North Riding rugby referee gives tips to aspiring refs
A good referee must know the rules back to front, have good communication with the captains, and be able to read different games well.
Smit has been a referee at golden oldies rugby tournaments for the last 36 years, after a successful career playing for the Limpopo Blue Bulls (then called the Far North Rugby Union) and coaching Phalaborwa Rugby Club.
He has been national representative at the South African National Golden Oldies Referee Association (Sangora) since 2018 and in this role has selected and led teams of referees to the national tournament each year.
Just to remain fit and stay sharp for this big event, he refereed an amazing 25 school and sevens matches from January to September.
Hundreds of matches, if not a thousand, have been overseen by Smit in his career, and he had a few tips for younger and aspiring referees.
“Know your rules and always be in good communication with the two captains,” he said, pulling out a blue card as demonstration.
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Most do not know what a blue card is and have never seen it, but a referee must always have one on hand to use when a player sustains a concussion and must be taken off the field for medical treatment. The player will not be allowed back onto the field, though the team can replace the player on the field.
“For golden oldies games we always meet with everyone before tournaments to make sure they know the rules. Of course, for a referee this is the most important thing.”
A referee must also have good communication with the captains because captains can often sort unruly players out best. This can help before a player becomes too aggressive or out of hand, and incurs penalties against the team.
“A referee must also have commitment and love the game. I still enjoy refereeing and give my best. The minute it feels like a burden, I will step down.”
A referee must also be versatile, or be able to read different games well, Smit said.
“Often before or during a match a referee must be able to tell if the teams are competitive or they are just playing a social game. If competitive, you must be strict with the rules or else people will complain. If social, you can kill the game if you stop it for every mistake.”
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