown, Albany, Syracuse, Northeastern, Stonehill,
Cornell, Worcester, and Southern Vermont.
“This was a fun team to coach,” said assistant Tony Brown, also
head coach at Vassar.
Ashley Snyder, who transferred to MIT from Air Force and is playing for
Beantown, played a huge role as she kicked out of hand and for goal very
well. Her kicking put the Midwest’s very quick back three under
pressure, thanks in large part to the Northeast chasers.
The pressure forced errors that led to Northeast scores.
The NRU pack managed to limit the Midwest forwards ability to dominate
possession, and the solid attacking platform led to an early 21-5 lead
for coach Rich Ashfield crew.
Snyder ended up with a try and 13 points from the boot.
In the Tier 2 finals, the eighth-ranked USA Under-20 Women held off a
West second-half comeback to win 24-23 and earn promotion to Tier 1 for
2010.
After trailing 20-10 at half, the West came back within one, but the
USA Under-20s wouldn’t be outdone, propelled by a speedy backline and
fullback Sadie Anderson, who led the charge for the USA team with two
tries.
In the Tier 1 Consolation, the Mid-Atlantic beat the Pacific Coast
20-13 to remain in Tier 1, while Pacific is relegated to Tier 2 for next
year. And in the Tier 2 Consolation, the South All-Star side just barely
squeaked by with a win over the Southern California All-Stars. Led by
winger Kristen Hauratty, who touched down two tries, the South was able
to hold on and upset the Southern Cal side to finish this year’s
Championships on a high note.
“Unfortunately things didn't end up in our favor again today,” said
Pacific Coast coach Mari Therrien. “But today was a much better match
and my girls played well. They controlled much of the first half and
were making their tackles.”
Penalties and two sin bins put the Pacific Coast under pressure, but
they led 13-10 late until two MARFU tries put them through.
“Overall it was a great rugby match,” said Therrien, who noted the
play of captains Siche Green-Mitchell and Delaney Chapman. “We stuck
to the gameplan and executed well today but the penalty count eventually
caught up to us. We have a lot of young players who will be back next
year and now that they've played this level of rugby they know what to
expect.”"
4/25/2009 Newport @ Springfield
Newport 40 - 8 Springfield
The game started off with a bang, Springfield picking up a quick try out wide. Newport,however, quickly responded with their own try in the ensuing kickoff when the player receiving the kickoff knocked on and player in front of him played the ball, resulting in a penalty quick tapped and run in for the score.
The game started off with a bang, Springfield picking up a quick try out wide. Newport,however, quickly responded with their own try in the ensuing kickoff when the player receiving the kickoff knocked on and player in front of him played the ball, resulting in a penalty quick tapped and run in for the score.
Springfield proved very strong in the scrummage throughout the match, but struggled to manage Newport's strength with the ball in hand.
I had some concerns with my management of foul play this game...a problem I continued to have after this game. A minor punchup happened first....I simply had a chat with the teams, told them to all calm down.
Unfortunately from there players continued to have issues, with some taking exception to marginally dangerous tackles and other of the like.
The issue culminated near the end of the game when one player was on the wrong side of the ruck, unable to roll away and near the scrumhalf/balls feet. He chose to play it and the Springfield scrumhalf was not happy, taking a stomp....it ended up being soft and only made contact with the player's hands...but it was sooooo blatant. I was forced to reverse the penalty.
At any rate, a reoccuring issue...I was unhappy with my management of marginally dangerous play. I really need to get used to penalizing the marginal stuff at inconsequential stages to really make my standards understood.
4/25/2009 Springfield Ladies Round Robin (North Shore, Burlington)
The beginning of a very hot day (up to 90 degrees) for rugby. Refereed 3 games this day:
11 AM, 60 minute game.
11 AM, 60 minute game.
Springfield Women 8 - 22 North Shore Women
3 PM, 40 minute game
Springfield Women 5 - 31 Burlington Women
and Newport @ Springfield.
4/24/2009 Berkshire United @ Schenectady Chargers U-19
This game was played Collins Park of Scotia, NY...overlooking the General Electric Plant.
