South West Rugby Referee Society

04/16/2026

Rugby Unity podcast episode with Angus Gardner talking about refereeing.
Quite a few interesting nuggets in there on some mgmt level items like how different comps may have different focus areas, and the notion of in-game focus on the "critical few" items to build consistency.
(And an interesting stat that a ref has to make about 800 decisions per match - so aim to get the big ones right).
His 4 themes: safety, fairness, equity, flow.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/64fpYdhUmSFz7ir3Bsbh8K?si=1ITtJ007RUi5BAYAtQ5DRA&t=0&pi=K7RX2hjoS_u9J

Rugby Unity · Episode

03/31/2026

We're looking for some love from our local rugby community to reinvest in the local game!

Hello SWRU & RAZ Rugby Communities! Help our referee society help you en… Rob Speers needs your support for Help SWRRS Buy Radios for Better Rugby Matches

01/29/2026

Refreshing an old post to the top of the feed because it has come up a couple of times so far this season.
In summary - look at the defender action first, then the attacker action.

Teams deciding not to engage the maul at lineout:
1. If the defenders in the line out choose to not engage the line out drive by leaving the line out as a group, then PK to attacking team (offside in the lineout).
2. If the defenders in the line out choose to not engage the line out drive by simply opening up a gap and creating space, and not leaving the line out (ie not offside), the following process should be followed:
a) The attacking team would need to keep the ball with the front player if they were to drive downfield (therefore play on, general play – defenders could either engage to form a maul, or tackle the ball carrier.)
b) If the attacking team immediately passes the ball back to a player behind the front player or at the rear of the group, the referee would tell them to "Use it" which they must do immediately.
c) If the team drives forward with the ball at the back (and ignores the referee’s call to “Use it”), the referee should award a scrum to the defending team for "accidental offside" (rather than PK for obstruction).

10/13/2025

Flagstaff 10s, 2025 edition, is in the books! A great day of fun social rugby played in good spirits by everyone. And as you know, when you're officiating at a wedding (themed tournie) you have to wear the appropriate attire!!

Shout out to Sean Snelling & Four Peaks Brewery for the logo kilts & the Credo crew for a great jersey design & rapid turnaround.

04/13/2025

SWRU Playoffs for Men & Women weekend in Vegas!
A tad warm, but lots of great rugby on display. Another fun assignment for SWRRS.
Ben, Pablo, Tom, Haus, Wes, Caleb, Miguel, Marisa in this one.

04/13/2025

CRAA Women's Playoffs in Tempe was a fun time for the SWRRS, getting to be part of high quality matches.
Janice, Martin, Ben, Noah, Rob, Alex in this photo.

05/12/2024

Some significant Law changes coming July 1st!

The following are the areas of law with the new law wording. They come into effect on 1 July 2024. From that date, they will be reflected in World Rugby's digital law content.

04/21/2024

We had a great time at the CRAA Elite 8 collegiate women's playoffs on Friday. We're looking forward to Sunday's winners playoff matches at 9 & 11am.
GCU Soccer stadium, see you there!

04/07/2024

Great read ......
https://www.rugbypass.com/plus/passion-abuse-and-anxiety-the-life-of-a-tier-two-referee/

03/19/2024

Interesting news coming from World Rugby!
https://www.world.rugby/news/916218/world-rugby-reveals-phased-plan-to-enhance-rugbys-global-appeal?fbclid=iwar3mvasiicfhpqcvtqyzqrx_ggr9hvqvyykbvzzg-jvibhkyw7y30qool88

World Rugby has outlined the next steps in the process of reimagining rugby’s entertainment factor, part of a wider mission to grow audience share over the next decade.

02/01/2024

International rugby is making its way to San Diego on July 19. Tickets are bought!!