Referees: How Can We Help?

March 14/12

4 Comments

While it is late in NZ, such is unlikely to help with the refereeing dilemma. If you haven’t read the piece that started this journey, please do!

It may surprise you that I have already been here and done some of that, adding potental ideas to help our authoritarian friends. This piece was posted, June 30th, 2011, on Bob Skinstad’s site where I also ride his wild horses, with the now foreboding title – Will A Referee Ruin Someone’s Rugby World Cup?

Ouch. Apologies.

In the middle of this piece, I had the following to offer:

It is true that Rugby Union is a sport that has created its fall guy, with a law book that remains unlocked when they’re loaded, as this compendium of rules offers much fodder to ping and choose. Perfection works well in theory, but in practice; it fails the test. The most we can hope for is a childlike demeanour – seen and not heard – meaning their impact has encouraged the flow, and not built a dam stifling its existence down 80. All the while, we desire their decisions to prove indecisive in the final result.

Put that on record and push play – week in week out – consistent-like!

Unfortunately, we are not witnessing this in practice, as conversation of the performance of the Referee is dominating, especially from those who feel violated, with the result that it is also personally affecting people’s love for their Union and desire to ingest it on a regular occasion – seriously, if you only liked me on Facebook, you could read.

Therefore, this is an important subject, and one that demands we think through different perspectives and angles of thought that can deal with the multi-level dilemmas at work.

In the closing of that piece in June, 2o11, I worked on one angle, adding some ideas as to how the officials could be assisted in their task.

It is my assumption that they want this more than most. I know the Bryce Lawrence name conjures up all sorts of disgust in SA, but watching the multiple mea culpa’s, in very public places, indicated to me a man who did not want to have put himself in this position. For all that transpired under Bryce, he has fronted; yes, after the fact, but still, NZ will likely have to pay for Wayne’s autobiography to get any sort of grasp toward an explain.

This piece was intended as a brief excursus – Yeah Right – therefore, let me cease the trail and land on the destination.

In the following words, iamjonnyking will record the ideas contained in the original post on the Bobster’s site – as they were – as a first step toward a journey, and then you can look to flesh these out, discuss, dissect and digress, with any and all, on some of your own.

Therefore, this will likely be the first in a series of posts, with this the initial offering, to get the whistle blowing.

Ideas to Help a Referee!

1] Multiple Referees in a Match – This is the perspective that Henry has pushed, which does have a meritous order. One consideration to ponder is the impact on the consistency in ruling. A match could turn into a mess if the Referee was changed at the break, only to bring a slightly different interpretive grid, confusing the players who are locked into a ruling regime. However, the nexus of the problem in such a scenario isn’t the idea, but the lack of consistency that Henry has identified.

2] Multiple Assistants. Two on either Sideline – To be frank; the Assistants have really let down their main man on a number of occasions in SupeRugby, as they have been the antithesis of their mandate. Maybe we need female assistants? They can multitask; so am I told – Yes, dear! One of the present problems is the ability of these Assistants in effectively covering the breadth of play, particularly when the backs get lively. Another relates to ease of manoeuvrability. For example; when the ball is 5 metres out from the tryline; imagine having one Assistant in-goal with another 5 metres out from the line?! This setup seems to provide a more effective area of coverage, in readiness for any scenario that could possibly follow. Conceptually, I like the tandem option situated some 15 metres apart on the touchline, surrounding play, helping to provide better coverage of the majority of the game movements! One possible downer; greater opportunity for an over-zealous flag man!

3] Extend the Television Match Officials Responsibilities – This would need much discussion in practice, but it could go as far as implicating the multiple referees’ perspective, providing a platform for the TMO to step in where needed, or simply opening up and extending the areas of coverage for decision-making. Whatever it means; greater use of technology seems part of rugby’s destination!

4] Captain’s Challenge – I really like this idea, which has already been mooted in New Zealand. It would obviously depend on what you could challenge, but consider this in context. Take the missed knock on right near the end of the Reds match versus the Crusaders, with our man Stu. When that phase of play came to an end, McCaw could have gone to Stu and said they wanted to challenge a specific ruling. The result would be that play could go back to the mistake, where it would restart again. Questions such as what one does with the timepiece would need to be addressed, but each team could be given a couple of challenges, with another possibility to keep these should you be successful; much like in Tennis. Could save a whole lot of sport-ache!

