Spare a thought for the ref who gets it from all sides
The fallout from last week’s first Test between the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions produced many victims, none more perhaps than the match officials.
Nic Berry, Ben O’Keefe, Mathieu Raynal and television match official Marius Jonker did not enjoy their finest hour and it was duly noted in various social media platforms.
It wasn’t just the trolls who came out to feast, even exasperated strategists, most notably Rassie Erasmus, voiced opinions.
With so much noise from so many angles aimed at the men who took charge of last weekend’s game, it again brought into focus the mental strain under which match officials operate.
There is perhaps heightened awareness as a result of tennis ace Naomi Osaka and gymnast Simone Biles having placed mental health front of mind with their public pronouncements at major events.
While SA’s professional players have access to mental health professionals through their representative body MyPlayers, referees and TMOs don’t enjoy similar support.
SA Rugby confirmed they don’t have a platform that provides that support to referees and TMOs.
Jannie Putter, who has worked as mental coach with the Bulls and the Lions, said that leaves a huge void.
The pressure under which they operate is incredible
Jannie Putter
Mental coach
“It’s sad. The pressure under which they are required to operate is incredible,” stressed Putter. “They are some of the loneliest people in the world. Nowhere do they feel welcome because they are always judged. To say that those people are part of your fraternity but you have no help for them simply isn’t on,” said Putter.
There was a time when SA Rugby was more aware of the mental strain officials operate under.
“When I started refereeing in the Super 12 I received help,” former referee and TMO Shaun Veldsman recalled.
“Freek Burger, who was heading the refs department, got Justice Potgieter to work with me. Other refs like Andre Watson also worked with him.”
Gradually, however, the avenues match officials could pursue narrowed.
“After that you had to seek help yourself if you wanted to speak to a psychologist. Essentially you are looking for someone who can help you on a one-on-one basis,” said Veldsman.
Putter confirmed he had conducted a workshop for SA Rugby but stressed more can be done to support match officials.
“It is probably one of the most challenging jobs you will find. A referee is almost like a policeman in that everyone is scared of you, they want you on their side, everyone wants your favour but they all talk behind your back when things go wrong.”
Rugby Australia came out in support of Berry. “It is important to ensure public attacks of this nature are not tolerated. We will continue to provide support to Nic at this time, as both his physical and mental wellbeing remain a priority for us.”
SA Rugby’s Mark Lawrence, who runs the day-to-day affairs in the refs department headed by Banks Yantolo, declined to comment. He needed to “align with his departmental colleagues” before commenting.