Leinster Rugby v Cardiff Blues

it is the teamwork involved. During the
week, the professional referees work with
Dudley Phillips (IRFU Head of Referees)
and Johnny Lacey (IRFU Referee Coach)
to review our performances to ensure
we’re always improving. Then at the
weekend we work together as a team of
four to referee the match – if we’re not
in the middle ourselves we’re supporting
each other as assistant referees and
television match officials. There’s a huge
element of teamwork involved.
What is the most memorable game you
have refereed so far?
Finally, what will make one improve as
a referee?
There are two simple ways to improve as
a referee. Firstly, watch our top referees
in the professional game and see what
they are doing. Look at their positioning,
movement and communication, as well
as their technical decision making.
Secondly, get out on the pitch and
referee as many games as possible. The
best way to learn is through experience.
Sean’s advice to anyone thinking about
taking up the whistle – Give it a go.
which results in stronger performances on
the pitch.
What kind of analysis do you do after
games?
We can download the game immediately
after the final whistle. I would normally
leave it until Monday and go through
the match with a fresh set of eyes. My
coach is Johnny Lacey and we complete
a detailed review in the afternoon to get
his perspective.
Tuesday is usually group review day
where all of the professional referees
get together to do a wider analysis
of all the games that took place the
previous weekend. I’m a firm believer that
preparation is key – and always ensure
that I’m fully prepared for matches which
should mean you’ll have less to review
the following week.
What is your favourite thing about
refereeing?
This might seem like a strange answer
because refereeing is probably seen as
a solitary job – but my favourite part of
It’s difficult to pick one because a lot of
games stand out. I refereed the Leinster
Senior Schools Cup Final in 2013
between Blackrock and St Michael’s. I’m
often reminded of that game because a
lot of the players from that match play
for professional teams now – the likes
of Garry Ringrose, Jeremy Loughman,
Nick Timoney, Oliver Jager, Cian
Kelleher, Ross Byrne, Nick Mc Carthy,
Ross Molony, James Ryan and Josh
Murphy. It’s great to say you refereed
those talented players when they were
younger.
What is your pre – match routine like
and should all referees have a defined
routine ?
You need to do whatever prepares you
mentally and physically for the game and
that differs for each referee. I like to be
in the stadium 90 minutes before kick-off.
I meet the teams and get any formalities
out of the way early. I then go back to
the changing room, put on some music,
and stretch for a while. It’s important
to do some movement and speed work
on the pitch too. Then it’s back to the
changing room for the broadcaster to put
the communications equipment on and
you’re ready to go.
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.
www.leinsterrugby.ie | 67 | From The Ground Up