Broadstreet RFC

5 Main IRB Objectives

Following the trials and tribulations two years ago and the general failure of the ELV's. Last seasons controversy surrounding the IRB's decision to change the 'interpretation' of the tackle law midway through the 2010 Six Nations championship,  season 2010 -2011 see no major law changes, however the IRB have passed on down through IRB supremo Paddy O'Brien who  explains the 2010 law interpretations as follows. For additional information on the IRB Laws of the game of rugby union can be found on their dedicated website.

The IRB is currently concentrating on five main area which they want referees to focus on to improve the quality of the game, with additional emphasis placed on  a longer Longer Crouch Touch Pause Engage or slowing down of the scrum call, and the Tackler release even if the 'tackler' is on his feet the tackler must release tackled player and ball to allow the tackled player to place, pass etc.

The laws of rugby exist to allow the game flow and function properly. However, this can lead to concerns over the interpretation of these laws. The IRB is currently concentrating on five key areas that they want referees to focus on to improve the quality of the game

These five key areas are as follows.

01Illegal obstruction at the maul.

02Offside from kicks.

03Slowing down the scrum call.

04Offside at the fringes.

05Tackler rolling away.

The following refereeing directives have been issued by the IRB and are to be implemented at all levels of the game. Their aim is to ensure that there is an equal contest for possession and to allow the game to flow more freely. To assist referees,coaches, players and observers to understand how these law clarifications affect the game, the RFU has put together the below resource of explanations and supporting video examples. This resource highlights key infringement areas to help develop a common understanding for the 2010/11 season.

01

Law 10.1 (c) Illegal obstruction at the maul in the lineout and from restarts.

Maul: From our observations of games across the globe, the lineout maul has been poorly refereed. The ELVs originally allowed the maul to be brought down. That ruling was not adopted, but there still needs to be a fair contest at the maul. Especially from lineouts, teams have formed barriers in front of the ball carrier before the maul is formed. It creates an obstruction. Your team now needs to make sure it engages with the opposition before allowing the ball to be moved back in the maul.

Restarts: Players from the team in possession must not obstruct opponents closing in on the ball carrier. Referees should penalise clear and obvious offences

The RFU have put together the  supporting video example for Illegal maul formation line out examples.

02

Law 11.1(a) Offside from kicks.

There is more kicking because of the 22 metre pass back law. We have noticed that sides have been poor at putting themselves onside from a kick. The non kicker has to wait to be put onside, moving away from the intended receiver if he is within 10 metres. Crucially, teams that are "lazy" give the receiver less time. This penalises the receiving team, giving the kicking team more reward. Even two metres of extra space allows more options for the receiver. You will have seen more penalties given in the Six Nations for offsides from kicks. We think adopting this tougher stance will reduce the aerial game.

The RFU have put together the  supporting video example for offside from kick example.

03

Law 20.1 (g) Slowing down the scrum call or 'Scrum Engagement Sequence'.

We have requested that referees do not let players dictate the scrum engagement cadence. They have to trust the referee's call. We want to slow the engagement process down to reduce the number of scrum resets. At the moment there is a lot of talk about scrum resets, but it is a phenomenon mostly found at the top level. Yes, the referee has a strong role to play. The problem lies also with the players. They are trying their very best to outdo the opposition, by foul means or fair. With all that movement, inevitably scrums will collapse. If you go down a few levels, you will not find the same amount of resets. It boils down to player buy-in. Why should the referee have to battle with the front rows to gain a steady scrum?

The RFU have put together the  supporting video example for Correct scrum engagement examples and these incorrect scrum engagement examples

04

Law 16.5 (d) Offside at the fringes.

Players not getting behind the back feet at the ruck chokes the game. This is still an area that is poorly refereed and so we have asked referees, along with their assistant referees to look out for this infringement. Even half a metre offside reduces the attacking team's options. Players should be penalised for breaching the offside line – particularly defending players – as this restricts the attacking options. Specific attention should be paid to players close to the ruck, and players in the wider spaces.

The RFU have put together the  supporting video example for  Offside at a ruck – team not in possession examples .

05

Law 15.4 (b) Tackler rolling away

We have asked referees to strictly apply the law at the tackle. The tackler who has fallen with the tackled player must release the tackled player before he gets up to ball. Previously players were getting away with holding onto the tackled player as they regained their feet. Observations from the Super 14s demonstrate this has created quicker ball at the breakdown. It is important to note that a tackled player must be released by anyone involved in the tackle. So even if the tackler remains on their feet, they must release the tackled player before they can play the ball.

I think we have come full circle in terms of communication between the referees and players.The constant chat from thereferee had become too big a feature. We now like the idea of "less is best". Players should not rely on the referees to tell them what to do. One command should be enough. A player should know when he is offside or off his feet. There should be less talk from the players as a consequence. We do not want to move down the road of other sports where referees are fair game for arguments. We have also changed what used to be known as the "massage session".Coaches would meet with the referees before the game, often with video footage of the opposition. We took this away because it turned into a protracted criticism of the opposition. Now we have come back to a more controlled meeting where coaches and referees can clarify points. It is not a chance to talk about the opposition. Referees, as a matter of course, speak to the teams before the game, and specifically the front rows. I would suggest this is a good time to discuss anything unusual you might be doing in the game. For instance you might say "we are going left from the kick off", so the referee knows to stand on the right.

The RFU have put together the  supporting video example for  Tackler not moving away from the ball/player examples .

There will be no changes in the laws between now and the 2011 World Cup, unless there is reason to make changes on safety grounds.

For those of you who wish to brush up on the laws of the game, or just want to prove your level of knowledge there is an IRB Knowledge test available to complete online. Just register on the IRB site and follow the instructions.