Schenectady 22 - 46 Berkshire
Schenectady scored first through their halfback dotting down in the corner. From there though, it was one way traffic. The Schenectady boys were getting too sucked in to the breakdowns and Berkshire took full advantage of their size in the backline...breaking tackle after tackle and scoring try after try.
In the 2nd half Schenectady managed to get a bit more possession and force Berkshire into conceding some penalties. They marched up field and managed to dot down a few tries, but Berkshire still had the last word...again using their superior loose play and size.
Overall it was a well played game. It seemed Berkshire felt they had it all wrapped up at the end of the first half (they did) and let up in the 2nd half, committing some lazy penalties.
I had a video of this game...will post some interesting clips when I get them....
Schenectady 22 - 46 Berkshire
Schenectady scored first through their halfback dotting down in the corner. From there though, it was one way traffic. The Schenectady boys were getting too sucked in to the breakdowns and Berkshire took full advantage of their size in the backline...breaking tackle after tackle and scoring try after try.
In the 2nd half Schenectady managed to get a bit more possession and force Berkshire into conceding some penalties. They marched up field and managed to dot down a few tries, but Berkshire still had the last word...again using their superior loose play and size.
Overall it was a well played game. It seemed Berkshire felt they had it all wrapped up at the end of the first half (they did) and let up in the 2nd half, committing some lazy penalties.
I had a video of this game...will post some interesting clips when I get them....
4/15/2009 Albany Law School @ SUNY Albany
SUNY Albany 24 - 12 Albany Law SchoolThis game was played on a wednesday afternoon, helping SUNY Albany prepare for their tour of DC.
Albany Law are a D4/D5 club out of albany, playing purely social level men's games. They managed to score the first try, but did not have much to put up after that as the SUNY Bs gained control.
The Danes All "B"lacks used consistent froward play with some opportunistic half back play to top the visiting Albany Law School's second XV 24-12. Albany freshman winger James Gandia broke across the line for 2 scores. Hooker Matt Shea, scrum half Andy LaVallie, and Hooker CaseyBerry all scored for UA. UA's fitness showed as there forwards were able to control the breakdowns even after losing the set pieces to a much bigger Law side. UA' Ryan Sweet slotted a conversion and penalty kick to add to the scoring.
4/19/2009 Schenectady Chargers v. Kingston Mad Dogs U -19
Schenectady Chargers 5 - 20 Kingston Mad DogsMy first CDYA game...it was played on the SUNY Albany IM fields. I recall the game presenting a real test of my in goal knowledge law, as there was a few times where the ball had either been passed back into, carried back into, kicked threw and carried out, etc. Just about any combination you can think of to change ingoal law...it happened. One try was scored after the ball was passed back in, knocked on, kicked, charged, and grounded. Another player had a tendency to carry ball the dead in goal...instead of letting it go on it's own...preventing the award of the scrum back.
Schenectady drew first blood this game, but Kingston's extra years of experience showed as they managed to take advantage of errors Schenectady could not.
4/18/2009 Albany Women v. NY Women B
The NY Women developmental side proved to be the superior side, scoring 5 unanswered tries in two 30 minute periods of play.
The most contentious point, at least from the teams perspective, was how I disallowed a quick throw in. On the Albany field, one side is roped, the other is not. On the un-roped side the ground simply rolls down into a ditch about 5 meters from the touchline. Now the ball went into touch on the side with no rope, it rolled a distance from the field and down inside the ditch. I did not allow the quick throw in stating that the ball had left the playing enclosure (approximately 5 meters from the touch line, when flat ground ended). I wonder if there is a ruling or how other referees typically treat the quick throw in with situations like this.
I also had a great opportunity this game to work on my signals at lineout time (signaling to the backs when the lineout is over). In practicing throughout this game I actually became very comfortable determining when the lineout was over, permitting the players to advance...something successfully added to my refereeing repertoire. This was implemented in the subsequent Albany v. Springfield game.
he game was also videotaped, I hope to eventually get my hands on the video and analyze my signals / performance.
The most contentious point, at least from the teams perspective, was how I disallowed a quick throw in. On the Albany field, one side is roped, the other is not. On the un-roped side the ground simply rolls down into a ditch about 5 meters from the touchline. Now the ball went into touch on the side with no rope, it rolled a distance from the field and down inside the ditch. I did not allow the quick throw in stating that the ball had left the playing enclosure (approximately 5 meters from the touch line, when flat ground ended). I wonder if there is a ruling or how other referees typically treat the quick throw in with situations like this.
