CHARLESTON, S.C. – Eleven referees participated in the Atlantic Zone Referee Invitational Camp this past weekend in Charleston alongside the Men’s Eagles Rugby World Cup Qualifier against Canada.
USA Rugby Referee Department Director Ed Todd, Atlantic Zone Referee Manager Mike Cobb, National Referee Coach Manager Matt Eason, National Panel Referee Gareth Morgan and National Team Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dave Williams served as course leaders during the three-day camp from August 16-18.
The referees witnessed presentations Friday regarding game knowledge as it relates to scrums, referee positioning at tackles and rucks, and the expectations of USA Rugby referees and how to get there. Saturday’s presentations consisted of creating action plans, front rows and issues to be refereed, and National refereeing – perspective of being a National referee, pre-match prep and the Big Five.
The goal for the event was to give the attendees of the camp tools to help them develop into being the best referees possible, but keeping the onus on themselves with the theme of “Self Development.”
"This was one of the most rewarding assemblies I have participated in,' said Todd. "The referees absorbed a considerable amount of information in a short time, and they seemed to bond quickly.'
Attendees also filled in as match officials for the Canada Old Boys vs. USA Golden Eagles exhibition match at the Blackbaud Stadium practice field prior to the Eagles vs. Canada main event, as well as performing #4, #5 and #6 duties for the Test Match.
| Referee | Age | Local Referee Organisation |
|---|---|---|
| Gavin McCandless | 17 | Eastern Penn |
| Haley Slaughter | 33 | Florida |
| Cisco Lopez | 18 | Florida |
| Pearce Mara | 27 | Met NY |
| Christopher Mutty | 26 | New England |
| Jake Still | 30 | Potomac |
| Mike H O'Brien | 26 | Potomac |
| Evan Kelly | 24 | Potomac |
| Dave Edwards | 29 | Southeast |
| Duncan Van Schalkwyk | 17 | Southeast |
| Chris Davis | 26 | Virginia |
