With the November Tests set to kick off this weekend, the meeting gave the opportunity to discuss refereeing practice, physical preparation and recent developments in the Game.
While no new referee instructions were issued, the need to promote consistency and a fair contest for possession was on the agenda and referees were reminded of their obligation to operate a zero tolerance policy towards illegal entry, hands in the ruck, sealing off the ball, illegal clearing out and illegal scrum feeds. This is in accordance with the directive issued by the IRB to all 116 Member Unions at the beginning of June.
The areas covered were:
Law 15 – Tackle
In promoting a contest at the breakdown, referees will act against players who seal off the ball by going to ground over or on the ball carrier.
On some occasions players remain in that position and fail to move away contravening Law. Furthermore players are going to ground or on top of players after a tackle, thereby ensuring that the opposition cannot contest possession. Such actions are in breach of Laws 15.6 (g), 15.7 (c) and 15.7 (d).
Law 15 – Illegal Entry
Match officials will take action against players who enter the breakdown without any legitimacy. At a tackle or near to a tackle, other players who play the ball must enter the breakdown through the gate in accordance with Law 15.6 (c).
Law 16 – Illegal Charging at the Ruck
Referees have been reminded to strictly police the actions of players who enter the breakdown and who fail to bind onto a player when they clear out in accordance with Law 16.2 (b). Charging into an opponent at the breakdown with the use of the shoulder and making no attempt to use the arms to tackle is to be treated as dangerous play.
Law 16 – RuckÂ
It has become common practice for players to move the ball from rucks using their hands and to pick the ball up in a ruck to form a maul. It is also evident that players of the ball carrying team are being allowed to handle the ball in the ruck when defenders are being told to leave the ball alone.
Law 16.4 (d) is to be refereed at all times and applied to both the attacking and defending teams.
Law 20 – Scrum Throw In
Referees have been instructed to enforce a zero tolerance policy towards illegal scrum feeds, which is in breach of Law 20.6 (d). Referees are to remind the scrum half of his obligations and then ensure that he is positioned in the middle and standing square to the scrum prior to the feed.