I also had a great opportunity this game to work on my signals at lineout time (signaling to the backs when the lineout is over). In practicing throughout this game I actually became very comfortable determining when the lineout was over, permitting the players to advance...something successfully added to my refereeing repertoire. This was implemented in the subsequent Albany v. Springfield game.
he game was also videotaped, I hope to eventually get my hands on the video and analyze my signals / performance.
4/18/2009 Springfield Rifles @ Albany Knickerbockers
Now I live in Albany, NY - but this was my first experience at Dick Green Field and it's a very nice spot. Great view, thickish grass, and full size.Boston Old Gold cancelled on the Knicks a couple weeks prior and Springfield agreed to fill the void (Albany, D1 - Springfield, D3). In knowing the division gap Albany decided to put out an A side with a decidely developmental look to it...including a brand new hooker, winger, and a number of players out of position.
Albany managed to dominate the Rifles in loose play...but the scrum/lineout were a different story. Springfield proved to be exceptionally strong at scrum time, legally wheeling the scrum, and taking at least one against the head and Springfield's try came from a driving maul about 10 meters out.
I did, however, have a note for the springfield side and their mauls (a tactic many teams abandoned with the ELVs).....they had a tendency to break from the maul and rebind with an obstructing player. Now I never deemed this material in this game, but they really needed to understand the issue. In a later game (Newport v. Springfield) I did have to penalize them for obstruction in maul.
4/11/2009 Hibernians @ Montclair (Met NY, Evaluation)
Considering the fact this game was to be an evaluation, I took extra care to prepare. Taking a half intensity week at my game (www.albanycrossfit.com). My girlfriend was also coming up for the weekend, so we would enjoy a trip to New York City together.
At any rate, I was presented with two Men's D2 sides, one from MetNY and the other from EPRU for my evaluation....along with 33 degree heavy rain, heavy winds, and posts not kept in the ground (taped to the top of soccer goals).
The presented me with the problem of the posts being blown over a number of times during the game and an enormous amount of scrums. Fortunately, despite the conditions, I had a few things to take away from the evaluation and game:
One of the flash points of the game near the try line when a player was pulled from the maul - I failed to pick up on this. Now, since the ELVs and the ability to pull down the maul, the management of the maul is not something I have had to practice much.....they rarely ever happened. However, with the conditions presented on the day the maul proved a great weapon for the teams and my failure to manage it properly and miss such a blatant infringement caused a fight to break out. I responded to the fight with my whistle, breaking it up and having chat with the captains, telling them to talk to their teams and calm down.
Writing this retroactively, this was the beginning of my troubles managing foul play...for D2 men's sides.
One thing I feel I did manage well in this game was scrummages, I managed to spot and penalize a "non-push" in a scrums, preventing the teams from using this illegal tactic.
Here is the hibernian match report:
http://www.hiborugby.com/
"The Hibo’s journeyed up the Garden State Parkway to play Met NY Division 2 team Montclair RFC. The weather would heavily impact the day; a heavy, cold rain fell all morning and afternoon, continuing through the match right up until the final whistle. The poor conditions, combined with the Easter weekend, impacted attendance for both clubs. At kickoff, only the Montclair “A” side was present so it was decided to have only one match, and the Hibo’s would play their extra players as substitutes. The Hibernians developed a roster for both the first and second half, and it was decided that the side containing players who wouldn’t normally start would play during the opening period. This proved to be extremely entertaining to the contingent of Hibo supporters on the sideline. The Hibo side contained 7 players who had yet to play an “A” side game for the team, yet they built a 17 – 7 lead over a D2 A side.
At halftime, Montclair expressed a need to now play a B game, since their B side players had arrived during the first half. It became obvious that they didn’t realize our more experienced players had been held in reserve. The Hibo’s agreed to accommodate their need for a “B” game, but we also held to the original plan of playing the previously decided second half roster"
At any rate, I was presented with two Men's D2 sides, one from MetNY and the other from EPRU for my evaluation....along with 33 degree heavy rain, heavy winds, and posts not kept in the ground (taped to the top of soccer goals).
