It was 70-80 degrees, the field was wet and sticky from the rain the day prior, but certainly playable - nothing compared to what we dealt with yesterday (see SA v. Dallas Reds D1 match). I was provided with two EXCELLENT assistant referee for this match, totally in tune with what information I needed, and what was un-ncecessary.
Skillwise and athletically the two sides were evenly matched. DARC overall remained more composed and organized to win the game.The two ARs were superb assistants, pointing out a number of important off-the-ball incidents.
DARC (20)
Tries: 15:50, 24:40, 28:10, 69:50
Dallas Reds - D3 (7)
Try: 48:20 (c)
Notes:
-clear and distinct pre game discussion with coaches, teams, and captains. This has become a great ritual - helping me warm up mentally and establish parameters for the teams.
-within the first few minutes a player accidentally knocked out my headset. I played on a minute until the next stoppage before picking it up.
-captains began to complain a bit about foul play off the ball - I informed my ARs to keep an eye out. Sure enough, a stamp while moving away from a tackle was picked up and the perpetrator was yellow carded. Thanks to my #4 referee for managing the YCs and substitutions. It makes my job a whole lot easier without the paperwork. I have a few concerns about the delay in the call, and because of the delay I almost gave a card without giving a penalty!!! luckily I remembered and moved back for the mark and penalty.
-i think there were a few instances where I was slightly in the passing lane. related to mental block of moving around breakdowns
-I had a nice recovery on a spill in the mud. While chasing a red breakaway a player approaching a ruck pushed me forward...I slid into ingoal, checked for grounding of the ball in goal - didnt make it. I got back up to my feet immediately, moved in field, and Dallas dotted over for the score. Oh, my headset was hanging inbetween my legs like a tail (it got knocked out when I slid ingoal).
-DARC had a bad habit of only committing penalties in their red zone. I gave warning for repeated infringements following 2 tackle/ruck penalties. A minute later, in what I might consider a 50-50 call, a prop dove over a ruck in a lineout. He was carded for repeated infringements. I can see this concept really taking strength in my matches.
-I thought my communication was pretty effective to the players. I did mess up my AR names a few times though - feel a bit bad about that.
-DARC maintained their composure and organization throughout the match. Their switch off the ruck phase ball was very effective. They did have a habit of going straight off their feet at rucks.
-looking at some photos, my signals were not crisp
-A prop taught me a great lesson in this match. I called him for foot up. He had not been the type to infringe throughout the match, so I was surprised by him putting his foot up. Turns out, the Scrumhalf had performed a fake put in motion, a FK in itself. Incorrect call by me, and a great lesson learned. Says it so clearly in the lawbook.
Post Game
I had a great host in Austin, he took me to an Austin hotspot for a little bit of chicken shit bingo. This was definetly a Texas only experience, and boy am I glad I was there. You bet on a square, if the chicken shits on your square first, you win! It was also accompanied by some great music, Dale McAdams.
ONLY IN TEXAS
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