Corner posts no longer a barrier in NRL

18:42 AEST Wed Jun 2 2010

The NRL has agreed to an immediate rule change that will see corner posts no longer treated as touch-in-goal when players come into contact with them.

The new rule means players don't have to avoid the corner post when attempting to score a try compared to the previous rules which would see contact resulting in a 20-metre restart being awarded.

In recent seasons some spectacular tries have been scored in the NRL as players continued to master the skill of touching down without making contact with the corner post.

Now, a player will not be deemed out of play unless he makes contact with either the touch-line or touch-in-goal-line or the ground beyond the touch line or touch-in-goal line.

The change has been made primarily to assist video referee decisions involving slow motion and freeze frame replays to determine whether a try has been scored.

It also applies to a player attempting to run the ball out from his own in-goal if he brushes the corner post without contacting or crossing the touch line or touch-in-goal line.

NRL Chief Operating Officer Graham Annesley said the existing rule had become something of an anomaly and that's why it was changed.

"Under the existing rule a corner post that was leaning inwards could have prevented a try from being awarded because the rule gave the referee or the video-referee no discretion," he said.

"Given the increasing scrutiny that every decision is now under, there was a strong view that the rule should be changed before a team is disadvantaged.

"There was overwhelming feedback from the clubs that if a change was to happen then it should take effect immediately."

Under the new interpretation, if the ball is not in possession of a player and it makes contact with the corner post (e.g. from a kick) the ball will be deemed to be touch-in-goal as per the existing rule .All other rules relating to the corner post and restarts of play remain unchanged.

The ARL will consider also adopting the rule before the second State of Origin match on June 16, however the new rule won't apply in lower grade competitions.

Information from the Referee’s Operations Manager

Members

We are now well into the competitions, and it is an opportune time to revisit the Guidelines set out in March and highlight a few areas that require our further constant attention in all games we are involved in.

BAD LANGUAGE:

Action is to be taken immediately against players who express their feelings with a loud outburst of obscenities.  Spectators and their children are NOT to be subjected to this unnecessary behaviour.  Penalise the player in the presence of the Captain.

On that basis, at all times be aware of your own actions in this area.

CONSISTENCY is the key in relation to this area. We need to make sure we act on it when it happens and each time it happens.

SEPARATION AT THE PLAY THE BALL:

Note: It is the sole responsibility of the referee to adjudicate on the tackle.

• Once a tackle is deemed to have been effected, the player in possession has the right to play the ball without interference.
• The defender similarly has to be afforded the right to remove himself from the tackle without being handled by the player in possession.
• At the time prior of the playing of the ball, the referee may call “hands” or “separate” which will advise players involved that there is to be a clear and total separation whilst the ball is played.

Referee’s Vocabulary: “Hands” or “Separate”

I believe the proof is in the pudding here. If we are making a conscious effort to achieve separation at the PTB, the overall ruck is greatly improved.

BACKCHAT:

Action must be implemented quickly on players who continually Backchat.

You cannot give the game your complete attention when players repeatedly chew your ear. Stop the game call the Captains over, advise them this type of behaviour will not be tolerated. Place the responsibility on their shoulders.

If you need to take further action, be FIRM but show respect.

There are too many instances, especially in HVJRL (Under 16s – 18s) where we are allowing this to affect our game. Again, DEAL with it when it happens.

ALL IN BRAWL:

There are a couple of very important points Referees should observe if unfortunate enough to be officiating in a game involving an all in-brawl.

Firstly do not step in between players in an attempt to prevent further hostility.  Blow your whistle hard & step back allowing you to view all the proceedings. It is not only significant for you to identify the instigator/s, it is very important you watch for players who rush in & become involved escalating the circumstances. Touch Judges also must give support in these situations by observing intensely from an advantageous position, ensuring an accurate report can be delivered.

When the state of affairs is in control, be alert of any attempt to Interchange players, this is not permitted until you have made your decision.

Several instances of these happening again mainly in HVJRL and we need to make sure we stay on top of things as best as possible. If we are going to dismiss players, make sure this is the best avenue. The use of the Sin Bin to “cool heels” does not appear to be being utilised as much as it perhaps can and should be.

COACHES/OFFICIALS VERBAL ABUSE:

Coaches and Officials who choose to sit in the designated place within the playing area are NOT allowed to coach or verbally criticise Referees or Touch Judges.  If this happens you are expected to take the appropriate action, which is:-

Þ             Stop the game.

Þ             Have the Ground Manager report to you.

Þ             Inform him of the problem.

Þ             Advise him to remove the person/s responsible outside the fenced or roped off area.

If the Ground Manager cannot be found then you as the Referee should take the above action.  Remember you have complete control of the playing area.

We have the full support of the Newcastle Rugby League in this regard. Please make sure we are acting on it as soon as it happens and not allowing things to build up.

SEND OFFS AND INCIDENT REPORTS

Please not the new system is now in place as emailed last week.

The send off report will be on the website by the weekend with a submit button which will come to me directly.

It remains that you need to contact Wayne Wilson should you have send offs.

PLEASE MAKE SURE THE FORMS ARE LODGED BY 10AM THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY EVERY TIME.

We have had an instance this week where we have had a case dismissed because we did not receive the referee report.

Any questions at all, give me a call on 0488 636501.

Pav