The RFL issue the following guidelines to match officials:
Your match not only starts on arrival to the ground, the week leading up to it and the morning of game is just as important. There are many factors which can effect your performance and this section looks at how you can best prepare.
If you can develop your own routine this will help you cover each area more accurately, remember everybody’s different so what may work for someone may not work for you. Do what you feel comfortable with and you won’t go wrong. The information below looks at what you need to consider in the days up to a game.
Kit
An essential part, presentation of Match Officials is essential to gain respect and project the right image of yourself, your Referees Society and the RFL. Here are some tips;
* Wash you kit straight after your last match
* Ensure your boots are clean
* If you need new kit don’t keep putting it off contact the right person to order more.
* Pack your kit bag during the week so it’s ready, you could get a last minute game.
* Check your kit again on the day of the match.
Training
This is an essential part of being a successful match official, ensuring that you are fit for the game and have done the appropriate training for the week is very important. Training not only helps our physical fitness but also ensures we are mentally fit and can make quick decisions for the full length of a game.
Training should be varied and included a mix of distance, short and sprint running along with agility exercises to cover the many movements during a game that Match Officials have to perform.
Most Society’s cover training and there are regionally run RFL training sessions. It is highly recommended that you attend these sessions should you wish to move forward on the performance pathway or be considered for the Champions Schools Finals.
Injuries
Match Officials are sports people and therefore injuries are to be expected from time to time. In the lead up to a game you must look after your body. Ask yourself the following question and think about the points below.
Have you suffered an injury in training or during a game?
* Yes, Assess your injury,
* Can ice or heat solve the problem?
* Not sure what to do? Don’t be afraid to seek advice
* Don’t risk an injury, if you need to take a weekend off then do it.
(Rather to be out for one week than four!)
* When you’re then recovering try a slow training session and don’t push too hard.
* Be honest with yourself!
There are many people within your society who can give advice and we have trainers within the RFL who can offer expert advice should you need it. We want to see you out on the field where you should be.
Receiving your Appointment
Once you know where you will be for your next match what can you do to best prepare for it? Consider the following points;
• Know where the ground is
How long will it take me to travel to the ground?
Will there be a possibility of traffic jams?
• Know which age group you are officiating
Do they play at the same venue as the open age or not?
• Know the correct playing time
See Match Official appointments pages
• Are you with other match officials on the game?
If you are a touch judge you need to ring the referee leading up to the game and run through any details such as travelling to the ground and if the referee has information about the game that maybe useful for you in your preparation.
• Is your kit ready?
Will my kit clash with one of the teams?
Do I have an alternative colour to wear?
Do I have shorts, socks, underwear, shirt, boots, cards, notebook, pen, pencil and whistle?
Do I need to buy new kit?
• How are the teams likely to approach the game?
Can you do any research on the teams to help you know what to expect?
Have you had them before?
Arriving at the Ground
First impressions on the day are essential. As a Match Officials you represent your Referees Society, The RFL and most importantly yourself.
At first team level each Match Official must arrive in a white shirt and tie, however for all junior, youth or open age fixtures we ask that you turn up in either a shirt and tie or society kit. Many Society’s have their own polo shirts and this is perfectly acceptable.
We wish you to look the part from start to finish, you’ll be surprised how many peoples comments about the referee can start when they arrive at the ground.
One comment received this year said “the match official was very smartly turned out and is a credit to his society”
Once you have arrived at the ground you’ll need to find your changing room and introduce yourself to the team coaches so they know you have arrived. We recommend that you arrive at the ground about an hour before the game. (At first team level we arrive one and a half hours before kick off) This gives us the chance to optimise our preparation and gives you some extra time in case there are troubles on the road.
Should you also get caught in traffic you must contact someone at the home club to let them know you are on your way and maybe late.