5] Sack all Aussie Refs – and Bryce – Maybe clone Craig – I think this could be the most popular option in South Africa.

If you would like to read the original post that has a fair amount of tomfoolery added for effect, please visit on the following link – HERE.

There is much more that can be said on these and other subjects that intersect with the refereeing context. Talk of the present implementation of the rules of the game needs some discussion, as the emphases that were talked about by Lyndon Bray have done little to either clarify the game or deal with the dilemmas that dominate.

This is a vitally important subject.

If the present conversation continues, many will commit some sort of sporting and supporting suicide, as it becomes too much to take, and bears too much of a brunt on an individual and on those he/she loves.

Referees need to return to an age where they were seen, but rarely heard.

Can we, at the very least, attempt to do something about it?

Let digress.

I will likely sleep as many of you “hopefully” offer your thoughts, so if you are commenting for the first time on iamjonnyking, remember that I must be awake to approve. On the other hand, if you’ve been there and done that, your words will pop up right away, as you have your say.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

 

 

Twitter calling out the Referee – A Cheatah?

March 13/12

8 Comments

Yes, I know. My brilliance even surprises my other personality – sometimes.

What with the Blue Bulls bottler lost at Loftus, as the team had already finished his job, it was a busy weekend for the ridiculous.

However, while the concepts contained in words previous would encourage many to get all hot and bothered, such is just a window-world-full-of-pane, compared with the collective furore that streamed and steamed down the timeline on Twitter, as the Cheetahs were given a Brown-eye, from the Kiwi’s, very own, Keith.

Where’s the pre-diet Piet when you need him, as the post-diet Piet was as limp as his wrist?!

While some of this may read in jest, there is a pointed end, and it has been sharpened.

This word does not need any padding, assistance, or context of an introduction, as once it is uttered, it struggles to shun the spotlight.

Cheat.

Just one word. Take out the “ch” and we love to do it regularly. Reintroduce the pre-fixation, and welcome to a world full of hurt that sticks like mud.

Labelled. For. Life.

If I had a gun, it would now be loaded – A-to-the-K-and-throw-in-number-47 – this is a heavy-hitter, and somebody is going to get left with a mark. iamjonnyking will refrain, at this point, from dismantling the weapon, which means we will let this sleeping dawg lie, and ask you if it is telling the truth.

Let me locus this hocus-pocus and work this way, home.

Twitter. Micro-blogging. Some reference, noise, which is code for the rubbish we refuse. This is nothing new. Nevertheless, some do choose to throw out bombs on the timeline like leftovers for the hungry swine. It is a way of getting noticed, getting heard, finding favour; so stretching toward the superlative, with even a little “hyper” with that “bole” on the side, is not a means that issue’s a reality in the restraint of trade ethic.

While I flirt with the hellacious, I am also a stickler for the precision in an incision. I tweet, and then some, so I do speak of the people-to-the-tweeple.

However, on a weekend where the frustrations of a fan would reach bottling point, I was surprised to read the dominantly African tweeting timeline unafraid to label an official as bearing this mark, and such slapped me on the cheek – both.

And, when it was offered by those who have some standing in the sport, it needed some comment – read from the bottom up.

I am assuming that such a charge is believed to be an objective fact? Meaning: The locale of those making the charges matters little-to-none.

We will leave much of the presuppositional talk there, but this is a serious matter, one way or the other.

I have no problem with someone stating the courage of their convictions. Sport has proven that it has corruption issues, so again, an apriori stance, is inappropriate.

Therefore, the key question is the veracity of this call?

As a Crusaders tragic, I endured commentating Friday night’s match, and witnessing a scrum battle that seemed to betray all reality and history, similar to the complaint on Front Row Grunt.  It wasn’t until the Second Half when Kieran Read explained the tactics of the opposition to the Referee, was there any respite. This indicated a certain understanding toward what was unfolding, which in the Crusaders view, was missing the mark [Blackadder has since talked about this context further].

