Auckland Rugby Referees

Field of Play | The area between the goal lines and the touch lines. Those lines are not part of the field of play.

It was a really nice evening for our 69 ARRA members who attended last nights education meeting. President, Rob Harman introduced our new Referee Manager, Junior Khan, AKA JK2, gave Premier debutant Nathan Pinder an opportunity to do his aftermatch speech, lost property was returned to their rightful owners, and he gave a rundown on what’s happening within the ARRA.

Members then went outside and discussed positioning at tackle/ruck, lineouts, scrum and in-goal.

Our club of the week this week is College Rifles Rugby Club where our members will attend on Saturday evening.

Next week we will be doing a deep dive into tackle/ruck and putting the referees through their passes by creating breakdown scenarios and refereeing the pictures in-front of them.

All are welcome to attend 🔥

Imagine being part of three days of non-stop rugby matches, with Countries from around the world showcasing their skills in one of the World's most iconic stadiums. Add in vibrant crowds cheering, colorful costumes, and a festival atmosphere that's simply contagious. That's the Hong Kong Sevens - a weekend where Sam Adam has just had the experience of a lifetime.

Whether this is your first season taking the field as a referee or you are returning for another year. It is always a good chance to start at the basics and prepare well for the season ahead.

Some of our ARRA members caught on camera this weekend

This week we have Ben O'Keeffe and Marcus Playle flying the ARRA flag in Super Rugby Aupiki and Super Rugby Pacific! Keep an eye out for them on the field. Go well boys!

This week marks the kick-off of the club season with two Premier Debuts. Congratulations to Nathan Pinder and Tertius De Villiers! And we welcome Tomas Roche who has arrived from Wellington.

Sam Adam: Continuing a Legacy at the Hong Kong Tens - the HKFC 10s rugby tournament first took to the pitch in 1986 and has carved out a name for itself as the world’s premier 10-a-side rugby tournament, drawing elite players and top teams from across the globe. For many years, Auckland rugby referees have graced this prestigious event, with Sam Adam continuing that tradition by officiating both the Cup semifinal and the Cup final.

What do you do to prep for a game?

With the club season kicking off shortly it's time to start thinking about your processes and what key steps you take to be at your best. Share your top tips below and let's see how our fellow referees prepare for a game.

The ARRA and the Grant Wilson, Head of Operations & Facilities at the ARU extends a warm welcome to Junior Khan as he steps into his new role as the ARRA Referee Manager. With his wealth of experience in both the Law and HR, plus his rugby background as a player, coach and GM, his leadership will undoubtedly inspire and elevate the standards within our organization. Welcome aboard, Junior, to a journey filled with exciting challenges and rewarding achievements!

Busy weekend for our ARRA Referees! A special mention and congratulations to Sam Adam who is flying the ARRA flag in Hong Kong.

A penalty try can be awarded if a player would have scored a try but for foul play by the opposition. A penalty try is now worth seven points with no conversion attempted.

Last night was our Introduction to the year ahead, where we also distributed our brand new gear for 2024. Close to 100 members turned up in what was a busy night all round for our team of volunteers. Thanks to everyone who turned up! Bring on season 2024!

Tonight is the first referee education meeting of the year! We are going through the year ahead including the EDSLV’s, Game Priorities, and the new Community Rugby Referee Development Framework.

Everyone is welcome, see you there!

2023 Season Highlights | Panel facilitator for First Year. Seeing the growth throughout the season and their willingness to learn and be involved in refereeing.

Looking Forward to 2024 | Staying fit and injury-free

Flying Wedge | An illegal type of attack, which usually happens near the goal line, either from a penalty or free-kick or in open play. Team-mates are latched on each side of the ball carrier in a wedge formation before engaging the opposition. Often one or more of these team-mates is in front of the ball carrier.

ARRA is being put to work this weekend!

Congratulations to Angus, Marcus & Todd for their selection to referee the Under 20 Super Finals! Make sure you keep an eye out for our referees out on the field this weekend.

The best part of last season was being involved in Premier and 1st XV rugby as an AR and continuing to learn from those around me. In 2024 I'm looking forward to getting back out on the paddock and giving back to the rugby community. - Javeed Ali

For a quick throw-in to be legal, it must be the same ball, the ball can not have been touched by any other person (player or non-player), apart from the player taking the throw and it can only be taken between the point of the ball leaving the field and the thrower's own goal line.

A maul exists when the ball carrier and at least one player from each side are in contact. A player must either join a maul from an onside position or retire behind their offside line immediately.

Sanction: Penalty. Players who leave a maul must immediately retire behind the offside line.

Gearing up for another big week on the field. Tune in to see our ARRA referees in action!

The Red Card rule has had a tweak. For 2024 if a player receives a Red Card, they may be replaced after 20 minutes by another player.

Your body language on the field is important. Confident, firm calls help keep the game flowing, creating a positive outcome for all those on the field including the referee.

Who would you vote for the strongest stance?

An all female Team of 3 for the Super Rugby Aupiki curtain raiser match between Pakuranga and Hauraki North today! YTGs!!

Referee: Yvonne Chaplin (middle)
AR1: Liv Munro (left)
AR2: Teremoana Fa’aoso (right)

Game Day!

See the ARRA referees flying the flag this weekend.

1.5m Scrum Law | Maximum 1.5-metre scrum push for all community rugby, excluding senior premier club rugby grades.

The maximum push of any scrum is limited to 1.5 metres unless the scrum is within 5 metres of the goal line.

Introducing Liv Munro

The best part for Liv last season was moving into secondary school grades from junior club games. 7's tournaments were lots of fun.

What are you looking forward to in 2024? Receiving further coaching and becoming a better referee. Also looking forward to more tournaments.

What's the height difference between the first and second tackler? NZR has continued the tackle trial in 2024 so let us break them down.

The first tackler must tackle below the sternum and target the belly area. The second tackler can legally tackle below the shoulders in accordance with current rugby law.

We have ARRA Referees flying our flag worldwide with Super Rugby, the World Seven Series and Oceania Under 20's.

Who's excited to get back on the field?

We are looking for passionate rugby lovers who want to give back to our sport. If you are interested in hearing more about joining our team please reach out!

If this interests you, contact Ant Petrie at [email protected] or on 027 439 0456 for more information