Match Day
Everything you need to make your game a success . . .
Ground Locations
Congratulations on being appointed to a game, not sure where to go, click here to find the locations of all the grounds for ACT Referees
Playing & Match Times
The listed times are the times that the game should KICK-OFF. Please ensure teams are on the field and ready to commence play by the appointed time.
Referees are advised to whistle the teams onto the field about 5 minutes before play (to enable team huddles to be completed). Referees MUST ensure games are completed by the listed time to allow the next teams to enter the field, and start on time.
Kick off times this season:
Premier
1st Grade - 3.05pm
2nd Grade - 1.40pm
Colts - 12.15pm
*Note: When Wests play at home, game times are slightly different due to the availability of only one field.
Women's
Kick-off TBA - 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
1st Division
1st Grade - 12:15pm or 3.00pm (depending on venue)
2nd Grade - 10:55am or 1.30pm (depending on venue)
South Coast and Monaro - 2nd Division
1st Grade - 2.30pm
Junior Matches
Due to the different field configurations at community and school grounds, these times will be listed with the appointments. However, in general, the times are:
U6 to U9 - 8:30/9:30am
U10, U11 – 9:30am
U12, U13 – 10:30am
U14, U15 – 11:30am
U16 – 1:00pm
U18 3rd XV – 12:30pm
U18 2nd XV – 1:45pm
U18 1st XV – 3:00pm
Match Durations:
Premier
Premier 1st Grade – 40 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, with time added for injury.
Premier 2nd Grade – 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury.
Premier Colts – 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury.
1st Division
First Grade – 35 minutes each half with no added time for injury
Second Grade – 35 minutes each half with no added time for injury
South Coast and Monaro - 2nd Division
Second Division – 40 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, with a maximum of 5 minutes injury time per half
Junior Matches
U7 and U8: - 15 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U9 to U11: - 20 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U12 to U14: - 25 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U15 and U16: - 30 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U17 to U19: - 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
Referees are advised to whistle the teams onto the field about 5 minutes before play (to enable team huddles to be completed). Referees MUST ensure games are completed by the listed time to allow the next teams to enter the field, and start on time.
Kick off times this season:
Premier
1st Grade - 3.05pm
2nd Grade - 1.40pm
Colts - 12.15pm
*Note: When Wests play at home, game times are slightly different due to the availability of only one field.
Women's
Kick-off TBA - 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
1st Division
1st Grade - 12:15pm or 3.00pm (depending on venue)
2nd Grade - 10:55am or 1.30pm (depending on venue)
South Coast and Monaro - 2nd Division
1st Grade - 2.30pm
Junior Matches
Due to the different field configurations at community and school grounds, these times will be listed with the appointments. However, in general, the times are:
U6 to U9 - 8:30/9:30am
U10, U11 – 9:30am
U12, U13 – 10:30am
U14, U15 – 11:30am
U16 – 1:00pm
U18 3rd XV – 12:30pm
U18 2nd XV – 1:45pm
U18 1st XV – 3:00pm
Match Durations:
Premier
Premier 1st Grade – 40 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, with time added for injury.
Premier 2nd Grade – 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury.
Premier Colts – 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury.
1st Division
First Grade – 35 minutes each half with no added time for injury
Second Grade – 35 minutes each half with no added time for injury
South Coast and Monaro - 2nd Division
Second Division – 40 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, with a maximum of 5 minutes injury time per half
Junior Matches
U7 and U8: - 15 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U9 to U11: - 20 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U12 to U14: - 25 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U15 and U16: - 30 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
U17 to U19: - 35 minutes each way, 5 minute interval, no added time for injury
ACTRRA Lightning Policy
The approved ACTRRA lightning policy is found here.
This policy is based on NSW Sport and Recreation's "Lightning Safety Recommendations" which can be found here.
The approved ACTRRA lightning policy is found here.
This policy is based on NSW Sport and Recreation's "Lightning Safety Recommendations" which can be found here.
Refereeing Documents
These are a list of helpful documents to help you with your referee development, either relating to the Laws or practical application.
Assistant Referee Guide (pdf 28kb)
Provides guidance on your role as an AR.
