Ulster School's Cup Final 2016

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STUART GAFFIKIN
MAN IN THE MIDDLE
How did you get into refereeing?
I always enjoyed playing rugby and played at
school but an injury when I was 16 curtailed what
would have been a distinctly average career. I
wanted to be involved in rugby in some form and
refereeing appealed to me because you had an
active role on the pitch, in the thick of the action. So
I attended a New Recruits Course 11 years ago with
Referee Development Officer, David Wilkinson. The
course lasted one day and the following week I was
on the pitch refereeing my first match, a cracker
between Civil Service IV and Lurgan III at Stormont!
What key skills are required to be a good
referee?
For me the most important skills are
communication with players, coolness under
pressure, fitness, knowledge of the law and the
ability to apply the law fairly to ensure that a fair
contest can take place. If a referee can develop
and show these skills then you normally get a good
rugby match that people want to watch.
Are you looking forward to being the man in
the middle at the most anticipated domestic
game of the season?
Of course, the School’s Cup final is a hugely
important game, for players, coaches, parents, the
rugby public at large and for referees. Running out
at Kingspan Stadium on St. Patrick’s Day will be a
great honour.
What challenges do you face refereeing such
a hyped up game?
For me it’s important to remember that this is ‘just’
another game. If you take away the thousands of
supporters, the stadium, the history, the occasion
and the TV cameras this could be any other school
game anywhere in the Province. There are still two
teams and thirty players trying to win a game of
rugby and I’m just trying to facilitate that!
What do you think of the standard of rugby
these two teams have produced this season to
get to the final?
Honestly, I haven’t seen either team play but
knowing the standard of the competition, any team
that reaches the final has certainly earned it. No
doubt both teams will be hoping to put on a show
for their school and supporters.
How do you prepare for a game like this?
Just the same as for any other game save for a few
extra considerations.
Which ref do you most admire?
The referee I most admire is Alain Rolland,
who retired at the end of the 2014 season after
refereeing at three Rugby World Cups and
refereeing the final in 2007. I had the pleasure of
being his Assistant Referee in the Heineken Cup on
a number of occasions.
Favourite match you have officiated?
I refereed a Rugby Europe match between Georgia
and Spain in Tbilisi in 2014. It was a real experience
travelling to a new country with its own particular
culture, not to mention refereeing a host of players
who were playing their rugby in the French Top 14 -
a definite challenge.
Best ground you have experienced?
I refereed the final of the Rugby Europe U18
International tournament between France and
Georgia at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse in
front of a packed house of 19,500.
Most memorable experience?
One of my first appointments in the Heineken Cup
was to be an Assistant Referee with Alain Rolland
for a match between Montpellier and Toulon.
Montpellier is a great venue and a beautiful city but
the match was a late night kick off and both teams
were loaded with huge stars of world rugby.
What advice would you give to someone
interested in refereeing?
I would really encourage anyone to take up the
whistle. It is such a great way to be or remain
involved in rugby and it is a real challenge to keep
30 guys in line. I’ve met so many great people
through rugby on and off the pitch and I’ve had
the opportunity to be involved in some great
matches. Added to that, I’ve had the opportunity to
travel round Ulster, Ireland and Europe with other
referees, many of whom are now great friends.
For more information on becoming a referee,
please email