What the referee coach/observer/evaluator looks for

at the tackle

The modern game is based on continuity of play.

The tackle is a break in play with potential for stoppage.

The referee must call the tackle correctly or he kills the modern game.

First and foremost he must be at the tackle/breakdown.

He must be fit with pace and quickness. He appreciates what is happening and

anticipates what will occur. He gets himself in proper position for the

tackle/breakdown.

The referee is there in proper position: 1. Tackler - away 2. Ball carrier - plays (places) the ball. 3. Arriving players - through the gate and

on their feet.

From the USA Rugby Level 2 Evaluation Manual

Observed = saw infringement and took action.

Ensured = talked the players out of committing the infringement.

Proactive prevention means fewer whistles and fewer stoppages.

C3 Elements: Observed tramping of players. Protected safety of players on the ground.

C2 Elements Observed arriving players leaving their feet. Did not permit pileups to continue after the

ball is buried. Awarded the scrum put-in to the correct

side.

C1: Ensured arriving players stayed on their feet. Observed flagrant killing of the ball. Observed players on the ground interfering

with players on their feet. Positioned out of the way of arriving players. When play is stopped, positioned close

enough to administer effective corrective action.

B3: Observed failure of tackler to move away. Observed failure of the tackled player to

make the ball available. Observed players arriving players entering

from the wrong side. Initial position close enough to manage the

immediate availability of the ball. Final position anticipated which team would

win the ball.

B2: Ensured arriving players did not obstruct

opponents. Ensured tackler and tackled player made the

ball available. Ensured arriving players entered from

correct side of tackle.

B1: Proactively prevented tackle offenses from

occurring.

B2: Ensured arriving players did not obstruct

opponents. Ensured tackler and tackled player made the

ball available. Ensured arriving players entered from

correct side of tackle.

B1: Proactively prevented tackle offenses from

occurring.

The ball carrier must place the ball.

Was the referee in position? Was the tackler away? Did the ball carrier place the ball? Were arriving players on their feet? Did players enter the tackle zone through

the gate? Was a ruck formed and if so when? Were opponents obstructed? Were there material infringements?

Communications are concise and not repeated.

Uses player color and number in communications.

Manages repeated infringements working with the captains.

Judiciously uses materiality and advantage. At the tackle handles diving, padding,

sealing, sledging, sludging , stacking, and the likes.

At the breakdown Tackler away Ball Carrier plays the ball Arriving players through the gate and on

their feet. Announce a transition to ruck Be proactive and prevent infringements

without the whistle

Dixon SmithJanuary8, 2008