Yet, even though things seem to head in one team’s direction – the Ellis no try – there is no consideration in my world that the Referee is somehow a Cheat.

Maybe it helps that Garratt Williamson was a hometown boy, but it is certainly not axiomatic that a cheating call follows from a poor refereeing performance. In fact, I would say, post the 2011 Rugby World Cup, we are heading toward a dangerous destination if such talk is easily offered, especially with the freedom of Twitter to say whatever is on your mind.

It is becoming too easy to speak the piece?

I admit to concern at the tone of communication I am hearing from the Republic post the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Yes, we in New Zealand have had our Wayne Barnes moment, but bless his soul, he was the sole benefactor of our love, where his performance failed to flatter and not deceive. When any context – and this being communication – is starting to produce a trickle down effect, it begins to affect the whole matter, with concern that this growing – and here it is again – this presupposition, becomes a reigning one, where everyone gets wet – drenched.

What happens next?

Worldview!

Godzilla is only going to grow, and errors one way will be talked about and tweeted about, with the result that the sport gets lost.

The argument from the other side is that it is already lost.

I am not sure how people in the Republic can watch a match refereed by either Lawrence and now Brown without the poisonous impact of their reigning paradigm.

That is really the home run for the fan, and we have yet to even walk with this matter directly, so let’s stop this race, and deal directly with this dilemma.

Did Keith Brown cheat in the Brumbies v Cheetahs #supeRUG match in Canberra?

This is a very simple and specific question based on a specific reality in the mind & attitude of Keith Brown as he makes his decisions.

Let me also remind all that Keith Brown does not walk alone, as those who work closely with him in the officiating context will also feel the heat of this charge, not forgetting the refereeing system that is sustaining his work on the field. If it is true of Brown, do you think those closest to him in the SupeRugby setup are standing idly by as this reality transpires? Are they blinded by his deceit?  If so, there is a whole can of worms; levels of corruption!

Of course; this assumes, a certain level of rugby omniscience.

For the record; incompetence, which is more a systemic way of saying the Referee made a mistake, is NOT cheating! It is certainly no where near the ideal situation, but the solution is much clearer. For the record, the standard of NZ refereeing needs work. This is nothing new, and we have a fair amount of local rugby to gauge this reality.

Even in last year’s SupeRugby final, Bryce Lawrence allowed the Reds scrum to get away with murder. Stuart Barnes, the noted English commentator, would affirm that had it been a northern hemisphere referee, the Crusaders would likely have won, as the Reds would have been blown off the park.

Do I think Bryce cheated? No. Do I think he lacks empathy for the game, which impacts on how he manages the match? Yes. Do I think he got the scrum penalty wrong in the 74th min this past weekend, when the Highlanders prop was the one driving up, denying the Waratahs a potential match-winning penalty, had he witnessed it my way? Yes. Do I think he cheated? No.

Rugby – this game we love –  is a sport that is dwarfed by rulings, in such an extreme manner, that when officials are presented with a contest that is beyond their ability to effectively manage, they are forced to rule out of this frame of reference. We have very few Referees who have the empathy to effectively navigate through a match and traverse the minefields of many rules, while also maintaining the shape of this contest… in the world.

Nevertheless, when all is said and done here, there is a growing worldview at work in the Republic, and I confess to fearing the path of this descent.

If anyone does not deal with bitterness in any relational context, it will poison your relationships and your well.

You will drink your future from this perspective, and like water that has been spiked, it will progressively overtake your functions until every match that your side has not won with another “kiwi” Ref will be viewed in juxtaposition of one teams’s positive interaction with the Ref, while your team has been the one who is screwed.

Yes, there is an objective point to this issue that finds its nexus in the world of Sanzar and the IRB. However, this is also very personal for you as a rugby fan, particularly if you are from the Republic.

You can’t live your rugby future if you’re always pulled back by the past. We were fortunate in New Zealand, in that we had time away from Wayne. We have also had him again, and have lived through the experience.

This season of #supeRUG has just started. We have a new Rugby Championship to experience. We also have a rugby tradition and legacy that is ours to pass on.

