POSITIONING

TACKLE, RUCK AND MAUL

GENERAL

Positioning should not be prescriptive

Positioning should be instinctive

There are no preferred positions

GENERAL

Referee’s Fitness Level is Critical

If you’re not there - doesn’t matter where you stand

Good lines of running between phases are Essential

GENERAL

Referees are Different Shapes and Sizes

Touch Judge Input can affect positioning

POSITIONING

Tackle, Ruck and Maul are Dynamic

No one position is correct

Some positions are better than others

WHAT POSITION?

Position of Ball Is it Quick ball or Slow Ball Position on Field Positions of Players Awareness of Trends/Tactics Level of Game

RECOMMENDED POSITIONS

In field some 3 to 4 metres away from the tackle, ruck or maul on the attacking side level or slightly behind the scrum half

xx x

x

R

o o o

RECOMMENDED POSITIONS

On the narrow side i.e. the side nearest the touch line beside and slightly behind the scrum half of the attacking side

x

x xx

o o o

R

RECOMMENDED POSITIONS

Slightly behind and between the attacking side’s scrum half and the stand-off so long as the three quarters are lying “flat.”

x x x xR

o o o

“NO GO” POSITIONS

Take up an initial position on the defending side

Adopt the “chariot” position

Stand square on to the tackle, ruck or maul.

x x xx

Ro o o

R

R

Catch 22

Bad decisions - Poor Positioning

Positioning crucial, but can be taught

Fitness

At least be as fit as the teams you referee

Stay mentally alert throughout the game

The Ball

Always keep the ball in view

Do not let too many players get between you and the ball

Do not get in the road of play

Angles of Sight

Do not turn your back on players or the ball

Adopt angles to maximise your view, never be square

Positioning

The aim of the referee is to be at all times in the best position to see everything that goes on. This is an art that can only be acquired by practice and study