This has been a quiet month in terms of new resources. An interesting debate occurred about complaints when a team was penalised for a “cavalry charge” by just one player. A swift look at law 10(p) confirmed even just one player running early before the tap constitutes a cavalry charge, albeit I guess quite a small one.

However, an excellent article has been discovered from the soccer referees camp. It gives brilliant advice on body language, use of voice and appearance not just on the pitch, but in all the circumstances a ref may find himself. It is quite long, and parts are specific to soccer, but overall it is an excellent and invaluable read. To open it click here.

Then some 7-a-side myths reared their ugly heads but were swiftly scythed down by the sword of knowledge;

These are all Myths

You are only allowed 2 in the lineout. No more, no less.

SH can run in to be lifted before the ball is thrown.

The try scorer must kick the goal.(Though some tournament regs require this)

You don’t have to have an “opponent to the thrower” in his 5m x 5m tramlines box.

You have to have a receiver? No, same as 10’s and 15’s

However, this is true; the blood bin time is still 15 minutes (which almost guarantees a team an extra sub)

To redress the balance of ignorance we have attached here some condensed wisdom about refereeing 7's, excellent reading at this time of year.

Finally, you may have heard that our colonial cousins over the pond are starting to play rugby. All strength to them I say. Attached is a guide they issue to referees (which beware is sometimes at odds with our interpretations) which to quote Ian Carmichael in an early television advert for American wine, is jolly good.

Don't forget to email Graeme your expenses form and Richard your Ro Bates scores, both forms are available for download.