HEAD OF MATCH OFFICIALS
European Professional Club Rugby
KEY DELIVERABLES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
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Develop and maintain strong working relationships with each participating country’s
Referee Manager, finding synergies in the areas of performance, development, training,
talent identification and selection.
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Maintain a meritocratic and transparent match official’s appointments process in
conjunction with the EPCR Match Officials selection group based on robust
performance data collected.
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Develop and maintain clear protocols and lines of communication with regard to
performance of Match officials with Directors of Rugby/Head Coaches of all
participating clubs.
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Conduct yearly meetings with these Directors of Rugby/Head Coaches to discuss key
developments in how the game is played and officiated. These will be conducted during
the July/August period in advance of the start of the 3 participating leagues.
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Maintain and enhance a Performance Reviewers (PRs) programme to monitor match
official’s performance which enables an accurate measurement of the match officials’
performance and contributes robust data to the selection process. Organise a workshop
with the PRs at the start of the season to set out key focus areas and any changes in
laws.
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In conjunction with each individual Referee Manager develop and implement an annual
review process for all officials appointed to EPCR.
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Develop and maintain a clear succession plan for match officials within the EPCR
competitions. This will involve discussions on a regular basis with the referee manager
group across Europe in terms of talent identification and the pathways to advance
through the 3 leagues into EPCR games. Involvement as a selector within the World
Rugby structure will benefit this requirement especially attendance at the yearly Junior
Rugby World Cup where up and coming referees will be participating.
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Managing and be accountable for the EPCR Match Officials Budget.
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Provide support to the EPCR Organisation as appropriate and work with the key EPCR
operations and communications functions.
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Liaise with the World Rugby Head of Match Official’s on key developments in how the
game is refereed to include discussion on and implementation of new laws.
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Communication with all country referee managers and EPCR selected Match Officials
on key interpretations and laws as it relates to how the game is to be officiated. This
should involve regular meetings with the referee managers and referees across the 3
participating leagues.
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The individual appointed will become part of the World Rugby match official selection
committee and this will involve the following:
o Attendance at match official selection meetings at least 3 times a year for
selection for the 6 Nations, Rugby Championship, November and June
International windows.
o Attendance at the Junior Rugby World Cup in the month of June. This will
involve participating in various workshops and performance review meetings
during the tournament and a number of one to one referee meetings.
o Reviewing and documenting referee performance at various World Rugby
international matches in the various windows during the year.
o Attendance at scheduled match official camps during the year (+/- 2 camps)
o On going discussions with the World Rugby referee manager re match official
performance.
KEY COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
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A number of year’s experience as a high level Referee and/or have been involved in
Match Official selection and administration in the professional game.
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Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the elite professional game of rugby union.
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Demonstrate a high level understanding of the Laws of rugby union with particular
emphasis on the role of Match Officials.
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Excellent communication skills commensurate with a European wide brief.
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Strong team building and people management skills.
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Evidence of good administrative and management skills, and budget planning.
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Fluency in English.
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Additional language skills in French and/or Italian beneficial but not essential.
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Willingness to travel.
Interested candidates are asked to send their applications (cover letter +
CV) by April 29th, 2016 at the latest, to the attention of Vincent Gaillard,
CEO of EPCR, and John Jeffrey, Chairman of Rugby Committee and
Referee Selection Committee of World Rugby.
vincent.gaillard@epcrugby.com / jj@kersknowe.co.uk