Items of Note this month:

1. AVAILABILITY – UPDATE IT! We have some major events coming this month and we need all hands on deck. The Mountain League returns as well, and there will also be some summer 7s.
2. Development – there’s been very little in terms of engagement with our Referee Development Officer. Keep in mind, development isn’t something that happens to you. It requires personal engagement and responsibility. Please fast forward in the video to 7:45 for an RDO update. Contact Gilligan for more information.
3. Aspen  – as many have heard, this year there is a $10,000 purse attached to the Men’s Open and Over-35 divisions ($5k each). This raises the stakes significantly for us as referees, and this years selections will reflect that reality. We are planning to have jerseys as usual – but the Ruggerfest organizers will be selling sponsorship to cover their increased costs.

The RMRR gathered for our first monthly meeting of 2015 at the Courthouse in Glendale. Below is a summation of major items from the meeting.

1. RMRR passed a set of updated bylaws and approved our intent to incorporate as a non-profit corporation.
2. Initial match assignments are posted through 3/8. We’re covering 40% of the assigned matches with coaches/performance reviewers, and 30% of the matches feature a team of three. As always ensure your availability is up to date.
3. As approved by membership at the 2014 AGM, all RMRR members are to sign the Code of Conduct. If you were not present, click here to print out the form, sign and scan it, send it to match.secretary@rockymountainrugbyrefs.com. You must sign the Code in order to be considered for new assignments.
4. A Coaching of Match Officials course is tentatively scheduled for 3/1. Location is likely to be at an office in downtown Denver. Be on the lookout for more details if you’ve previously expressed your interest to Dan Hattrup.
5. Our new BLK kit is due to arrive soon on the Rugby Athletic store. As a way to get more of the kit on the pitch this spring, the EC has provided an allowance to all referees to select either a new jersey, or one pair of socks and shorts for free this spring. However, supplies will be limited to 35 jerseys of each color and are on a first come, first served basis. All referees are eligible for the normal stipends this spring as well. Credit-earning criteria have been adjusted to be more generous as well. See our kit page for more.
6. We are developing a recruitment and welcoming committee to work to increase the number of referees within the society. A chair of each committee is being determined. If you are interested, please contact Tom Coburn.
7. Kurt reviewed the new U-19 Game Management Guidelines. Please review these before heading off to any HS matches this spring. The major points of emphasis are 1) no more squeezeball, 2) all tackles must be below armpits, and 3) a concussion protocol. For more information or questions on application, you can contact Kurt.
8. Stu gave a presentation on the creation of a Self Development Plan. If you are looking to advance your refereeing career, listen to AGM meeting below and work on your own plan with a fellow referee or mentor. Finished plans can be forwarded to Gilligan to assist with implementation and further guidance.