Hello guys and girls,

 

It has been disappointing to note over the past few weeks that player misconduct and dissent has been on the rise. Mackay Touch has a zero tolerance towards this sort of behaviour and we as referees need to address this immediately.  There are appropriate steps to be taken:

·         Warning

·         Penalise

·         March 10 metres and penalise

·         Sub off player

·         Send to sin bin for a period of time (the period of time is at the digression of the referee)

·         Send off player (if further breeches occur)

 

If a send off occurs then there is some paper work that needs to be filled out and the paper work can be found in the referees donga.

 

Misconduct includes:

* continual breaches of the rules;

* swearing;

* backchatting referees or other match officials;

* bad sporting behaviour;

* fighting;

* using physical force in making a touch;

* attacking the head of an opponent;

* tripping;

* any other action which is not in the spirit of the game.

 

REFEREE NOTES

A. The referee is the sole judge of time in relation to dismissed players.

B. A referee is required to advise the team captain as to the reason for a player's dismissal.

C. Referees must submit a written report on players sent from the field for the remainder of the match. 

D. Referees may suggest to captains to replace infringing players for the remainder of the match otherwise the player may be sent off and suspended and the team reduced in playing numbers.

 

Cheers

Jason Miller

Email - mackaytouchrefs@optusnet.com.au

Website - http://my.sportpulse.com/mackaytouchrefs  

Mob - 0402 622 717

 

Hi all,

 To start with we had our referees monthly Bbq on Sunday and we had 12 people turning up. These Bbq are free and it’s a way for the referees and Mackay Touch to thank you for your time refereeing. The monthly Bbq's are also a way to find out what’s happening in Mackay Touch. It is a family Bbq so everyone is welcome to attended. Things that were discussed at the Bbq –

·         NQ Champs coming up on the long weekend of June 7-8-9. Mackay Touch are hoping to send 6 teams so NQ ask for 7 referees. If you are interested in refereeing up in Townsville please let me know.

·         Game times for Monday and Friday for Mackay Touch are now 20min halves, 5min half time. This gives referees and players 15mins before the next game slot.

·         There are new yellow and black on field referees shirt in the donga. Please see Kerry.

·         If you are refereeing a game and someone hurts themselves please see Kerry as soon as the game finishes. It is important to record that information.

·         Check out the website for the document “key areas of officiating to consider”.

·         Both Men’s and Women have 4 teams each in A grade. This means there is some prize money up for grabs and that we as referees need to be on our games whenever we referee these games.

·         Dress shirts are $25 each. Please let me know if you want one.

·         We have been using the camcorder and two way for coaching and the feedback from this is good. If you would like coaching let me know.

·         Grand final dates (weather Permitting) are :-  Over 30’s – 21 July, 2008.

Mixed – 23 July, 2008.

Open’s – 25 July, 2008.

                                                            

Cheers

Jason Miller

Email - mackaytouchrefs@optusnet.com.au

Website - http://my.sportpulse.com/mackaytouchrefs

Mob - 0402 622 717

 

Key Areas of Officiating to Consider

 

You probably already have a good idea of the kinds of things, which need to be considered. However, initially it is helpful to keep in mind three key interrelated areas of officiating and these are:

 

Control

 

Decision Making

 

Communication

 

Control

 

Officials need basic skills to be able to control/organize a game or event so as to ensure the spirit of the game or event is observed by all. Here are some questions to help you self-reflect:

 

·                Did I enjoy the game?

 

·                Did the participants enjoy the game?

 

·                Did I accept responsibility for all actions taken?

 

·                How do I plan for training sessions/games or events?

 

·                Do my training sessions, games or events run smoothly?

 

·                How do I gain the participants' attention?

 

·                Did I place the safety and welfare of the participants above all else?  Can I obtain appropriate first aid for injured participants?

 

·                How do I control the game?  Am I loud and bossy or low-key and gently assertive?

 

·                How do the participants respond to my control style?

 

·                Do I have the respect of participants?

 

·                Do I have adequate technical knowledge for this level?

 

·                Am I distracted easily?  Why and by what? (External influences e.g. crowd)

 

·                Am I a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance?

 

Ask yourself on a regular basis:

 

‘How would asking myself these questions enhance my performance in the area of control?’

 

 

Decision Making

 

Officials have to be able to apply the rules/laws both consistently and accurately for all parties within the spirit of the game or event. Here are some questions to help you self-reflect:

 

*               Am I impartial?

 

*               Am I quick to make a decision?

 

*               Are my decisions accurate? What percentage?

 

*               Do I anticipate decisions?

 

*               Do I prejudge situations?

 

*               Are my decisions consistent between teams and for individuals?

 

*               Are my decisions consistent between games or events?

 

*               Is the spirit of the game or event enhanced by my decision-making?

 

*               Is my positioning appropriate to make an accurate decision?

 

*               Is my physical and mental fitness appropriate for the decisions required in the game or event?

 

*               Do I explain my decisions to participants when needed (to coaches, other officials)?

