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Ruling Changes
www.bulldogs.com.au
National Rugby League coaches and players today said the spirit of the game should outweigh the temptation to over-use video technology.
In a positive review of the way the game is played, the coaches and players representing the NRL clubs examined a number of rule issues including the concept of a 'coach's challenge' to refereeing decisions.
"It was the best input we've had from the coaching and player group and the people that were here are to be commended for the respect they've shown each other and the game," NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop said today.
The NRL was asked to consider moving the Golden Point rule to either a 'Golden Try' or a fixed period of extra time.
Changes have been recommended to the NRL Board in terms of the off side interpretation and one aspect of the replacement rule around players injured after foul play.
There was close attention to the double movement rule and widespread acceptance of the principles in relation the current 'stripping rules'.
There was also a strong consensus that the game did not need major alteration and that rules should not be changed on the basis of one or two incidents in a year.
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens led the discussion in terms of the coach's challenge on the basis that he wanted the room to explore the concept rather than to necessarily adopt a rule for next season.
It raised issues central to a number of technology discussions on the day, the end result of which is that the video referee will retain the same powers as last season.
Tim's proposal was for the challenge to be limited and only available at a stoppage in play.
"I realise there are arguments about slowing the game down but it would put some pressure on the coaches to actually make a challenge rather than just complain," he said.
Cowboys coach Graham Murray suggested:
"I think our sport has been a leader in sports technology and I think other sports would like to be where we are but I don't think we are ready for a coach's challenge."
The Panthers Luke Priddis said it would be moving away from the spirit of the game:
"There are mistakes and one of the great things is how you deal with frustration.
"Do you turn around and spit the dummy - no player never gets 10 out of 10 for a game, it's how you deal with the mistakes and how you pull yourself together."
The coaches also agreed that the referee should not be able to bring the video referee into decisions during a match, other than for the existing provisions relating to tries, foul play, field goals and 40-20 kicks.
"Once the option is there they will have to use it and the question is how many replays it may take, we could be playing to midnight," Tim Sheens noted.
Referees coach Robert Finch argued that:
"One of the great assets of the game is its continuity. There have been errors made since 1908 and with eight camera angles now available we are seeing those errors more often than we did.
"They've always been there, probably more so than today and that's been part of the game and part of the speed of the game."
Issues discussed included:
Whether the knock on rule should be change to include any contact from the upper body:
It was agreed that the rule should remain contact with the hands or arms only and that a player must play at the ball to incur a knock on. (Referees were urged to focus on when a player was actually playing at the ball particularly in relation to defenders standing wide).
Whether a player should continue to be judged as on side by keeping one foot behind the ball:
It was agreed that the interpretation should be changed so that a player should have both feet behind the ball to remain 'on-side'.
Whether the play the ball speed should be adjusted:
It was agreed that a player should not be required to drop the ball on the ground to play the ball but that he must regain his feet, stand and make a genuine effort to contact the ball with his foot.
Whether the Obstruction rule should be changed:
The rule remains the same with the meeting agreeing that any player running behind a decoy runner is gaining an advantage.
While passing across the back of a decoy runner is not an issue, the ball carrier can't use the decoy runner to obstruct the defence from reaching the player passing the ball.
Decoy runners must not impede the defence's slide and must either run through the line or stop short of the line.
The stripping rule:
It was agreed by all parties that the current spirit of the stripping rule is the correct one for the game.
Hold Down penalties:
Rather than blow a penalty for 'holding down' it was suggested that play continue with the tackle count restarting.
It was agreed while this could be experimented with in the future there should be no change to the existing rule.
Golden Point:
There was discussion on the Golden Point rule and frustration from some because of a perceived reluctance by referees to issue a penalty in Golden Point Periods.
It was suggested that either first try or fixed periods of extra time be examined.
The double movement rule:
There was lengthy debate in relation to the double movement with Dragons Coach Nathan Brown one of many arguing that a player who reaches the line should be rewarded for doing so.
