Calling on the next top rugby referee

Despite the lessening of his individual responsibilities, Kriel says being a referee is fun although it includes knowledge of the hundreds - if not thousands - of rugby laws.

Chairman of NKZN Rugby Referees, Gerhard Kriel (right) with fellow officials, Dawie Snyman and Pieter Aucamp.

Are you a powerhouse of rugby knowledge?

Do you watch all the big games, know almost as much about the game as the referees themselves and consider yourself fit?

If so, NKZN Rugby Referees wants you!

Chairman of the officiating association, Gerhard Kriel is scrumming down to promote refereeing in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.

He says former players and pitch dads are perfect for the job.

“For some of our members, refereeing is a way to give back to the sport and get ‘back in the game’.” Kriel says the pressing need for referees stems from limited numbers of officials to officiate rugby games in the NKZN area, which includes Piet Retief and Ladysmith. The entire NKZN has only 15 referees available.

Local referees get consistently called upon to officiate games from school level to club level and at higher levels, premier league clashes.

“It’s a lot of hard work, but a referee is born, not created. It’s a big responsibility and our referees take a lot of pride in being in control of a game and ensuring the safety of players.”

Kriel explains his path as a referee began after sustaining an injury, which put his playing career into permanent touch. Refereeing was his way back onto the rugby field.

After packing up and moving to KZN, Kriel continued officiating matches and was ultimately appointed to lead NKZN Rugby Referees. “It’s been a journey from the bottom to the top for me, and I think I’m on the way back down,” he laughs.

Despite the lessening of his individual responsibilities, Kriel says being a referee is fun although it includes knowledge of the hundreds – if not thousands – of rugby laws.

Beginners will need basic skills including player safety courses.

Those who persist with refereeing can find themselves on the pitch as assistant referees, and leveled courses provide knowledge all the way up to provincial rugby level.

It has also opened doors for many local refs. NKZN referee, Pieter Aucamp for example, has been selected to officiate at the massive school rugby tournament, known as Craven Week.

Vusi Msibi holds the distinction of serving on the KZN panel.

“The sky is the limit, but you have to work for these accolades. We have more women’s rugby and referees these days, and rugby is not a man’s sport anymore.”

For aspirant referees, Kriel advises them to visit www.sareferees.com and take a self-test on the Internet.

Referees are often willing to share advice too. Kriel says that a person who is fit, can self-reflect and knows their rugby rule book should be the right fit for the job.