The presented me with the problem of the posts being blown over a number of times during the game and an enormous amount of scrums. Fortunately, despite the conditions, I had a few things to take away from the evaluation and game:
One of the flash points of the game near the try line when a player was pulled from the maul - I failed to pick up on this. Now, since the ELVs and the ability to pull down the maul, the management of the maul is not something I have had to practice much.....they rarely ever happened. However, with the conditions presented on the day the maul proved a great weapon for the teams and my failure to manage it properly and miss such a blatant infringement caused a fight to break out. I responded to the fight with my whistle, breaking it up and having chat with the captains, telling them to talk to their teams and calm down.
Writing this retroactively, this was the beginning of my troubles managing foul play...for D2 men's sides.
One thing I feel I did manage well in this game was scrummages, I managed to spot and penalize a "non-push" in a scrums, preventing the teams from using this illegal tactic.
Here is the hibernian match report:
http://www.hiborugby.com/
"The Hibo’s journeyed up the Garden State Parkway to play Met NY Division 2 team Montclair RFC. The weather would heavily impact the day; a heavy, cold rain fell all morning and afternoon, continuing through the match right up until the final whistle. The poor conditions, combined with the Easter weekend, impacted attendance for both clubs. At kickoff, only the Montclair “A” side was present so it was decided to have only one match, and the Hibo’s would play their extra players as substitutes. The Hibernians developed a roster for both the first and second half, and it was decided that the side containing players who wouldn’t normally start would play during the opening period. This proved to be extremely entertaining to the contingent of Hibo supporters on the sideline. The Hibo side contained 7 players who had yet to play an “A” side game for the team, yet they built a 17 – 7 lead over a D2 A side.
At halftime, Montclair expressed a need to now play a B game, since their B side players had arrived during the first half. It became obvious that they didn’t realize our more experienced players had been held in reserve. The Hibo’s agreed to accommodate their need for a “B” game, but we also held to the original plan of playing the previously decided second half roster"
4/5/2009 Spring Shorties: UMaine Farmington, Bowdoin @ University of Hartford
Spring Shorties, Participating Teams:
U Maine Farmington
Bowdoin
University of Hartford (Host)
The tournament was played in beautiful conditions (60 degrees, sunny, some wind) on a narrow field at Bloomfield High School (typically used for American Football). Ground was fairly muddy, but good and soft for rugby and typically provided enough footing for scrums.
U Maine Farmington 7 - 0 Bowdoin
Closely contested local derby (3 hours away from the local area). Only a try made up the difference in this 50 minute game.
U Maine Farmington 12 - 0 University of Hartford
U Maine demonstrated good control of the game. Lining issues and a lack of corner posts caused some difficulty.
University of Hartford 12 - 12 Bowdoin
A very tightly contested game resulting in a draw.
I used the referee coach's advice to full effect in these games. I got a lot of practice becoming comfortable in the 45 degree position and learning to vary it when necessary...like when I can tell they will be going to the blind side. (In which situation I back up to the pocket).
My main concern coming out of these games was my management of dangerous play. There were a few, of what I deemed, marginal late charges and maybe what could have been considered dangerous tackles. I unfortunately never carded anyone for these offenses (I did give a number of penalties). Luckily the game never degraded to fights, but I feel I should be more proactive in my management of dangerous play, no matter how marginal I think it is.
Unfortunately I can't recall too many bad things about the games except for where I maybe should have gone to dangerous play / card when I didn't. I thought the games went very well.
The night before (staying with the referee coach) I iced and took medication for my sore ankles/knee from fri/sat. I again took some ibuprofen and iced that morning for the short drive to the game. Somehow, despite the injuries, I managed to get through Sunday's 3 games with little difficulty. With the ibuprofen and ice for sunday I think I found a formula to keep my ankle going....excellent.
Now on this weekend I refereed the following games:
Springfield College v. MMA (50 minutes)
Springfield College v. MMA (30 minutes) extra period not counting for spring shorties.
Amherst College v. Wentworth Women (80 minutes)
UMain Farm v. Bowdoin (50 minutes)
U Main Farm v. Hartford (50 min)
Bowdoin v. Hartford (50 min)
That's 310 minutes of rugby refereeing.
