Uganda Rugby Union (URU) conducts a refresher course for referees

Achidi Thelma

Uganda Rugby Union (URU) conducts a refresher course for refrees

“We are running our first refresher course for referees after a whole year without rugby to bring them up-to-date on protocols around player health and sport in general. We also want to see if they understand the COVID 19 SOPs regarding the resumption of rugby because they will be in control of the games. “Ramsey Olinga, World Rugby Educator

The Uganda Rugby Union (www.UgandaRugby.com) held a refresher course for umpires today at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds. The course was moderated by World Rugby Coach David Kirabira and World Rugby Educator Ramsey Olinga.

During the four-hour refresher course, umpires were given a test to examine their knowledge of the new World Rugby Laws, which was then followed by a physical demonstration of where the laws apply. This session was moderated by Ramsey Olinga with reference to the Laws of Rugby app.

The second session of the day covered a referee’s preparation and planning before games. The interactive session moderated by David Kirabira included a self-assessment moment in which the referees were tasked with assessing themselves in terms of physical condition, knowledge of rugby laws and mental preparation before the league starting on March 6. Later, David asked the referees to write down their goals before the league and also advised them on the best way to achieve them. Later he assigned each referee a mentor to monitor their progress before the league.

The third session was moderated by Ramsey Olinga, who walked the umpires through the COVID19 SOPs before and during the games. This included what the rugby union expects from various rugby facilities, such as having hand-washing equipment, availability of disinfectants, and temperature guns on the grounds. He also encouraged the referees to be very observant of the players and to report any suspicious behavior regarding signs of COVID19.

The referees will undergo one more test that will determine who will officiate the different league matches from March 6, 2021. This test will take place on February 20, 2021 at 11:00 am in Kyadondo. He also emphasized that the selected referees will be chosen on merit.