A number of the touch flags at the top end of the game are microphone linked to the referee. Well, in effort to assist coaches understanding of what is going on it has been suggested that a pilot programme will allow some coaches to listen in. A good innovation in my view. It is listen only – which is just as well given the desire of some of the more animated coaches in P1 who wish to engage match officials in regular debate and discussion.
Of course, at some International matches, the supporters can also listen in, which I think helps improve the general level of understanding of the laws of the game, and the enjoyment of the spectacle.
A meeting with the President
We met with the SRU President, George Jack and George Clark, the Premier 1 representative on the Council (who is also on the SRU Board which is the main decision making body) on Monday this week.
An opportunity to chat through the some of the issues facing Hawks and Scottish Rugby in general. It was a wide-ranging discussion covering issues as varied as our Youth Development activity, European Rugby and developing ambition in club rugby.
We also took the opportunity to raise the anomaly of restricting the number of Pro players allowed to participate at club level while clubs can field as many overseas players as they like. The result is that clubs are better served bringing in overseas players rather than developing Scottish talent.