How many times have you shouted “Rubbish referee”? How many times have you thought after a match, that referee was terrible, I could do a better job than that?
Well, now is your chance. The Ulster Branch now provides the opportunity for Schoolboys to become qualified referees and referee matches at an agreed schoolboy level. Refereeing is a great alternative for pupils who may be injured or are not being selected regularly but still want to be involved within rugby.
One such referee was MCB former pupil, Peter Martin. Peter took up refereeing whilst still at school after completing the IRFU Schoolboy Referee Programme. David Wilkinson, Referee Development Officer, caught up with Peter to have a chat to him about his refereeing.
DW: Tell us how and why you started refereeing?
PM: I started refereeing when I was 17 and still at school at MCB. I undertook the IRFU Schoolboy Referee Course and with the help of yourself and the MCB PE Department began refereeing at U12 and U13 Level. I was always interested in refereeing and so thought why not give it a go!
DW: How did things progress from there?
PM: I refereed as many games as Mr. Wells could give me! He was a big help to me when I first started out refereeing. He obviously trusted me as before long I was refereeing at Medallion XV and moved onto 1st XV Level. Once I turned 18, I joined the Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees (USRFR) and things have moved on rapidly from there.
DW: What are the biggest challenges for a young referee?
PM: Having confidence in your decisions and staying calm under pressure! Refereeing is a tough job, but one that gives me great enjoyment.
DW: Would you encourage other pupils to consider taking up refereeing at school?
PM: Definitely! Refereeing is a great way to be involved in rugby. The opportunities that refereeing can provide are fantastic and there is also great social side to refereeing. It provides a pathway to the upper levels of the game, where I was never going to reach as a player. But most importantly… it’s great fun!
DW: Any what about today’s game?
PM: As a referee I would like to wish both teams and Richard Kerr all the best for the final. However as a MCB former pupil let’s hope Rory and the boys can bring the schools Cup home!
Peter is a prime example of what the Schoolboy Referee Programme is all about. It gives pupils an opportunity to be the man in the middle. It gives experience in refereeing and if they enjoy it and want to progress further, a pathway into USRFR and beyond.
Peter has done remarkably well within refereeing in his first full year as an active member of USRFR. His enthusiasm and hard work have seen him rise up through the leagues in Ulster at great pace. He has moved from refereeing in Junior 6 in September to being appointed to his first Qualifying One game having already refereed his first schools cup game. And it all started with the Schoolboy Referee Course.
The refereeing structure in Ireland is regarded as one of the best in the world, with three referees currently on the IRB International panel, and a further 2, on the Assistant Referee Panel. With a clear pathway from Schoolboy Referee up to IRFU National Referees Panel and beyond, the world is your oyster! Whether you have ambitions to referee at a Rugby World Cup, or just want to help out your games master, we can provide you with the support and help that you need.
PM: To be the man in middle is a very challenging but immensely rewarding task, not to mention it is the best seat in the house. So if you fancy being in the middle of a Schools Cup Final, rather than in the stand, think about taking up the whistle!
If you are interested in becoming a referee, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Go on, be part of it!
David Wilkinson
Referee Development Officer
david.wilkinson@irfu.ie
07799 062 813
Jonny Gibson
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David Brown
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