Presiding: Tom Tani, President

Attending:  McDowell, Harty, Jacobs, Bethe, DeVerna, K. Smith, Gavin, Kleiner

1.   Tom Tani reviewed the recently released IRB revisions to the laws, circulated during the past week to all refs and clubs and posted on the RRSNY web site.  Additional comments:

·     The rule changes will become effective in the Met Union commencing with the Jersey Shore Tournament, August 18

·     Where the rules make reference to “in international matches’ the RRSNY intends to apply the same standard in everyday play.

·     There is some mis-numbering of the law changes related to the tackle zone; be careful.

2.   Jem McDowell offered two recommendations based on conversations with players and coaches during this season:

·     There is a need for referees to arrive at the breakdown earlier and begin verbally taking charge of the event. When the referee is unable to be physically close, taking charge vocally should be the goal. Use the standard phrases circulated last year.

·     Players want referees to verbally support constructive or conclusive play as well as to speak up about problems or warnings.  For instance, players appreciate hearing phrases such as “ruck formed” or “kickoff is good”.  They also want to hear the nature of the advantage when it is being played so that they understand the nature of the infraction (“advantage blue, knock on” rather than just “advantage blue”)

3.   Touch judge training will not be provided this summer since training of the trainers may not occur until September.  A course will be offered in the fall.

4.   Tom and Lex will assess interest in a summer barbecue for the Society. Any volunteers to host it?

5.   Next meeting is JULY 9^TH, 7:30, Merkley Newman Harty, 200 Varick St. NYC. The following meeting is now scheduled for August 6^th, same place and time.