Please; do not lose the Joie de Vivre  of your Rugby.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

#supeRUG: iamjonnyking going viral on the video

March 11/12

0 Comments

If you have been with iamjonnyking for some posting days, you will understand that words have flowed like the ramblings of an incontinent’s incontinence, half way around the world.

Yes, that statement is loaded like a camel with three humps – very strange.

Now, if the previous words did not exemplify the positive effect in this post, you must see for yourself.

I even have video.

The you has my tube – iammediaking –  and you simply must do yourself another good serve by following along for the ride; moving pictures and all, put together with the creative genius of one bloviator.

Therefore, please do connect and subscribe – Definitely worth the time!

You can find the channel and the source to subscribe – HERE.

Enjoy.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

This is an exciting creative development, proving to be a positive for this King and those in any country.

 

 

#supeRUG: Hurricanes throwing tricks at the Try-line

March 10/12

0 Comments

While the Chiefs have a couple to offer of their own, it is the Hurricanes who have the best young talent of the New Zealand franchises in #supeRUG.

They have a brigade of 20-somethings who have been given a chance in Hammer’s hardware, and are beginning to show all what we have known on the Shakespearean Rugby Club, for some time.

One such talent is TJ Perenara, a young man who has distinguished himself throughout the grades, at the national and international level.

On this Friday night in #supeRUG in Perth, he would have a stand out performance, going all the way, and more than once, as the Hurricanes smashed the Farce.

Check it.


What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

Image

#supeRUG: Custard killing the Handy Andy for the Crusaders #RUGcam

March 10/12

2 Comments

A progressively rain-soaked, McLean Park – Yes, McLean Park – would offer the first presentation of the #supeRUG in week three, as the Crusaders would tangle with the Chiefs.

While the Crusaders would start with an aversion to the wet, they would slowly find their feet into the Second Half, even as the time ran out on their momentum and quest, 19-24.

It was a rather “interesting” fixture that was punctuated with some moments that would ultimately define.

Two such times would  involve, Crusaders number 9, Andy Ellis.

Take a look


What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

Image

#supeRUG: Zac Guildford given a warm welcome home by the Chiefs #RUGcam

March 10/12

3 Comments

It was not a good night for the Crusaders in Napier, as the Chiefs would end the home field away from Christchurch field trips, on a sour note.

Speaking of home, one boy from the Bay, Zac Guildford, would feel the hurt and the heat from the Chiefs.

Jacked up.


They do say you should use your head; maybe not quite in that context.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

 

#supeRUG: A Week Three Preview in a Weak Preview Form

March 9/12

0 Comments

We really don’t have the time, and you haven’t the money to pay for my word count, so let’s cut our losses and I will get to picking the results, like you pick your nose – with calamitous composure that someone is watching, with a handycam, and a youtube account.

Couple of choices that are still up in the air – that is in my brain – therefore, I reserve the right to consult the children and ask for their help.

Crusaders v Chiefs

If the Saders had taken the Landers last week, this match would have been even more of a Banana getting skinned and then split. However, after a loss that hurt enough for the Saders to tell everyone about it, and a bye coming in the week following, Crusaders country can’t conceive of three weeks where a match has not been won. Up Front and very personal. [Read more...]

#supeRUG: Robbie Robinson hitting it from the back at the Chiefs

March 8/12

0 Comments

Considering his talent, it has been a lean couple of season for Robbie Robinson post his explosion into our living rooms when the NZ U20 took out another title.

It was at this time that his connection with Coach Rennie was started and encouaged, which would have also furthered his move north. With the opportunity for quality game-time, a prerequisite for Robinson at this point of his career, if he is to take his play from potential to reality, early signs are looking good.

On this #supeRUG Friday night in the Tron, we were given a couple of examples of why he was rated enough by Rennie that Coach would bring him north into Chiefs territory.

Speed burn.

Enjoy.


Crusaders v Chiefs this weekend promises much.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

#supeRUG: Hurricanes showing some Phoenix-like Skills

March 7/12

0 Comments

Prognostications were bleak about the Hurricanes in 2012, particularly on the back of a tough 2011 that saw the seams falling apart, even as the players fell out.

