Jonathan Kaplan - Call It Like It Is: The Jonathan Kaplan Story

Contents

Foreword

My first encounter with Jonathan Kaplan came in 1996 when, as a young referee fresh out of school, I was invited to touch-judge at an international schools festival at Kearsney College in Natal. I had heard Jonathan Kaplan was due to referee at the tournament and was excited about meeting the rising star in South African refereeing, a guy who was due to referee a Currie Cup game on TV that weekend. The moment came when Jonathan pulled me aside following the game I had touch-judged and, in what I have since discovered is typical of his style, quite bluntly pointed out areas of my performance that needed improving. I felt he was a little prickly and overly critical.

It did not take me long to realise, however, that far from being deliberately aloof or negative, Jonathan was taking a special interest in me as a person and referee, perhaps recognising something in my 18-year-old self before I had even recognised it myself. It was the start of a very special friendship and work ing relationship.

I watched with growing pride as J.K. went on to become one of the worlds most accomplished referees. Our friendship grew as, perhaps prophetically, I ran touch for him in an enormous amount of rugby games, from Potchef stroom to Auckland and from Stadium Australia to Twickenham. And I loved the countless hours we spent on aeroplanes and in hotels and casinos, and on gentle plods through some of the worlds most glamorous cities, sharing stories and talking about life and rugby.

J.K.s record at all levels of the game attests to his professionalism and his determination to succeed. This didnt happen by accident. J.K. lives the phrase a student of the game. I have been fortunate to witness first-hand to what extent he loves the deep intricacies of the game. The passion and energy with which he dives into detailed analyses and deep philosophical conversations on rugby is a testament to his continued love for the game, which has dominated 30 years of his life.

And whether its a Rugby World Cup semi-final or a Vodacom Cup game in Potchefstroom, its an illuminating insight into the man to have seen first- hand how his approach to and respect of the participants doesnt change. To achieve the accolades and record number of games at all levels attests to his ability to treat each one of them as being as important as the other. The credibility and respect he has garnered over his 15 years in the professional era is a testament to his character.

There is no question that I am a better referee because of the time I spent with J.K. Much of what Ive learnt has been the result of the endless conversations and philosophical debates weve had about the game, but just being around him in a big-match environment, watching him display the courage and the nerve to perform on the worlds greatest rugby stages and under the glare of a sometimes rabid media, permeated my subconscious and provided a road map for the psychological resilience required to succeed at this level.

J.K., you have been my beacon in every respect; I only hope I can be the strong and true warrior that you have been.

CRAIG JOUBERT