Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Apply the laws of Rugby Union at a junior level.

1.1. Assess suitability of players, other officials  and external influences  according to the requirements of the junior level  match, relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

1.2. Observe match and identify information  on which to base fundamental decisions.

1.3. Observe players and club officials to ensure the match is conducted according to the laws and regulations  of Rugby Union.

1.4. Identify and note breaches of laws and regulations by players and other officials.

1.5. Interpret and apply laws and regulations for the given situation according to the spirit of the laws of Rugby Union.

1.6. Make accurate and consistent decisions based on impartiality, participant safety and spirit of the laws.

2. Apply communication strategies.

2.1. Communicate decisions and manage the outcomes of decision making while refereeing the match according to the fundamental laws and regulations of Rugby Union.

2.2. Explain and convey decisions, using fundamental indications, to players, other officials, spectators, scorers and or timekeepers.

2.3. Respond to players and other officials according to the given situation.

2.4. Interpret signals from other officials and work as a team according to laws and regulations.

2.5. Use fundamental auditory devices  when refereeing to assist in decision making and signalling.

2.6. Perform the complete range of whistle commands to convey decisions in an authoritative manner.

3. Demonstrate positioning skills to referee Rugby Union.

3.1. Adopt appropriate positioning for the start or recommencement of play, for set plays and general play situations according to environmental conditions  and external influences.

3.2. Move appropriately to maintain optimal position to view play throughout the game.

3.3. Adjust position according to the direction and or movement of play according to the laws and regulations.

4. Provide reports and obtain feedback.

4.1. Complete relevant paperwork  according to association or controlling body requirements.

4.2. Forward written reports to the association or controlling body according to local guidelines.

4.3. Provide formal and informal oral reports to controlling body, mentor, adviser or other relevant person.

4.4. Attend to reportable offences  and follow procedures for reporting  on players sent off.

4.5. Discuss feedback provided by others and analyse in a rational and constructive way.

4.6. Implement changes to improve the quality of officiating based on formal and informal feedback provided by mentors, advisers, other officials, parents or other relevant persons.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• indicate decisions to players and other officials
• confirm decisions of other officials
• develop rapport with players and other officials
• resolve conflict with and between players

• problem-solving skills to:

• respond to flow of games
• maintain positioning

• self-management skills to respond appropriately to criticism
• literacy skills to:

• record game outcome
• complete reports

• numeracy skills to record game score.

Required knowledge 

• legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of Rugby Union games
• laws and regulations and spirit of the laws of Rugby Union to referee effectively
• presentation requirements, including use of fundamental auditory devices, whistle commands and body language to enable clear and effective communication of decisions
• roles and responsibilities of other officials to enable clear decision making and communication to players
• refereeing game plans at a junior level to enable coordination with other officials
• signals and indicators used to convey decisions to players, other officials, spectators, scorers and timekeepers
• reporting procedures to complete necessary paperwork and reports efficiently
• positioning principles to maintain optimal position to view play.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• assesses suitability of players and other officials to participate in the match, and interprets and applies the laws and regulations of Rugby Union for the given situation
• makes accurate and consistent decisions and communicates decisions to players, other officials, coaches and spectators
• conveys a confident and friendly manner and maintains optimal position to view play throughout the game
• completes written and oral formal and informal reports for junior level game, and implements changes to improve the quality of officiating based on formal and informal feedback.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure demonstration of officiating multiple junior level Rugby Union games to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• a Rugby Union competition facility, with marked out fields
• groups or teams of participants playing Rugby Union at the junior or beginner level
• officiating equipment and resources
• laws and regulations of Rugby Union
• convened judiciary hearing or a mock judiciary hearing. 

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of identifying breaches of laws and regulations by players and other officials
• oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of the laws and regulations of Rugby Union as they apply to games played at the junior level
• observation of applying positioning techniques to communicate with other officials and identify and signal breaches
• a portfolio containing written reports, evidence or documentation of oral reports, relevant paperwork and analysis of feedback where required
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing officiating performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Officials  may include:

• timekeepers
• touch judges
• team managers
• controlling body official
• coaches.

External influences  may include:

• ground and facility conditions
• weather conditions
• spectators and parents
• coaches bench
• hazards and risks.

Junior level  may include:

• officials with limited or no referring experience
• players ranging from under age to open competition.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety (OHS)
• environmental regulations
• working with children.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• OHS
• communication protocols
• refereeing guidelines
• code of ethics.

Information  may include:

• infringements
• player reactions
• signals from other officials
• player injury.

Laws and regulations  may include:

• laws of Rugby Union
• laws of modified Rugby Union
• Australian Rugby Union  Code of Conduct
• Australian Rugby Union  policy for junior rugby
• International Rugby Board regulations
• Australian Sports Commission Harassment-free Sport policy.

Auditory devices  may include:

• whistle
• siren
• horn
• bell.

Environmental conditions  may include:

• sun
• wind
• rain
• location on the ground.

Relevant paperwork  may include:

• best and fairest votes
• report of player forms
• timekeepers cards
• team sheets
• controlling body match report.

Procedures for reporting  may include:

• on ground
• post match
• tribunal.