When it comes to refereeing in rugby, it is fair to say that the officials have a better relationship with the players than is the case in many other sports.
Respect towards those officiating on the field of play is certainly something that is paramount in the game. Abuse towards officials is not tolerated in any way and is a very rare occurrence at the highest level.
Of course, that respect is a two-way street.
Referees are also expected to deal with players in the right manner, especially when speaking with team captains. We saw a fantastic example of that in the URC over the weekend, featuring an up and coming referee who is already making waves in the sport.
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Rugby referee praised for stern words with South Afrcia prop
South African referee Aimee Barrett-Theron may be relatively inexperienced at the top level of the sport in comparison to some of her peers, but she has already garnered quite a bit of attention in rugby circles.
She was highly praised for her handling of some disobedient players during an U20 Six Nations clash last month, with her ability in such situations on show once again during a URC fixture on Saturday.
While reffing the clash between Lions and Sharks, she was not afraid to have a stern word with star South Africa prop and Sharks captain Bongi Mbonambi when she felt he overstepped the mark over the course of the game.
You can watch their exchange below.
Absolutely love this from referee Aimee Barrett-Theron. The way she commands respect from one of the most well known players in world rugby in Bongi Mbonambi is superb 👏 Aimee is a great referee who knows how to get captains to work with her! pic.twitter.com/ZJHurv8ng1
— Alex Lambe 🏉 (@RugbyLambo) March 3, 2024
Bongi, can you walk with me please, this way?
Bongi may I speak please? Listen, I fully respect you and who you are, and I am well aware that all of your players have probably played more games than I have refereed in the URC.
But we are on the same field so if you could show me the same respect that I show you, that would be very much appreciated.
That is excellent refereeing, demanding the respect of the players on the pitch while also giving plenty back.
Aimee Barrett-Theron would receive quite a bit of praise for her handling of this incident and overall display in the game.
Haven't watched Aimee Barrett-Theron referee much but enjoying her no-nonsense approach here. Dealt well with a fairly petulant Bongi after that try was ruled out.#LIOvSHA
— Hugo Gordon (@HugoGordon1) March 2, 2024
Is is just me or is Aimee Barrett-Theron a brilliant referee. Anyone pick up ANY errors in that first half, because I didn't?
None in law interpretation, none in communication. #URC— Tinus le Roux (@tinusleroux) March 2, 2024
Someone needs to chat to Bongi about how he treats referees. Aimee Barrett-Theron handled that exchange brilliantly but Bongi did not emerge in a good light.
— Joshua Brown (@BalcombBrown) March 2, 2024
Rugby fans always enjoy when a referee engages with the players in this manner.
It is something other officials should look to do more of moving forward.
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