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Referee Grades

Grading is not a reflection of the referee's value to rugby or as a individual. It is a shorthand that allows different societies across the US to properly allocate visiting referees. Referees do not need to be graded to work MRRS allocated matches. However, referees may very well be asked their grades if they referee outside of MRRS allocations.

C4/D

A referee obtains the C4 rating by taking the L1 Officiating Course and  accepting referee assignments. A C4 level referee is one that has just started with refereeing. 

Education

  • L1 Officiating Course

Competencies to Master

  • Communication (Whistle, Signal, Talk)
    1. Uses whistle variance (Short, Long Bright, Long Angry)
    2. Uses correct primary in right direction
    3. Sees something, Says something
  • Positioning
    1. Arrives to Breakdown @ 45 degree
    2. Uses Ball in line running
    3. Positions shoulders facing defense
  • Safety
    1. Stops match for dangerous tackles
  • Professionalism
    1. Arrives at appropriate time for introductions
    2. Displays good personal appearance
    3. Uses a proper pre-match chat
    4. Displays proper field presence

C3

A C3 referee has a deeper knowledge of refereeing when compared to a C4, but may have problems with some aspects of the game. The C3 referee may not be in position to observe events, not understand what is occurring, or not understand the best way how to facilitate a positive outcome.

Education

  • Touch Judge

Competencies To Master

  • Lineout fair contest
    1. Manages proper setup including numbers and gap
    2. Managers thrower and receiver in proper positions
    3. Manages backs in onside position
    4. Ensures straight throw-in
  • Maul fair contest
    1. Manages ball carrier sliding back
    2. Manages entry in front of ball carrier/side entry
    3. Manages stripper not bound (long-arm transfer)
    4. Manages Collapsing
    5. Manages Swimming up the side
    6. Manages Offside
  • Space at Set Piece
    1. Ensures onside at restart
    2. Ensures onside at Scrums
    3. Ensures onside at Lineouts
  • Scrum Setup
    • Uses engagement procedure
    • Ensures bodies straight
    • Manages correct prop binding
    • Ensures space between heads 

C2

A C2 referee is refining the craft of refereeing. A C2 referee will have a continuous improvement program (including a diary) and will regularly be soliciting feedback from referee developers. He/She should conduct himself with good demeanor both on and off the field.

Education

  • Assistant Referee

Assessments for Promotion to C1

  • Two at grade or above grade C1 performance review, including by one from a non-Montana Performance Reviewer

Competencies To Master

  • Breakdown
    • Ensures Tackler Release
    • Manages Tackler rollaway or gets up
    • Ensures Tackle assist release
    • Manages Tackler/Tackle Assist through gate
    • Manages Tackled Player releases/plays ball immediately
  • Scrum
    • Ensures scrum is square & steady
    • Ensures credible feed
    • Proper binding by loose forwards
    • Manages straight push
    • Ensures shoulders are above hips
    • Manages no scrum walking around/wheel
  • Space In Front of Kicker (IFOK)
    • Identify players in front of kicker
    • Manages properly
  • Ruck/Maul
    • Manages offside lines at fringes
    • Manages offside lines in backlines
  • Foul Play
    • Identifies all areas of dangerous play

C1

A C1 referee can referee any match conducted inside of Montana. He/She should be confident in his/her management of the players, skilled at game facilitation, and be able to establish clear priorities for the players. The C1 referee should be actively involved in professional development. The C1 referees are ambassadors of Montana refereeing.

Education

  • Assistant Referee

Competencies To Master

  • Scrum Management
    • Resolves/Manages Issues
    • Manages substitutes
    • Applies "use it" when scrum is stationary
    • Achieves ball out 70% of time
  • Space at Goal Line
    • Manages fringes
    • Manages hands on ground
    • Manages backlines
  • Breakdown
    • Manages arriving players through the gate
    • Ensures All players stay on feet
    • Ensures no hands beyond ball
    • Ensures No sealing
    • Identifies difference between rucks and tackle
  • Advantage
    • Applies scrum advantage effectively with consideration to possession & control
  • Foul Play
    • Identifies all areas of obstruction