The Angry Ref - “If You Don’t Know, Now You Know” (Parts I-II)

Part I. “You’re Not a Ref”

If you passed the level one referee test a few years ago but haven’t reffed a game since, don’t go to the society meetings, and don’t follow the monthly rulings from the IRB you’re not a ref.  So please don’t come up to the ref after the game and start your criticism with “Now, I’m a ref too…”  You’re not a ref, you’re someone who passed a test once.  You’re not a ref the same way Steve Young’s not a lawyer.  You’re not a ref the same way someone who hasn’t studied the tax code in ten years isn’t a CPA. You’re not a ref the same way I’m not a paramedic.  Sure, I took the class and passed the test but I never actually worked as a paramedic and you probably don’t want me to be the one there with your life on the line.

In a very similar way we refs don’t want you trying to help us out with your “observations.”  The interpretations of law, emphasis of law, and even the law itself is constantly changing.  If you’re not following it the way refs are you’re hopelessly behind and should probably just keep your comments to yourself.  Which brings me to.....

The French are coming! Sunday 21st Feb, New York

A French select side from the South West of France will be taking on the local lads of the Village Lions in Central Park this Sunday.  The French side are reputed to be packing a some quality retired professionals... Eric Bonneval, Christian Califano, Denis Charvet, Arnaud Costes, Jean-Louis Jordana, Christian Labit,  Emile N'Tamack, Jean-Pierre Rives, Cedric Soulette, Patrick Tabaco, Franck Tournaire to name a few!

The game will take part in the field across from Tavern on the Green at the 66St and Central Park West and kick off is at 1pm.

The Lions also invite you to come help soften up the opposition Saturday night at Mason Dixon (on Essex between Stanton and Rivington) at 8pm.

Should make for a great warm up for a cracking game of rugby!

NRU Under 23 Women's Select Side tryouts

The NRU Under 23s Women's Select Side have several upcoming dates for tryouts throughout the North East Region.   This year Rich Ashfield is moving to be the head coach of the NRU Senior Women's Team and Bryan Hamlin will join the Under 23 program as the backs coach.

Here is the current list of dates and venues:

• Sun Mar 14 Skills clinic  - MIT Boston, MA
• Sun April 11 Skills Clinic - Poughkeepsie, NY
• April 25 NERFU Cup - Location TBA
• Sat May 8 Squad session invitation only - Location TBA
• Sat May 15 Squad session - Location TBA
• Sat May 22 Game at Village Lions - NewYork, NY
• Sat June 5 Game at Beantown - Boston, MA
• Thr-Sun June 10-13 ITT Championship - Location TBA (includes travel days)  

There will be a nominal fee for each skill clinic.

If you would like to attend a tryout please email the following information to nru.u23@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Name
• CIPP #
• School/Club
• Positions
• Date of Birth
• Tryout date(s) you will be attending

Details courtesy of Met NY Rugby.