Cowboys coach Graham Murray said that cover defenders needed to be rewarded too, while the Warriors Steve Price said there was a real skill in players keeping their ball carrying arm off the ground when sliding near a line.
Ultimately more clubs were in favour of a change to this rule than not, however Brian Smith reflected the mood of the room when suggesting that unless there was widespread endorsement for a rule change then it shouldn't be made.
Non scoring team having the option of kicking off or receiving:
No change, the non scoring team to continue to kick off.
Changing scrums from a 5m rule to 10m rule for defending teams:
No change to the rule but a call on referees to better police the five metres.
Marker rules:
Remain the same.
Replacement rule:
Currently: If a player is injured because of foul play or a matter on report there is a 'free' interchange for that player as he exits the field.
The coaches today recommended that if that player were to return to the field then that too should be counted as a free interchange.
Shoulder Charge:
No change to current rule.
20m Tap placement:
Recommended that the Board consider all tap re starts taking place 20m in from touch. (As a rule change this would require approval from the ARL and then the RLIF).
The meeting also welcomed news from Robert Finch that the full time referees squad would be increased by four new recruits to 14 in 2007.
"Last year we saw Tony De Las Heras, Ben Cummins, Jarred Maxwell control 20 NRL games between them and we are bringing in more new talent in 2008.
"The NSWRL has integrated with our stream and the QRL are on board as well so we are creating real change."
Video Review Committee Chairman Greg McCallum reported that there had been a reduction in foul play in 2006.
Total charges are down 21% and total weeks of suspension down to 139 weeks from 185.
Dangerous throws are down 29% and high tackles down 31%.
Figures show 88.3% of players take early guilty pleas and that 45% of players were found either not guilty or achieve a downgrade after challenging charges at a judiciary hearing.
"We have worked very hard to achieve consistency and I believe it is having an effect on behaviour on the field," Mr McCallum said.
"Particularly in the area of dangerous throws we are seeing players taking steps to ensure that ball carriers are not placed in any danger."
www.bulldogs.com.au
National Rugby League coaches and players today said the spirit of the game should outweigh the temptation to over-use video technology.
In a positive review of the way the game is played, the coaches and players representing the NRL clubs examined a number of rule issues including the concept of a 'coach's challenge' to refereeing decisions.
"It was the best input we've had from the coaching and player group and the people that were here are to be commended for the respect they've shown each other and the game," NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop said today.
The NRL was asked to consider moving the Golden Point rule to either a 'Golden Try' or a fixed period of extra time.
Changes have been recommended to the NRL Board in terms of the off side interpretation and one aspect of the replacement rule around players injured after foul play.
There was close attention to the double movement rule and widespread acceptance of the principles in relation the current 'stripping rules'.
There was also a strong consensus that the game did not need major alteration and that rules should not be changed on the basis of one or two incidents in a year.
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens led the discussion in terms of the coach's challenge on the basis that he wanted the room to explore the concept rather than to necessarily adopt a rule for next season.
It raised issues central to a number of technology discussions on the day, the end result of which is that the video referee will retain the same powers as last season.
Tim's proposal was for the challenge to be limited and only available at a stoppage in play.
"I realise there are arguments about slowing the game down but it would put some pressure on the coaches to actually make a challenge rather than just complain," he said.
Cowboys coach Graham Murray suggested:
"I think our sport has been a leader in sports technology and I think other sports would like to be where we are but I don't think we are ready for a coach's challenge."
The Panthers Luke Priddis said it would be moving away from the spirit of the game:
"There are mistakes and one of the great things is how you deal with frustration.
"Do you turn around and spit the dummy - no player never gets 10 out of 10 for a game, it's how you deal with the mistakes and how you pull yourself together."
The coaches also agreed that the referee should not be able to bring the video referee into decisions during a match, other than for the existing provisions relating to tries, foul play, field goals and 40-20 kicks.
"Once the option is there they will have to use it and the question is how many replays it may take, we could be playing to midnight," Tim Sheens noted.
