From a recent Rugby Pass Article:
"The foundation stone of honest and open communication extends to both players and supporters of the game alike.
In 2024, Luke Pearce took to social media platform ‘X’ to explain a decision he made in a Rugby Championship game between Australia and South Africa. Pearce had penalized the Springbok defensive line for offside after Wallaby scrum-half Jake Gordon knocked the ball on, and one Springbok supporter questioned the decision online:
From International referee Luke Pierce:
“It was a mistake on my part. I didn’t see the 9 knock the ball on. We try our best but sometimes we get it wrong. Thanks for the question.” [Pearce]
Another poster summarized the quality of such fan engagement as follows: “How it should work! Courteous question. Honest answer. Mutual respect.”
Here's an admission of error by one of the world's finest, fittest, most studious referees.
It's often wondered by fans, parents, players, and coaches how referees can miss a clear knock-on. Well, how can a referee watch a ruck and the offside line at the same time? It's nearly impossible. And keep in mind most high-level refs like Pierce have fully trained and empowered sideline flag judge referees. In the vast majority of community, local-level matches in the United States, there's one ref in the middle and she or he is completely on their own. Their touch judge may be untrained or so closely affiliated with a team (likely) that it gives the appearance of bias. That's a tough situation for all involved.
All this serves to lead us into the next LEVEL 1 REF TRAINING CLINIC in Chicago on February 21st. Rugby in the USA needs more help at multiple levels especially in officiating. The girls league is a GREAT place to start. There are a lot of local games; the schedule is posted well in advance, and teams show up for their matches on time. There are a lot of amiable, supportive coaches in it for the good of the game. Contact WGR or the Wisconsin Ref's Society to get involved. Alumni, we need you.
