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Wed 2 Dec 2015 | 03:03
Midweek Madness - Referee warms up with imaginary players

5
Comments

We've all heard of method acting (becoming the character), but it's safe to assume that you've probably never seen a referee prepare like this before. It happened in Stradbrook, Dublin before a match between Blackrock College RFC and Belfast Harlequins in the All Ireland League (AIL).

The referee, who will remain unnamed at this time, is from Georgia and it was his first match in the AIL. He took it upon himself to go through the motions before kickoff, marshalling the offside line, keeping players in check and even at the end, awarding a well deserved try.

The guys watching on couldn't help but record it, and we're pleased they did. The ref had great control of the match, and it hadn't even started yet! When the actual game did start, Blackrock won a ding-dong battle 36-32 with the last play of the game.

Thanks to Tom for the video submission and details

Posted By: Grant Constable

5 Comments

  • danknapp
    10:46 PM 03/12/2015

    World Rugby have openly criticised him for getting that decision wrong.

  • stroudos
    2:12 PM 03/12/2015

    ...and I'm usually dead against the TMO, but when there's blatant obstruction in the immediate build-up to a try I'll make an exception.

    By the way, what a refreshing change to see a pitch invader actually getting naked and streaking.

  • stroudos
    8:14 AM 03/12/2015

    Decent try that, but I'm a bit surprised he didn't ping that outside centre for crossing.

  • drg
    8:04 PM 02/12/2015

    Like you said, there is an element of amusement to this, however I can see how it could be very useful. At the end of the day at training we all do drills like, catch, run a few steps then pass... well why do we pass? In reality some times in training there is no one in front of us... why not just run all the way to the try line? (Because I'm a forward and it's usually too far!)..

    So I can see this is good for the referee's mind to play games out, good for his body with the direction changes, speed changes etc...

    That being said, I've never seen it before... normally our referees are finishing their cigarette as a warm up...

  • guedaumbr
    5:13 PM 02/12/2015

    It's part of becoming a referee. It's a very good drill in which imagination and decision making take part. Might strike as funny for those who are around, but it's kinda serious for those who are developing themselves as referees....

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