 

*               Do I admit that I have made a wrong decision?

 

*               Do I concentrate at all times?

 

Ask yourself on a regular basis:

 

‘How would asking myself these questions enhance my performance in the area of decision making?’

  

Communicating

 

This is fundamental to officiating. It involves people skills (i.e. the ability to effectively relate to participants, coaches, administrators and other officials) in order to develop a positive and interactive social climate and foster the spirit of the game or event. Here are some questions to help you self-reflect:

 

·                How do I communicate at a non-verbal level?  Do I know how the following aspects of my non-verbal behaviour influence my ability to communicate?

 

·                Tone of voice

·                Body language

·                Spatial behaviour

·                Signals

·                Listening skills

 

·                How does my non-verbal communication relate to what I say?

 

·                Am I flexible in the way I communicate?  Can I adapt my communication to suit the situation by:

 

·                Going into detail or simplifying?

·                Speaking loudly or softly?

·                Playfully or seriously?

·                Hustling participants or quietly encouraging them?

·                Getting closely involved or staying back?

 

·                Can I communicate comfortably with the participants?  Am I approachable?  Can the participants communicate comfortably with me?

 

·                Do I try to gauge how the participants are responding to my officiating?

 

·                Am I courteous to the participants?

 

·                Is humour a part of my officiating style?

 

·                Do I make an effort to acknowledge participants as people? Do I talk “at” them or “to” them?

 

·                Do I work to create a positive social climate?  How?

 

·                Do I communicate to warn rather than penalize participants?

·                Do I talk to participants with respect?

 

·                Do I communicate/interact with participants prior to and after a training session/game or event?

 

Ask yourself on a regular basis:

 

‘How would asking myself these questions enhance my performance in the area of communication?’

Hi all,

 

I will be down at touch for the next two weeks and I hope to get around and check out how everyone is refereeing. Points to remember -

•        The next referees Bbq will be on Sunday 20^th April.  Every referee is welcome and we encourage you to bring your families.
•       If any referee would like coaching please let me know.
•       I have got some referees shirts (yellow and black). Please see Kerry in the referees donga.
•      We have received the referees dress shirts. Please see Kerry or myself if you would like one. The dress shirts are $25 each.
•       It is the responsibility of the referee to check for jewellery and finger nails before every game.

 

It was great to see the new referees running around refereeing games.

keep up the good work.

Jason Miller

Email - mackaytouchrefs@optusnet.com.au

Website - http://my.sportpulse.com/mackaytouchrefs

Mob - 0402 622 717

 

Hi all,

 

I would like to thank those people who completed the level one referees course on 15^th March.  We now have another 11 referees on the books for Wednesday nights which is great news.  Just a couple of reminders –

 

• Arm bands for the captains – this is to help stop any form of backchat.  Please remember that any player can ask a referee a question in a respectful manner.

• All teams are to be in team uniforms for this Wednesday night as this is the fourth week of competition.  This means all players must have the same shirt with numbers clearly displayed.

• As of next week, the uniform policy will be enforced on Monday and Friday nights also.  Remember, if players are not in full uniform they cannot play.

• Check out the new referees website (see the link below).  It has some great information on it.

• If you would like some coaching please let me know.

• If anyone would like a new referee dress shirt please let me know.  The approximate cost for each shirt is $30.
• The next referees Bbq will be on Sunday 20^th April.  Every referee is welcome and we encourage you to bring your families.

• If you are interested in going away to Townsville for the NQ champs 7-9/6/08 and refereeing, please let me know.

• Remember Monday nights is over 30’s.  As referees we need to be aware of this and look after this issue.

• Sub boxes should be enforced for all A Grade and A Reserve Grade games.  Too many complaints arise toward the business end of the season if we aren’t consistent in enforcing this throughout the season.  Let’s get them all used to subbing correctly now.

• It is the referee responsibility to make sure all players have removed there jewellery

 

I thank you for a great start to the season and trust you are finding your refereeing challenging and worthwhile.  Your continued support is appreciated.

 

Jason Miller

Email - mackaytouchrefs@optusnet.com.au

Website - http://my.sportpulse.com/mackaytouchrefs  

Mob - 0402 622 717

Points for people wanting to go away for carnivals.          

 

100 point = $100 max

 

20 week comp

1 point per game you referee                                                                    

• 60 games per week                                                                           Possible 60 points per week

 

Coaching (juniors or seniors)                                                                      2 points per coaching session

• Coaching can be done on a formal sheet from the referees shed.

·     Coaching can be done in the form of buddy system with a new starter or junior referee (some coaching paperwork needs to be submitted)

 

Meetings/Bbq's                                                                                                10 points per attendance

 

• Rained out matches will count if you are in the draw.
• Maximum  of $100 per carnival.
• State/national Carnival will be judged on merit and effort put into Mackay Touch.
• If unable to referee and 24 hours notice is not given than you will forfeit 10 points(unless for unforeseen circumstances)

 

Hello all,

 

Hopefully everyone is back on board with the Touch Football season into the third week.  We will be having another Bbq in April.  Just a few things that we need to keep in mind - 

 

·         Armbands - for both captains to wear every game, so hopefully there will be less problems with people disputing decisions.  These are available from the referees donga.

