Is it as simple as experience, not complexity?

When we lack experience, we add complexity. The game does not need it.

Yesterday I refereed a U13A prep school match on a near-perfect rugby day: cold, dry, no wind, no glare from the sun.

The standard was excellent. Both teams showed exactly what you hope to see in a competitive age-grade game: physicality, bravery, plenty of skill and inevitable errors under pressure.

They were clearly well prepared. Both sets of coaches had strong playing backgrounds and, more importantly, years of experience coaching this age group. That showed in what they chose to prioritise.

There were set plays, but very few. Instead, the focus was on the areas that really matter at this stage: realignment in defence and attack, simple passing, and accurate tackling. The ball went wide when space was available and was carried hard when it was not. Nothing flashy, just good rugby thinking.

Were they perfect? Not at all. There was plenty they could do better. But that is exactly why experienced coaches tend to stay calm. You can only achieve so much in one season, and player development is a long journey, not a short project.

After the match, the headteacher of the home school told me he was delighted that four boys were playing a sport they had never encountered before arriving at the school three years ago. Watching them, you would never have known. They were as competent as anyone on the pitch.

And the referee? I made mistakes. I missed things. I would handle some moments differently with hindsight. That is the reality when you are processing a fast, physical game with young players still learning control.

And this worries me

I would put myself comfortably in the top 10% of referees officiating U13s this weekend. There will be plenty of better referees across the game this weekend, but they won’t be on U13s games.

Less experienced referees, mostly the team coach, won’t be able to run the game as effectively because it is complex, fast-paced, and requires constant attention.

The breakdown area is so dynamic, high tackles happen in a flash and controlling offside without assistants is tough.

If we want U13s rugby to stay safe, skilful and inclusive, we must take the quality and experience of who coaches and referees these games far more seriously.