05 Oct Referees Corner – Issue 1 – 2020/21 Season v Dragons
It is great to see another season kicking off both domestically and across the home nations, following what has been an uncertain time for everyone. Whilst our referees have returned to the pitch for the most part, our Dublin referees are staying put. As you are all probably aware Dublin City and County has been placed on level 3 restrictions which remain in place for another few weeks. This means all fixtures in Dublin have sadly been postponed for that period. We all hope to be back on the pitch soon.
Whilst we have been dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic, we still had a busy summer, with many ups and downs. In July we were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of our refereeing colleague Bryan Murphy from Enniscorthy. Bryan not only played an important part in Enniscorthy RFC, but also the Leinster Rugby Referees and in particular the South East area. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bryans family at this time.
National Panel and IPAS Updates
Following the announcement of the IRFU National Referee Panel for the 2020/2021 season in May, we were delighted to see that two more Leinster Rugby referees were added to the National Panel for the 2020/21 season. Congratulations to both Sam Holt and Michael Forrestal. Following on from that the Interprovincial Appointments System (IPAS) referees for the coming season were also confirmed. There are three new ARLB referees on IPAS for 2020/2021. They are Kevin Beakey (Unattached), Katie Byrne (Tullamore) and Robbie Jenkinson (Skerries). These three referees currently officiate top level junior rugby in Leinster. IPAS will give them the opportunity to be challenged with matches in the other provinces in the latter half of next season. These matches will allow them to develop in the hope of progressing to the IRFU National Referee Panel in future seasons. Congratulations to Kevin, Katie and Robbie on their promotions and best wishes for the season ahead.
AGM Update
Our AGM was delayed until earlier this month. We offer our congratulations to David Robb of Railway Union RFC who was elected President of the Leinster Rugby Referees for the 2020/21 season at the Annual General Meeting of the Leinster Rugby Referees on September 1st. Gordon Condell of Clondalkin and Helen O’Reilly of Ashbourne were elected as Senior and Junior Vice Presidents.
At the same meeting two legends of the whistle, Stephen Kennedy and Paul Dorman were inducted as Life Members of the Leinster Rugby Referees after many years service on and off the pitch. We thank outgoing President Norman Carter of Roscrea for his difficult and somewhat shortened year in service.
Become a Referee
New Referees Courses are being made available across the four provinces in October 2020. The programme is designed to offer people with an interest in sport the opportunity to try their hand at rugby refereeing.
The one day courses typically start at 9.30am in the morning and run until 4.30pm with an hour for lunch.
Please note that due to ongoing public health measures, attendance is only possibly by pre-registering. Strict health & safety protocols will be in place at each event.
Dudley Phillips is IRFU Head Of Referees:
“The value of sport as an outlet for mental and physical wellbeing has come into clear focus in recent months, particularly the opportunity to be part of a live sporting experience,” he said.
“Refereeing offers unique access to the world of rugby and is highly rewarding for those who come onto our pathway and avail of the support programmes and mentoring in place.
“These referee courses bring people together from a wide variety of backgrounds. For many, it’s a way back into the sport after playing or coaching while some are new to the game as parents or from another field sport. Regardless of your rugby knowledge or ambition there is a level for everyone and we’re looking forward to providing that opportunity again in October.”
Date: Saturday October 10th, 2020
Location: Dublin
To Attend: Please register your interest with Leinster Rugby Referee Development Officer Sam Holt by emailing sam.holt@leinsterrugby.ie
More Info: https://arlb.ie/new-referees-course-2/
Want to get involved?
Feel free to make contact with the Leinster Rugby Referees at hayley.whyte@leinsterrugby.ie If you are interested in becoming a referee get in contact with us through our Facebook and Google + pages, our website www.arlb.ie or through twitter @leinsterreferee.