DOMESTIC RUGBY GAME MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTIONS
For Match Officials, Coaches and Players - 2003/2004 Season
 

Representatives from 8 Clubs attended the meeting on 19 September 2003
The Clubs were asked -
 
WHAT DID WE DO WELL
1. Referees had a clear objective
2. Touch Judges were provided at lower level where ever possible
 
Where CAN WE IMPROVE
1. Communication - Referees to talk to players, particularly in lower grades
2. Tackle/Ruck - Clearly identify the situation. Stop hands on the ball in the ruck
3. Niggle - Try to help rid niggle from the game
4. Inconsistency - Try to get greater consistency between referees
5. Let the game flow
6.
Appoint senior referees to lower divisions at times
 
Following are the Game Management Instructions agreed between Coaches and Referees that will aid in the administration and playing of the Game in 2003/2004.
 
1. TIMING KEEPING
2. HALF-TIME
3. NOMINATED PLAYERS AND REPLACEMENTS/ SUBSTITUTES
4. FOUL PLAY
5. PLAYERS CLOTHING
6. LINEOUT
7. SCRUM
8. TACKLE
9. RUCKS
10. MAULS
11. ADVANTAGE
12. OFFSIDE
13. TOUCH JUDGING
14. GENERAL
15. OBSTRUCTION
 
1. TIMING KEEPING
1.1

Referees will meet with the Captains prior to the match and agree the exact time of the kick off.
1.2 Teams shall be required to take the field and be ready to kick off at the agreed time. Teams that delay for any reason shall be subject to penalty.
1.3 Points will also be deducted from the "31 Trophy".
 
2. HALF-TIME
2.1

Coaches must not seek to communicate with match officials during any stoppage in play, including the half time interval. Any such representation will be regarded as misconduct and will be reported by the match officials to their Union.
2.2 Other team management members are also not permitted to communicate with the match officials at half time. This does not preclude normal communication between Captain and the Referee.
 
3. NOMINATED PLAYERS AND REPLACEMENTS/ SUBSTITUTES
3.1

The replacement of an injured player shall be made only when the ball is dead and with the permission of the Referee. The Referee should not permit a player to resume until the ball is dead.
3.2 Up to 7 substitutes may be made for any reason only when the ball is dead and with the permission of the Referee.
3.3 For games below Division 1 (and equivalent in other competitions) this figure may be altered subject to the agreement of both captains.
3.4 Players who have been substituted may not re-enter the match even to replace an injured player, except in the case of a player having a bleeding or open wound or for an injured front row player if no other suitable trained replacement is available. If a front row player has been substituted and the replacement is injured then the original player may return to the field. Eg. A specialist prop can replace a prop, and hooker for hooker.
3.5 Team lists should have asterisks placed beside the names of players who can play in the front row. Referee to cite at the pre-game check.
 
4. FOUL PLAY
4.1

The "Guidelines for Sanctions against Foul Play" will be used in 2003/2004
4.2 The IRB has ruled that:
 
A.

Any player who infringes any part of the Foul Play Law must be

(i)
Admonished;
(ii)
cautioned and temporarily suspended; or
(iii)
sent off.
B. A player who has been cautioned and temporarily suspended and who then commits a second caution able offence within the Foul Play Law must be sent off.
4.3
(i)
 If a player accumulates 3 yellow cards within a twelve-month period, he shall automatically receive a 1-week suspension.
(ii)
 If a player accumulates 6 yellow cards within a twelve-month period, he shall be required to attend a Tribunal meeting to show cause.
 
5. PLAYERS CLOTHING
5.1

Any protective clothing worn by a player (shoulder pads, head gear and chest pads), must conform to the iRB specifications. All such clothing must bear the authorized mark of the iRB.
5.2 Referees shall ask players to submit all articles of protective clothing for inspection prior to the commencement of the game. Once the game has commenced, any player found wearing any non-approved article of clothing shall be ordered off the field.
5.3 "Bladed" boots by manufacturer's Adidas, Nike and Puma have been cleared by the iRB as legal playing wear.
 
