Game Management Guidelines Australian Domestic Competitions 2008

Overview of Guidelines

Developed from:

•

Outcomes of the IRB

’

s Conference on the Game, January 2004

•

IRB Referee Aide Memoire September 2007

•

IRB Communication Protocols for match officials

•

Outcomes from the SANZAR Super 14 Workshop December 2007.

•

Adapted to reflect playing, coaching and refereeing at Community Rugby levels.

•

Consistent with ARU SmartRugby Program

Scrummage

ENGAGEMENT SEQUENCE CROUCH TOUCH PAUSE ENGAGE PRE-ENGAGEMENT

• • • • • • Scrum half available with ball Teams set up without delay Both teams crouch together Teams remain stationary until engage call Don’t hold teams in crouch position too long (instability) Zero tolerance on early engagement (safety)

Scrummage

POST ENGAGEMENT

• • • • Front rows bind on engagement Scrum must be square and steady Referee should act quickly on instability Feed should be credible

BINDING

• • • Props must maintain binding & not bore in, up or twist Back row must be bound until ball is out Flankers must bind on locks

Scrummage

COLLAPSED & WHEELING SCRUMS

• • • Collapsed scrum – be strict – reset or PK (Safety) Must be aware of Mayday procedure and apply correctly Whip wheel (pulling back) is illegal

OTHER

• • Defending No. 9 cannot touch scrum Flankers, No. 8 or No. 9 cannot obstruct at back of scrum

Tackle

TACKLE PROTOCOL (ORDER OF PRIORITY)

• • • Tackler Tackled Player Arriving players Tackle circumstances (who wins tackle) may dictate order Accuracy is critical

Tackle

SOME FOCUS AREAS

• • • • • • • • • • Ball must be available immediately Tackler cannot change position to prevent ball availability Zero tolerance on tacklers not moving away (multiple tacklers) Tackler regaining feet Definition of a “Tackler” Through the gate Unplayables Arriving players Wide hits and shoulder charges Ball on ground, ball off ground

Tackle

Tackle

OTHER TACKLE ISSUES

• Correct terminology – Dangerous tackle • • Dangerous tackles – High – No arms – Spear – Collar sling Tackles could be – Late – Early – Late and dangerous – Early and dangerous • Contact with head or neck after initial contact = dangerous tackle (IRB)

Ruck & Maul

SOME FOCUS AREAS

• • • • • • • • • • • • Joining Cleaning out Rucking, no feet on bodies Players offside at ruck/maul – pillars and posts Obstruction at mauls Ball out when totally exposed or clear of bodies Once the scrum half puts his hands on the ball he must play it.

“Ball out” should only be called when there is doubt Lazy runners Stationary mauls Mauls moving sideways Consistent calling of ruck (only when one exists)

Lineout

SOME FOCUS AREAS

• • • • • • • • • Referee slowing down lineout Slow formation Forming away from line-of-touch Early jumping – cause?

Player in the air Sacking Players beyond 15 metres Receiver & non throwing hooker – IDENTIFIABLE (2 metres) Straight throw

Restarts

SOME FOCUS AREAS

• • • • • • Kick off and drop out Penalty & Free Kicks Quick taps (correct place) Ball thrown away or not released Players not retiring 10 metres Players “ milking ” 10 metres

Advantage

SOME FOCUS AREAS

• • • • • • Real and clear (not just an opportunity) Decide whether infringement has material effect Communication by signal and voice Non-infringing team under pressure Knock –on Advantage Penalty Kick Advantage

Foul Play

OBSTRUCTION

• • Player in front of ball carrier Option runners

UNFAIR PLAY

• • • • • Accuracy, consistency & tolerance levels Intent of player Deliberate & cynical infringements Repeated infringements Sanctions

Foul Play

DANGEROUS PLAY

• • • • • • • Safety & accuracy are paramount Benefit of doubt to safety Sanctions Punching is unacceptable Punching & stomping in U19 matches (RED card) Retaliation Law 10 Sanctions

Other

PLAYERS DISPUTING REFEREES DECISIONS

• • • Should not be tolerated Take a strong stance Referees deal only with the captain

OTHER

• • Manage unnecessary injury stoppages Players with bleeding wounds leave the field

Touch Judges

SOME FOCUS AREAS

• • • • • • Refer communication protocol Clear and comprehensive briefing pre-match Everyone needs to be clear on their role Touch Judges focus on Primary & Secondary Roles – Primary Role – Touch/Touch-in-Goal/Kicks at Goal – Secondary Role – Foul Play Foul Play – Touch Judges – low tolerance level – Referees – take responsibility and apply correct sanction Touch Judge tertiary role – Assist referee in game management – Only call clear and obvious – Agree pre-match on touch judge responsibilities

Summary

KEY FOCUS AREAS

• Safety (paramount) • Mayday procedure • Scrum engagement sequence • Consistency (in decision making) • Tackle management • Foul play and misconduct • Touch Judge responsibilities