CARFU RS referees recently met up for a society meeting at Peggy Kinane’s in Arlington Heights to prepare for the start of the Fall 2025 competitive season! Tim Sheridan, President, called the meeting to order, and we began with with introductions from the group since there were some new as well as rare faces in attendance.
Sydney Ramgolam, Treasurer, provided an update on the current state of the society’s finances and confirmed that we currently have a positive bank balance. She shared that the board is exploring using Arbiter Pay, with the intention of implementing it progressively so it is fully operational by spring 2026. Sydney informed everyone that the CARFU RS Google Workspace is up and running fully, which will improve the Board’s ability to handle administrative responsibilities. She also reported on behalf of Amelia Vojt, Referee Retention Officer (RRO), that we are working on creating new Facebook and Instagram pages consistent with our new domain.
Dave Carter, Board Member at Large, provided an overview of fundamentals for assistant referees (ARs). Some key points included:
- Show up an hour early and communicate with the referee to understand what they are looking for from you.
- Help maintain offsides by talking to players nearby and letting them know if they need to move back to maintain space.
- Keep your flag out when you spot foul play, even if there is a try, because it may lead to the referee disqualifying the try.
- If you are the leading AR, follow the ball and focus on what is happening near the play.
- If you are the trailing AR, you are extra eyes for the referee and should be watching for a successful resolution to the breakdown since that is often where shenanigans happen.
- When there is a penalty kick towards your side with potential to reach the goal line, stand on the goal line flag so you have a clear view of whether the ball remains in play, goes into touch, or goes into touch-in-goal.
Dawn McKenzie, Referee Development and Retention Officer (RDRO), shared some exciting new grade promotions:
- Andrew Futerman – C1 (from C2)
- Chris Milojevich (Milo) – C2 (from C3)
- Laura Nevill – C2 (from C3)
- Eoin Quaid – C2 (from C3)
- Sydney Ramgolam – C2 (from C3)
- Katie Scheuber – C2 (from C3)
Dawn discussed the process for implementing coaching plans that fit individual referees based on a survey from earlier this year. She has been successful in reengaging coaches, and is working on developing more transparency and consistency among the coaches through semimonthly meetings. There will be several opportunities for referees to officiate higher-level matches in the fall, and we are looking to continue our relationship with UIC Sports Psychology to provide referees with the mental tools to help them succeed.
Tim Sheridan reviewed the main components of the USA Rugby Game Management Guidelines GMG for the 2025-26 season so we can do our best to provide fairness and consistency in officiating across referees and matches. Particular emphasis was placed on World Rugby Regulation 18 (Misconduct and the Code of Conduct) and society members were informed that a team was recently put on a 12-month probation following a citation for referee abuse. Tim directed referees to report any abuse that occurs so action can be taken as needed and administrators can monitor any patterns of behavior.
Tim reminded referees to register in Rugby Xplorer under ‘Chicago Area Referees’ for the 2025-26 season. Referees who are not registered for the current cycle will not be assigned any matches after 8/31/25 as they will no longer be covered by insurance.
Tim wrapped up the meeting by encouraging all referees to continue engagement in the WhatsApp community for useful discussion and connection. He emphasized that communication on any platforms, both internally amongst ourselves and externally in any capacity as a referee, must remain professional and constructive. Society members were instructed to only use the coaches and referee emails lists for business related to rugby and CARFU RS specifically.
The meeting ended in just under two hours time and people stuck around for a bit to socialize after. Overall, it was a great way to kickoff the fall season, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone out on the pitch soon!