·         Level one referees course - 15^th March - 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend this free course.

·         The NQ Championships are once again Townsville in 2008:  Opens - Queens Birthday weekend (7-9 June), Juniors - first weekend in November (1-2).  These carnival are a great way of meeting fellow referees and getting good coaching tips from some very experienced referees.  If you are interested in going away to a carnival or would like to know more about them or what is required of you, please email me.

·         We now are using a video camera to tape games for coaching purposes.  If you would like to get some coaching please let me know.  (Please note a couple of days notice is needed.)

·         Referee’s Dress shirts – if you would like one please let me know.

·         Remember to check that each team has collected the team folder from the donga BEFORE commencing the game.  NO FOLDER, NO PLAY.

 

It is great to look around on a touch night and see the referees in uniform.  I encourage everyone to keep up the good work.

 

Cheers,

 

Jason Miller

 

 

                                                   2007 Award winners

                                        

                                       

 

                                                      Senior Winners                              Junior Winners

2007

Ref   of   the Year      Referee of the Year -   Linda Jensen                                              Alana Lawson

Most Promising         Most Promising -          Paul Collins                                                Kelsey Price and Chelsea Dartnell            

Most Consistent        Most Consistent -         Josh Jansen (Improved)                             Matt Grant

 

In Appreciation         Warren Lawson, Ray Downes               In Appreciation -          Warren Lawson, Ray Downes                    Sophie Finato

                                                                                                                                      and Lee Ericson

 

Up & Coming Referees                                                          Up & Coming Referees -                                                             Callum Gibson, Ben Townsend,

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jake Townsend, Kayla Finato

Definitions

Solo refereeing        -     one referee controls a game of Touch.

Dual refereeing        -     two referees control a game of Touch.

Triple refereeing      -     three referees control a game of Touch.

On-field referee      -     the referee who is currently on the Touch field  controlling the game.                          The onfield referee is also known as the controlling referee.

Off-field referee      -     the referee gives support off the field.

The interchange       -     occurs when the roles and the positions of the on-field and offfield referees change.

Interchange zone     -     is an area in about 5 -10 metres (optimum position) from and running along the sideline - when play enters this area interchanges may take place.

Discreet signals        -     are used when the on-field and off-field referees need to communicate to each other to make the best decisions.

We would like to thank our sponsors for there continued support in 2008.

Mackay Embroidery Design Service http://www.mackayemb.com.au/ 

Mackay Sportspower http://www.sportspower.com.au/

 

Hello all,

 

I would just like to thank you all for the great effort you have all been putting in 2007.  For those that forgot about the referees skills day we are planning for another before the next season starts. Next season I am working on having at least three skills days during the year for all referees to be able to improve their skills.  I would like to congratulate all who were appointed to grand final games. The Junior touch had their grand finals last year with some very promising referees doing games all year. If these young referees are to come though and referee at senior levels we need to look after them and support them. Well done to Alana Lawson on receiving the Kent Lyons Junior Referee of the Year. Kelsey Price and Chelsea Dartnell were both Most Promising Referee of the Year and both Matt Grant and Katherine Shepherd receiving Most Consistent Referee of the Year.  The Up and Coming Referees were Callum Gibson, Ben Townsend, Jake Townsend and Kayla Finato.  Sophie Finato received an Appreciation Award for her efforts.  I still have some referees CD’s if anyone would like one.  If any referee would like to do some training in the off season please let me know as I am willing to organize some training.  We will be holding a level 2 referees course early next year so if you’re interested please let me know.

 

Again thanks to everyone who refereed this year, happy holidays and Merry Christmas.

 

Cheers,

Jason Miller

Mobile : 0402 622 717

Email : mackaytouchrefs@optusnet.com.au

Hi all and welcome to 2008,

 

Mackay Touch had our AGM on Saturday the 2^nd of February, 2008.  We as referees need to be a little more proactive this year with a couple of issues -

 

·         The referees are too check that teams have their folders before they play (teams must pay before there play)

·         All teams must be in full uniform. So that means shirt, shorts and socks. All teams have a 4 week grace period but we as the referees must enforce this rule.

 

Also remember that we have sponsorship responsibilities with Mackay Embroidery so that means we are to wear the yellow referees shirt and preferably with black shorts when refereeing games. I have had comments from many players saying that it really looks good seeing all the referees dress in uniform. This Sunday the 10^th of February at 12.00pm at the Touch Fields the referees are having our first Bbq for this year so bring yourself and the family. If you would like to have a bit of a training run (weather permitting) after the Bbq on this Sunday please let me know and bring your running shoes. See you all at the Bbq and remember the season starts on Monday 11^th of February.

 

Cheers,

 

Jason Miller

Email – mackaytouchrefs@optusnet.com.au