Issue 9
Welcome back to the start of a new rugby season and some exciting changes in the Referee Department. In this month’s edition we look at the Law Amendments that will be introduced in August 2017. Also, we introduce the new members of the Referee Society Board of Control, and of course some other exciting announcements!
World Rugby Law Amendments
In addition to the amendments to the Laws of the Game that were introduced at the beginning of the year, an additional six amendments will come into effect in Singapore from 1st August 2017. Please note that competitions that have commenced before this date will not be using the amended laws.
Scrum
1. Law 20.5 and 20.6 (d) Throwing the ball into the scrum
No signal from Referee. The scrum half must throw the ball in straight, but is allowed to align his shoulder on the middle line of the scrum, therefore allowing him to stand a shoulder width towards his side of the middle line.
2. Law 20.9 (b) Handling in the scrum – exception
Allow the No 8 to pick the ball from the feet of the 2nd Rows.
3. Law 20 Striking after the throw-in
Once the ball touches the ground in the tunnel, any front row player may use either foot to try to win possession of the ball. One player from the team who put the ball in must strike for the ball. Sanction: Free Kick
Tackle
4. Amended Law 15.4 (c)
The tackler must get up before playing the ball and then can only play from his side of the tackle gate.
RUCK
5. Law 16: Breakdown Amended Ruck Law
A ruck commences when at least one player is on their feet and over the ball which is on the ground (tackled player, tackler). At this point the offside line is created. A player on his feet may use his hands to pick up the ball as long as this is immediate. As soon as an opposition player arrives no hands can be used.
6. Law 16.4: Other Ruck Offences
A player must not kick the ball out of a ruck. The player can only hook it in a backwards motion. Sanction: Penalty Kick
Please click here to view the other amendments to the Laws of the Game.
In the coming weeks, SSRUR will be holding a number of training camps to ensure that all match officials are up to speed with the amendments.
Meet the new SSRUR Board of Control (BOC)
At the 2017 AGM, the following members were elected as the BOC members for the coming year.
President- Khairul Hilmi
We welcome Khairul as the newest and youngest ever President of SSRUR. Khairul is a former Asia Rugby Panel referee and has considerable experience as a referee both in Singapore and Perth, Australia. His aims for the coming years are to continue to support the development of referees both in Singapore and across Asia both on and off the field.
Vice President (Development)- Eunice Tay
Eunice steps into a new role created within SSRUR, taking the lead on all matters to do with development of referees within Singapore. Eunice comes from the highest calibre, and is currently one of the top female referees in Asia. Eunice will be working at the grassroots level in aiming to bring forward the next generation of young referees.
Vice President (Relations)- Douglas Danapal
After a break from rugby, Douglas returns to the BOC, assisting in the development of relationships with our society and other Unions globally. Douglas has a strong history of business relations and was most recently involved in the organisation of the World Series 7s and Super Rugby events held in Singapore.
Honorary Secretary- Pierre Balthazar
Pierre is another member of the BOC with a great deal of involvement in the development of rugby in Singapore. A former player, Pierre switched to refereeing several years ago and is currently a member of SSRUR’s Performance Panel.
Honorary Treasurer- Mark Nelligan
Mark returns as Honorary Treasurer for the second year. Mark has a strong history in banking and has taken SSRUR forward in it’s financial processes in his time as Treasurer for the society.
Appointments Secretary- Paul McKay
Paul returns as Appointments Secretary for the second year. Paul has a fantastic resume of referee development, and was formerly the Referee Manager for Victoria Rugby Referee Society. Paul is also a former Asia Rugby referee and has officiated in the highest level of games in Asia.
Co-opted members
Coaching & Development- Chris Galea
Chris continues as the Coaching & Development officer for the society for the coming year. Chris has been heavily involved in the ongoing training of developing match officials for a number of years. He is also a member of the Asia Rugby CMO panel.
Social Secretary- Rohit Singh
Rohit continues in what many of the referees class as the most important role within SSRUR, in coordinating the social events held for the referees. Rohit’s goal is to help foster a sense of teamwork amongst the society’s members in a social environment.
Please contact referee@sru.org.sg if you wish to get in contact with any member of the BOC.
And in other news…
Asia Rugby Appointments
Congratulations to Abdul Hannan who has been appointed as a Match Official for the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens tournament being held in Hong Kong on 4th-5th August. After impressing as an Assistant Referee at the ARC Division 1 tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia, Hannan receives his first appointment as an International Referee for this high level tournament. We wish him the very best of luck at the tournament.
Coming soon…
Nigel Owens is coming to Singapore! SSRUR members will receive a special 10% discount on orders placed through the society. Please contact Douglas Danapal for further details. douglasdan@gmail.com