Touch-Line Guide (pdf 3.1Mb)
2016 summary on touch-line decisions, please to see 2018 GMG for this seasons law changes
Refereeing in Practice (pdf 567kb)
An excellent guide on being a referee, especially positioning.
Tips for new referees(pdf 420kb)
A useful guide for those new to refereeing.
Spear/Tip Tackle Directive (iRB) (pdf 14kb)
Assessing tip/spear tackles and applying appropriate sanction.
Referee Score Card 1 Referee Score Card 2
A handy score/match card for game day. It incorporates sections for all the important details.
A handy score/match card for game day. It incorporates sections for all the important details.
No4/5 Officials Duties (pdf 1.4Mb)
Provides details of the No4/5 duties.
Send Off Procedures
Source: PlanetRugby.com
So you red carded a player? Now what?
Whether it was a junior or senior player that received a red card, it is important that you submit a Red Card via Rugbylink so that the player can be summoned to appear before the judiciary.
In the case of junior players, they may be handed down a further sanction based on your written report. (All senior players will be expected to attend a judicial hearing and will be excluded from playing until they appear).
At the time of the incident you should record the vital details so that completing the report is that much easier for you.
Always note the following at the time you issue the red card:
1. Player name, number and team.
2. Approximate time in the game the incident occurred
3. Approximate field position the incident took place
4. Brief details of the incident you saw which led to the send off
It is important to be factual, clear and concise with your report.
The ARU Disciplinary Rules outlines the procedures to be followed by the Union and Clubs.
Whether it was a junior or senior player that received a red card, it is important that you submit a Red Card via Rugbylink so that the player can be summoned to appear before the judiciary.
In the case of junior players, they may be handed down a further sanction based on your written report. (All senior players will be expected to attend a judicial hearing and will be excluded from playing until they appear).
At the time of the incident you should record the vital details so that completing the report is that much easier for you.
Always note the following at the time you issue the red card:
1. Player name, number and team.
2. Approximate time in the game the incident occurred
3. Approximate field position the incident took place
4. Brief details of the incident you saw which led to the send off
It is important to be factual, clear and concise with your report.
The ARU Disciplinary Rules outlines the procedures to be followed by the Union and Clubs.
Rugby AU Blue Card - "In doubt, sit them out"
2017 Blue Card
"In doubt - sit them out"
In relation to the Blue Card in ACT Rugby, please note:
Referees have no greater responsibility, or 'power', regarding concussed players than previously. Rugby AU is requesting only that when a player is removed from the field with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion, referees show that player a Blue Card.
ACTRRA, Brumbies and the ARU encourage referees with feedback or queries about the process to make contact with the ACTRRA.
All referees should be aware of the ARU Concussion Guidelines - go to Resources on the website for further information.
If during the match, a referee observes or is notified of a player being removed from the field with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion, the following will apply:
'When in doubt, sit them out' - player welfare is the primary concern of Referees, Brumbies Rugby Union, ACT Rugby Union and the ARU.
Referees have no greater responsibility, or 'power', regarding concussed players than previously. Rugby AU is requesting only that when a player is removed from the field with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion, referees show that player a Blue Card.
ACTRRA, Brumbies and the ARU encourage referees with feedback or queries about the process to make contact with the ACTRRA.
All referees should be aware of the ARU Concussion Guidelines - go to Resources on the website for further information.
If during the match, a referee observes or is notified of a player being removed from the field with signs or symptoms of suspected concussion, the following will apply:
- The Referee has sole responsible for deciding if a blue card should be given,
- The Referee should consult with the first-aider if present in order to make their decision (just like referring to an AR),
- If it is suspected the player is displaying signs or symptoms of concussion, then a "blue card" is issued (similar to issuing a yellow or red card to a player),
- In the event there is no first-aider present, if the referee has sole responsibility for deciding if a blue card is issued,
- Post match, ensure the match sheet has recorded a "c" for concussion on it against the player identified with a blue card,
- Nothing further for Match Official to report or record.
'When in doubt, sit them out' - player welfare is the primary concern of Referees, Brumbies Rugby Union, ACT Rugby Union and the ARU.
