As KML1 is twice the ref I'll ever be, I'm reluctant to take issue with his posts. However, in this case, I'd argue that the luxury the miked-up ref has, with qualified AR's and in some cases a TMO, means he can stand in totally different places to where we need to be. It's not that the elite game isn't "real rugby"; it's that it's so real it needs to be reffed in a totally different way.
Rugbyboot, be aware that we really only have three phases of play as refs: set pieces, open play and breakdowns. By far the biggest challenge for us is the breakdown, adn these are pretty uniform. For me, my approach is a: arrive from the direction the ball was travelling. b) sweep round behind the base of the forming/newly-formed ruck to the blind side, all the time looking for the ball and being aware of arriving players; c) locate the ball, and start focusing on arriving players; d) retreat three steps backwards at 45 degrees to the ruck, towards the blind-side corner flag of the ball-winning side, all the while; e) looking up across the ruck to the defensive backs, watching also for offsides at the ruck, pillars/guards etc.
During open play, I try to be level with the ball, running a flanker's angle to the next breakdown.
At scrums, my preference is to be standing on the blind side to watch the backs' 5m offside lines as well the FR's. Others argue always for being on the put-in side. Until you find out whether your assessors have a preference, it's a matter of personal preference.
At lineouts, you're generally best served by being at the front opposite the defending hooker prehaps 70% of the time, moving to the back or middle from time to time just to vary things and watch for different offences.
There you go - sorted! On TV, you'll notice refs standing in the defensive line. I really wouldn't do that until you are at least at L.6. That's just a personal opinion - others will doubtless disagree.
