RUGBY - Northland referees say ear-bashing touch judges is not on

It used to be the ref who copped the verbals, now the linesmen are starting to earn the wrath of frustrated club rugby supporters.
Northland Rugby Referees are keen to hose down some of the passion now being directed at the linesmen, chairman Martin Albrecht rushing to the defence of the flag wavers.
"People are expecting the TJs (touch judges) to rule on things like forward passes, knock-ons and offsides. People don't seem to understand that TJs simply cannot rule on anything but play going out, foul play and some action in goal when asked by the referee, that's it," Albrecht said.
"Everybody is giving the TJs what-oh when they see a knock-on or a crooked lineout throw. The same stuff as usual, you know, `bloody hell Marty what the hell are you doing' kind of thing - and sometimes a bit worse than that, well often a lot worse than that actually - thinking the TJs can call play back. They can't, under the rules it is as simple as that," he said.
What makes the situation even more difficult is that the TJs, by running up and down the sidelines, are constantly close to the supporters and often some irked coaches, so end up getting the full brunt of the frustration.
So, as the club season heads into the business end of the competition, Albrecht is keen to educate the spectators.
It is all part of an ongoing campaign to stop the sideline insults at rugby referees, a factor that has already been identified as a major barrier to referee recruitment.
The Northland Rugby Union has a zero-tolerance policy toward referee abuse, having handed out some severe punishments to players who have given the referee an earful during games. But controlling spectators is another matter altogether.
It is only in premier matches or club games of particular significance that official tough judges are appointed anyway. Most club fixtures have sideline volunteers, often team reserves, holding the flag.
Appointed touch judges are occasionally consulted by the referee. Players standing in as touch judges are not.
"It is always at this time of year that this sort of thing pops its head up.
"The pressure is coming on a few teams to make the semifinals. Everyone is out there supporting their teams, which is great to see, but the TJ is not the man to have a go at."
* POINT OF LAW
Law 6.B: The Referee has control over both touch judges (whether they are referees who have been appointed or persons provided by the teams).
Touch Judge Signals (3 only):
• Signals, from at or behind the goal post, the result of a penalty kick at goal or a conversion. If the kick is successful the flag is raised.
• Signals touch when the ball or ball carrier has gone into touch by holding up his flag. The flag is lowered when the ball is thrown in, except when the player throwing in puts any part of either foot in the field of play, or when the wrong team throws the ball in.
• Signalling foul play. An appointed referee touch judge signals that foul play or misconduct has been seen by holding his flag out horizontally and pointing it infield.
The Referee may consult with the TJ regarding Time Keeping.(Law 6.A.7.a ). The Referee may also consult with the TJ regarding whether a player has stepped into touch or touch in goal prior to grounding the ball for a try. TJs have no authority to make any other calls.