role of the captain

Question
First of all, let me excuse myself for my english that is far away
from perfection!  But I think you will understand my question.  
I'm playing in a senior league, but in the lower

What is the role of the captain on the field:

-  with the other players of his team (without inteferring with the
role of the scrumhalf per exemple, or even the 8-man)?

-  with the referee?  We just had a bad experience where our
captain came to the ref arguing his last call (with respect).  The
ref become mad.  I thought it was normal for a captain to go to
the referee to say when he thinks his team is victim of a bad call.    
Apparently, this ref thought differently!  What's your
expectations about a captain in the team you're coaching?  

Answer
Mr Bellefeuille,

First, I coach an international team in Stuttgart, Germany.  I am used less then perfect english (even from some of my American players).  That being said, I found your English to be very good.

My expectation is that the Captian is the Leader on the pitch.

My thoughts on leadership during a game:

The team leaders (Management of the Pitch)

The Captain is the primary leader on the field, and is the only player to speak to the referee.  He knows the team抯 capabilities and strengths.  He will know the team抯 game plan and will follow it during the game

The Unit Leaders (players responsible that his unit is set-up and following the Captain抯 game plan): The pack and backline will each have a leader whose primary function is call set plays and motivate the group.  He will follow the team抯 game plan and take advantage of opponents' mistakes and tendencies.  He will also maintain discipline for his unit.  For example- the scrum leader will generally call the lineout plays and bring the scrums together.  They are generally: from the Scrum: tighthead prop or hooker and from the Backline: fly-half.

The Tacticians (players responsible for accessing the play on the pitch and suggesting tactical changes in game play to the Captain): The pack and backline will each have a tactician whose primary function is to observe the other teams' tendencies and inform the unit leader.  For example: the inside center tells the fly-half that the opposing wing is playing flat, so the fly-half calls for a kick to the wing on the next set play.  They are generally: from the Scrum: eight-man, or flanker and from the Backline: inside center or fullback.

The Second phase manager is the Scrumhalf, or player acting as scrumhalf at decision circle

Therefore, while many positions have a leadership role in the course of a game, it is still the captain who runs the team.  If necessary, have a little chat with those who do not agree.  There can only be one head leader.

Regarding referees-

It is the Captain抯 responsibility to act as an advocate for his team, up to a point.  Remember the old rugby saying: 揚lay the referee.? This is important because according to

Law 6.A.4 (THE DUTIES OF THE REFEREE IN THE PLAYING ENCLOSURE)
(a) The referee is the sole judge of fact and of Law during a match.

Respect to the referee is a major attribute of the game.  Respect, and the lack there of, is presented in many ways- body position, actual words, tones, situation, etc.

It is my experience that it is better to inform the referee that you do not understand the call, and would the referee be willing to explain it.  Do not be confrontational and demand not only an explanation, but a reversal of the call.  That is unlikely to result in a change in the call, and likely to result in an angry referee.  They are human and will act accordingly.

So, yes be the advocate for your team, but realize that there is a point where it becomes counter-productive.

Deane Shephard
Stuttgart RC