Ulster Rugby vs Connacht & Munster

USRFR REFEREEPROFILE DAVIDNAPIER

Referee Profile: USRFR President David Napier Ballynahinch RFC When did you decide to take up the whistle and why? Having been brought up with the game of rugby, playing it at school, university and club I became aware that I couldn't play at 1st XV level forever. In the summer of 1986 I attended a USRFR residential course at Orangefield Secondary School, Belfast. What was the initial process like to become a referee? Following the residential course I was allocated matches, assessed and graded. Assessor scores fed into the game selection system. My previous school rugby refereeing as a PE Teacher and my years of playing the game helped my progress. Nowadays there's more analysis (use of videos) and coaching along the way with follow-up courses during the season. What inspired you along the way? Ahead of me, within the Ulster Society were some great referees, Stephen Hilditch, Brian Stirling and Denis Templeton to name but a few. These were my role models. Although I didn't reach the dizzy heights of World Cup games, I was happy to travel throughout Ireland and on to Europe. What is your favourite thing about refereeing? While some think of a referee as 'nobody's friend' at the end of the match and the lonely drive home, this is not how I've found life as a ref. I've loved the challenge of each game. On the pitch my aim was to facilitate a good game of flowing rugby applying the laws in a fair and consistent manner. A bit of 'advice' from the side line was treated as banter and could well have been followed by the offer of a pint later. I enjoyed seeing new bright talent be it at school level within Ulster or universities/clubs throughout Ireland. I followed players' progress with interest many of whom became Irish We welcome all match officials to Kingspan stadium over the festive period. As always, we ask that all spectators, players and coaching staff respect the match officials at all times.

regulars. Meeting refs from the other Provinces was also a part of refereeing I enjoyed; many of whom remain friends. Going to fixtures as part of a 'team of three' provided great camaraderie and bonded many friendships. Have you had any setbacks along the way? My biggest disappointment was the early end to my refereeing career due to knee problems, so it's great now that I am involved again albeit at a much slower pace! What one law would you like to change or introduce? One aspect of the modern game which I feel could be looked at is the scrum law - scrums can take too long with numerous resets needed and often unpunished. What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up refereeing? While I would obviously advise anyone taking up refereeing to attend all courses, workshops and area meetings, I would say it's important to have a strong empathy with the game but above all it's about enjoying it. Tell us a little about the USRFR Can you imagine a game of rugby being played without a referee, whistle in hand? That's how it was until 1875 when captains agreed things on the pitch, with Ulster rugby leading the way in establishing what we now know as a referee. The Society was set up in 1950 with the aim of encouraging school referees, encouraging all senior clubs to provide at least two referees and to ensure that every referee was assessed. Now, 70 years later the game has developed through many changes with the top level now professional, but the Society's aims remain as relevant as ever. I have been a member of USRFR for 30+ years and am honoured to hold the position of President this season. If you have any questions about refereeing or would like to consider taking up the whistle, please contact Richard Kerr (Referee

Development Manager). Email: richard.kerr@irfu.ie Tel: 07493 868388

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