However, as 2012 has started to grow, there has been a solid vibe out of this middle NZ franchise, leading iamjonnyking to conclude that the Canes will surprise in this #supeRUG season.

In week one in the Republic, versus the Stormers, the Canes came very close, with the no-try call pivotal in the Second Half. Nevertheless, it would not be a long wait, as a week’s later versus the Lions, they shot to the lead.

Take a look.


Hurricanes take on the Force this coming weekend on their return to NZ.

Two from three wouldn’t be a bad result at all.

Potentially.

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

 

Rugby: To boo or not to boo, that is the question?

March 6/12

0 Comments

O how very Shakespearean of me!

As much as this berates my reputation, this reads like a very easy matter for argumentation – altruistic assumptions, notwithstanding.

Let’s lock this down.

iamjonnyking has had this piece loaded in his drafts for a couple of months, as online activities encouraged this thoughtful intersection. However, in the past couple of days, this idea was revived thanks to one who interacts with the authority of these words. You can read his words that seek to stop this practice.

While a form of noble intentions can encourage this British cultural practice that finds its locus in one act, the significant area of debate really relates to whether or not it is wrong to boo, etc, at a rugby match per se. If it is fine in other moments, the case is really shut and now closed. However, allowing this question to go through the posts, let us continue.

A subsequent question that also relates is, if it is wrong, what exactly is the justification to declare such a monstrosity? We will likely not spend the time to deal with this matter, though will hint at the formality.

Let us begin and very quickly end – well; maybe.

Yes, yes, you can say that you just don’t like it or that it shows a bad sport. But, I really don’t grasp the substantive content difference between yelling out personal banter or abuse and the act of booing. What conceptually separates these two realities? The lack of articulation, intonation or creativity? Surely this is not a case of inarticulate snobbery?! Maybe another example of global warming at work?

After all, as logic would have it, I think you should all be All Black fans!

In fact, I would argue that booing can be the lesser of two evils – assuming as such – when a fan-induced frenzy is unloading his [loaded usage] displeasing sentiments on all the listening ears, the simple shards of the monotone, can prove singularly, clear. However, we don’t want to get lost in an either/or dead-end now, do we?!

Nevertheless, in my opinion, this really does answer the dilemma.

On the other hand, there are those who will limit the argument that one should ONLY not boo/jeer/whistle at the moments of one’s kicking at the posts; the obvious question being, why the limitation to this sphere of play? If it stinks like an Australian summer to do so at these junctures in a match, why make what reads like an arbitrary limitation? Why impute such significance to this moment; this act, this piece of play?

Who knew this question could become so convoluted.

Before you roll your eyes, I am sure you don’t want to be accused of just following the northern herd, or, of failing to think about whether something really does make some common and consistent sense.

As far as I can discern, the decision to stay silent when a kicker does the logical is based on a corporate decision north that best fits their view of what is respectful and proper, in light of the significance of this point’s scoring moment, historically. The question then is why do these convictions fail in the other moments? Obviously, all readers are well within their rights to make this a personal conviction, but to cavort around like a peacock – listen to the Commentators – that it is rude if all do not follow suit, is simply missing the logic – or lack, thereof.

There are plenty of other opportunities in a rugby union contest where the moment focuses on an individual. Should we as a group decide, for argument’s sake, that we must stay silent while a lineout is in process, so that Keven Mealamu can actually hit one of his Blues jumpers; if such became the vogue of the time and the practice of the peasants, the context of the circumstances would be exactly the same as the silence in the kicking for posts scenario, especially if we decided that all should follow our example.

The pertinent question is why has one become common practice and the other has not?

The answer should be rather self-evident.

Fine. Go on.

Be free from the monotone of the masses, but to expect silence so that this matter moves to some golfing restriction in the order of play, makes no sense; has no basis, and, if limited to the kicking for posts, is inconsistent with the fan experience in the other remaining moments.

This is iamjonnyking’s piece of this perspective… and you should have now read a couple.

Speaking of now…

What Say You?

Until Next Time

iamjonnyking

« Older Posts
Newer Posts »