6. LINEOUT
6.1

Referees should be aware that a restart kick which goes directly into touch may be accepted by the non-offending team and a quick throw taken to restart play. The ensuing quick throw can be taken anywhere between the half way line and the goal line.
6.2 At a formed lineout the ball must be thrown in without delay. Players who hold the ball in front of and above their head and then move the ball to the rear of their head must continue the movement and throw the ball into the lineout.
6.3 The thrower must not step into the field of play whilst in the action of throwing in the ball.
6.4 The ball must be thrown so it follows the line of touch, and is initially played on that line of touch. In practical terms the line of touch represents the 1 metre gap between the inside shoulders of the teams in a formed lineout when they are facing the touch line. The Referee must be consistent regarding straightness of the throw throughout the fixture to enable a contest for possession.
6.5 Following a ruling by the IRB Laws Committee, "pre-gripping" of players who are jumping for the ball is permitted. Law 19.9 (j) states that pre-gripping below the waist is illegal. For practical purposes, the shorts are considered as part of the "waist".
6.6 Pre-gripping on the shorts is permitted however there is to be no lifting on the legs; the steadying of the jumper by the front support player's hands on the thighs of the jumper is permissible. [Law 19.9 (k)]. NB: At U19 level, all support must be on the shorts. There is to be no support on the thighs at the front.
6.7 Taking jumpers out in the lineout is extremely dangerous play and Referees and Touch Judges are instructed to deal with this practice firmly. At times poor support of the jumper, rather than interference across the line of touch, can be the cause of players falling dangerously. Touch Judges are to assist the Referee in the identification of early driving on the jumper or his support players.
6.8 If the non-throwing team jump early, with their lineout jumper being supported and left for some time in the air, Referees will follow the following management strategy;
 

Remind the players at the first lineout that early jumping and remaining supported is not permitted
If on the first occasion the non-throwing in team wins the ball by the illegal method outlined, a free kick will be awarded to the non-offending team
If the lineout is not lost by the team throwing in, the Referee will play advantage and talk to the offending team at the next lineout.
If the offence continues, free kicks and sanctions under persistent infringements should be applied.
6.9 Should a team attempt to take a quick lineout, the Referee should not restrict this option by insisting on managing the gap. Referees to be aware not to stand in the gap and take away the quick line out option.
6.10 Players who approach the line-of-touch (within 2-3m) are deemed to be participants in the lineout and cannot then leave the lineout. They must line up without delay. However players of the non-throwing team in excess of those lined up by the throwing team must be given a reasonable opportunity to conform.
6.11 If the "receiver" chooses to enter the line-out, he may do so, however he must not obstruct the opposition jumpers and the ball must be thrown to him.
6.12 At a line-out, a player is permitted to tackle an opposition player with procession of the ball, but only before a maul has been formed.
 
7. SCRUM
The primary consideration at every scrum is SAFETY.
Teams must be able to contest the first scrum of the game with a properly trained and competent front row. At first division, teams must have at least four players who are capable of playing in the front row.
Teams that cannot fulfill this requirement shall lose the points for the game. The game may continue to be played subject to safety considerations (see below)
If a front row player becomes injured and no suitable and trained replacement is available, the game may continue but with non-contested scrums.
Referees must ensure that the following occurs:
7.1