Referees coach Robert Finch argued that:
"One of the great assets of the game is its continuity. There have been errors made since 1908 and with eight camera angles now available we are seeing those errors more often than we did.
"They've always been there, probably more so than today and that's been part of the game and part of the speed of the game."
Issues discussed included:
Whether the knock on rule should be change to include any contact from the upper body:
It was agreed that the rule should remain contact with the hands or arms only and that a player must play at the ball to incur a knock on. (Referees were urged to focus on when a player was actually playing at the ball particularly in relation to defenders standing wide).
Whether a player should continue to be judged as on side by keeping one foot behind the ball:
It was agreed that the interpretation should be changed so that a player should have both feet behind the ball to remain 'on-side'.
Whether the play the ball speed should be adjusted:
It was agreed that a player should not be required to drop the ball on the ground to play the ball but that he must regain his feet, stand and make a genuine effort to contact the ball with his foot.
Whether the Obstruction rule should be changed:
The rule remains the same with the meeting agreeing that any player running behind a decoy runner is gaining an advantage.
While passing across the back of a decoy runner is not an issue, the ball carrier can't use the decoy runner to obstruct the defence from reaching the player passing the ball.
Decoy runners must not impede the defence's slide and must either run through the line or stop short of the line.
The stripping rule:
It was agreed by all parties that the current spirit of the stripping rule is the correct one for the game.
Hold Down penalties:
Rather than blow a penalty for 'holding down' it was suggested that play continue with the tackle count restarting.
It was agreed while this could be experimented with in the future there should be no change to the existing rule.
Golden Point:
There was discussion on the Golden Point rule and frustration from some because of a perceived reluctance by referees to issue a penalty in Golden Point Periods.
It was suggested that either first try or fixed periods of extra time be examined.
The double movement rule:
There was lengthy debate in relation to the double movement with Dragons Coach Nathan Brown one of many arguing that a player who reaches the line should be rewarded for doing so.
Cowboys coach Graham Murray said that cover defenders needed to be rewarded too, while the Warriors Steve Price said there was a real skill in players keeping their ball carrying arm off the ground when sliding near a line.
Ultimately more clubs were in favour of a change to this rule than not, however Brian Smith reflected the mood of the room when suggesting that unless there was widespread endorsement for a rule change then it shouldn't be made.
Non scoring team having the option of kicking off or receiving:
No change, the non scoring team to continue to kick off.
Changing scrums from a 5m rule to 10m rule for defending teams:
No change to the rule but a call on referees to better police the five metres.
Marker rules:
Remain the same.
Replacement rule:
Currently: If a player is injured because of foul play or a matter on report there is a 'free' interchange for that player as he exits the field.
The coaches today recommended that if that player were to return to the field then that too should be counted as a free interchange.
Shoulder Charge:
No change to current rule.
20m Tap placement:
Recommended that the Board consider all tap re starts taking place 20m in from touch. (As a rule change this would require approval from the ARL and then the RLIF).
The meeting also welcomed news from Robert Finch that the full time referees squad would be increased by four new recruits to 14 in 2007.
"Last year we saw Tony De Las Heras, Ben Cummins, Jarred Maxwell control 20 NRL games between them and we are bringing in more new talent in 2008.
"The NSWRL has integrated with our stream and the QRL are on board as well so we are creating real change."
Video Review Committee Chairman Greg McCallum reported that there had been a reduction in foul play in 2006.
Total charges are down 21% and total weeks of suspension down to 139 weeks from 185.
Dangerous throws are down 29% and high tackles down 31%.
Figures show 88.3% of players take early guilty pleas and that 45% of players were found either not guilty or achieve a downgrade after challenging charges at a judiciary hearing.
"We have worked very hard to achieve consistency and I believe it is having an effect on behaviour on the field," Mr McCallum said.
"Particularly in the area of dangerous throws we are seeing players taking steps to ensure that ball carriers are not placed in any danger."
