Combined Pre Match Chat

Taffy


Referees in England
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Sep 17, 2012
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I'm going to challenge the status quo here I think.

Seems to me that currently pre match chats with front rows and captains are done individually.

What I currently do is

1 minute max with

front rows - check that they are suitably trained. Go through cadence
skipper - just there to monitor
scrum half - let him know a thumbs up or back tap for put in
number 10 - please keep the backs onside and eyeball me at the lineouts

Then

2 skippers - my chat - max 90 seconds

A B C

A - I like to play lot of advantage, listen to me
B - The Breakdown - what I am looking for, tackler to release etc
C - everything must be through the captain

BUT

Why don't we do the 2 front rows and scrum half and tens together?
would save a smidge of time and they realise you have said the same thing to each team?

Anyone do it this way?
 

Adam


Referees in England
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No, as I don't think it is practical, and apart from maybe saving you time I don't get the benefit. Players obviously know you have a pre-set script you deliver.

I also think that short PMBs are the way forward. More experienced, and confident, referees cut down their PMB massively so it only says the pertinent things.

Your ABC is basically telling them stuff they should already know. They also won't listen to you when you tell them.

Refereeing is all about deflecting pressure and getting players to take responsibility for their actions. If you start teaching them how to play the game in the PMB, and in particular the first few minutes, you take the responsibility for managing those aspects of the game for the rest.

Be minimal and to the point in the PMB, don't say that much to start with, and the players will probably surprise you!
 

TheBFG


Referees in England
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Current Referee grade:
Level 6
agree it would save time and maybe at the lower levels it's a good idea.

However as you move up the levels teams have very strict warm up routines and therefore you tend to fit in with them, getting both 9's 10's and all FR at the same time just isn't going to happen. Also I don't think teams would be keen on it, sides will want to make you aware of things they might want to try :wink: and obviously they won't want the other side to know that!
 

crossref


Referees in England
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I do

team A
- stud check "Front Row and scrum half stay here for quick briefing'
- front row/sh briefing. I don't bother with the 10
- captain - shall we walk over to other captain and do the toss?
- two captains together
- then go with other captain for studs and briefing

Sometimes this won't quite work if team B are busy. Play it by ear.
 

Adam


Referees in England
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I do

team A
- stud check "Front Row and scrum half stay here for quick briefing'
- front row/sh briefing. I don't bother with the 10
- captain - shall we walk over to other captain and do the toss?
- two captains together
- then go with other captain for studs and briefing

Sometimes this won't quite work if team B are busy. Play it by ear.

Sounds great. Only thing I do different is I'm upfront with both teams when I arrive. The conversation goes like this:

"Team A, when would you like studs and a brief?"
"About 40 minutes before, inside please sir"
"OK, I'll take your captain before or after to do the toss"

"Team B, when would you like studs and a brief? I'm doing theirs at 40 minutes before inside."
"About 35-45 minutes before, inside/outside please sir"
"OK, I'll take your captain after/before that to do the toss"

Happy days!
 
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