U Maine Farmington
Bowdoin
University of Hartford (Host)
The tournament was played in beautiful conditions (60 degrees, sunny, some wind) on a narrow field at Bloomfield High School (typically used for American Football). Ground was fairly muddy, but good and soft for rugby and typically provided enough footing for scrums.
U Maine Farmington 7 - 0 Bowdoin
Closely contested local derby (3 hours away from the local area). Only a try made up the difference in this 50 minute game.
U Maine Farmington 12 - 0 University of Hartford
U Maine demonstrated good control of the game. Lining issues and a lack of corner posts caused some difficulty.
University of Hartford 12 - 12 Bowdoin
A very tightly contested game resulting in a draw.
I used the referee coach's advice to full effect in these games. I got a lot of practice becoming comfortable in the 45 degree position and learning to vary it when necessary...like when I can tell they will be going to the blind side. (In which situation I back up to the pocket).
My main concern coming out of these games was my management of dangerous play. There were a few, of what I deemed, marginal late charges and maybe what could have been considered dangerous tackles. I unfortunately never carded anyone for these offenses (I did give a number of penalties). Luckily the game never degraded to fights, but I feel I should be more proactive in my management of dangerous play, no matter how marginal I think it is.
Unfortunately I can't recall too many bad things about the games except for where I maybe should have gone to dangerous play / card when I didn't. I thought the games went very well.
The night before (staying with the referee coach) I iced and took medication for my sore ankles/knee from fri/sat. I again took some ibuprofen and iced that morning for the short drive to the game. Somehow, despite the injuries, I managed to get through Sunday's 3 games with little difficulty. With the ibuprofen and ice for sunday I think I found a formula to keep my ankle going....excellent.
Now on this weekend I refereed the following games:
Springfield College v. MMA (50 minutes)
Springfield College v. MMA (30 minutes) extra period not counting for spring shorties.
Amherst College v. Wentworth Women (80 minutes)
UMain Farm v. Bowdoin (50 minutes)
U Main Farm v. Hartford (50 min)
Bowdoin v. Hartford (50 min)
That's 310 minutes of rugby refereeing.
4/4/2009 Wentworth Institute of Technology @ Amherst College Women
Amherst College 34 - 0 Wentworth Institute of Technology
I was fortunate to have a referee coach watching this game.
I was unfortunate to have taken a knock to my ankle/knee on friday night (swinging tackle trip) with Springfield college.
As such, I looked unstable and took shortcuts. I probably could not have handled a men's game that day, but this was a d2/3 women's game, something I felt ok with despite the ankle/knee.
Fortunately the game was very one sided and it provided me a great opportunity to practice my communication, signals, and positioning.
Now I had an evaluation back in February (Uconn v. Harvard) where I had the concept of 45 degree positioning introduced to me, which I implemented into my game with success that day. Unfortunately since that game my 45 degrees had become less and less....until this day where I was almost right on the last foot of the defence (0 degrees), having to turn my head and look backwards to see what was happening at the breakdown. Something very wrong.
The referee coach that day made this correction for me (thank god). He brought me back to 45.
One interesting point includes a try scored from a ball that bounced back off the goal post in a penalty kick attempt.
I was fortunate to have a referee coach watching this game.
I was unfortunate to have taken a knock to my ankle/knee on friday night (swinging tackle trip) with Springfield college.
As such, I looked unstable and took shortcuts. I probably could not have handled a men's game that day, but this was a d2/3 women's game, something I felt ok with despite the ankle/knee.
Fortunately the game was very one sided and it provided me a great opportunity to practice my communication, signals, and positioning.
Now I had an evaluation back in February (Uconn v. Harvard) where I had the concept of 45 degree positioning introduced to me, which I implemented into my game with success that day. Unfortunately since that game my 45 degrees had become less and less....until this day where I was almost right on the last foot of the defence (0 degrees), having to turn my head and look backwards to see what was happening at the breakdown. Something very wrong.
The referee coach that day made this correction for me (thank god). He brought me back to 45.
One interesting point includes a try scored from a ball that bounced back off the goal post in a penalty kick attempt.
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