Make a mark at the place of the scrum.
7.2 Use consistent verbal instructions throughout the match. Referees will manage the scrum engagement sequence by using the words "Crouch and Hold" as the scrum is assembling. Their next instruction will be "Engage" only when both front rows are ready to engage. At U19 level, "crouch", "touch and hold", "engage".
7.3 Ensure that the scrum engagement procedure is followed and only instigated when the ball is available.
7.4 Take responsibility for the engagement procedure and maintain it consistently throughout the game.
7.5 Do not physically interfere with the engagement procedure e.g. body or hand in the line of sight of any front row player. If the Referee is having difficulty in gaining the correct space between the front rows, then he can place his hands lightly on the shoulders of reach of the props when they are in the crouched position.
7.6 Award an immediate free kick (penalty kick for charging) if the engagement is not acceptable, unless it cannot be determined who was responsible in which case the scrum will be reset.
7.7 Ensure that the scrum is square to the touchline and stationary. The Referee should then instruct the scrum-half to feed the ball. The Referee should ensure that the scrum is steady and stable, prior to the scrum throw in.
7.8 Ensure that the loose head and tight head props are at right angles to the touchline and binding correctly according to law, i.e. Binding on the back of the opposing prop and not on the arms, sleeves, thigh or ground (except in pica dot 7.12 below).
7.9 Ensure that the throw-in is down the middle line and without delay, with no one- handed feeds or spinning of the ball. The halfback should stand square to the props and deliver a straight feed.
7.10 Enforce the proper binding of loose forwards and ensure that flankers are bound on locks and not props. The Referees communication is "stay bound" or "full arm".
7.11 The whistle is to be blown and the scrum reset when the two front rows have wheeled more than 90 degrees. 'Whip wheels' where players 'pull opponents are illegal and dangerous and must be dealt with by Referees. In practical terms, the Referee will manage the situation and as the scrum approaches 90 degrees, will communicate to the team in possession to " play it" and allow them time to clear the ball (immediately).
7.12 A prop's hand on the ground should only occur rarely and for a short time i.e. when the prop is off balance or endeavoring to prevent collapse. Referee and Touch Judges should be aware of props that use hands on the ground as a "launching pad" so that they can attack the opposition prop. Referees should take appropriate action to prevent this occurring.
7.13 Blow the whistle immediately if the front rows collapse, pop up or stand up and;

Award a penalty kick against the offending player(s); or
Award a penalty try if, except for the illegal actions, a try would probably have been scored; or
Reset the scrum only when there is doubt as to who the offender is or if it was accidental.
ADVANTAGE MUST NOT BE PLAYED.
Consider using Touch Judges on the non-referee side of the collapsed scrum.
7.14 When a defending team shears off in a scrum (usually the defenders), or deliberately disengages before the scrum has ended, the Referee should award a penalty against that team for the deliberate and willful action.
7.15 Coaches are to ensure that scrum safety techniques are coached and practiced by players at all times.
 
8. TACKLE
Referees must ensure that the following occurs:

At the tackle, the Referee's sequential focus must be:
TACKLER(S)
TACKLED PLAYER
SUPPORTING/ ARRIVING PLAYERS.
Referees should ensure that they arrive at the tackle as soon as possible from the previous phase of play.
8.1

Tackler(s)
 

Ensure that the tackler allows the tackled player to play the ball immediately (without delay).
Ensure that the tackler does not reduce the options of the team winning the ball
Penalise any tackler who limits options, this will ensure that bodies are not rucked.
The tackler must release the tackled player immediately; with the Referee to communicate once "let him go".
A tackled player who places or pushes the ball into touch will be penalized with the mark being on the 15 metre line.
8.2 Tackled player
 

Players of both teams, while remaining on their feet, and before a ruck has formed, have the right to contest the ball with their hands, even if the tackled player hasn't had time to exercise his options.
Ensure the ball carrier complies with his options under Law.
Ensure that the tackled player plays the ball immediately and then has no further involvement until he is standing.
Ensure that the tackled player does not reduce the options of the team winning the ball whilst he is on the ground.
Ensure that the tackled player releases the ball to an opposition player in a standing position who is competing for the ball.
The Referee should communicate once "play it".
8.3 Support/Arriving players
 

Players must enter the tackle area as described in the Laws, i.e. "through the gate".
Penalise players who fall to the ground voluntarily/ deliberately beyond the ball.
Penalise players who voluntarily/ deliberately fall on or over the tackled player.
Arriving players who 'clean out' a tackler to free up the ball, and who finish on the ground should not be penalised as this is a positive action. This "clean out" must be done with the hands and the upper body and should only take place near the ball, i.e. 1 metre radius around the ball.
Do not penalize a player who attempts to recover the ball while standing but through the actions of others fall to the ground. That player must move away and not interfere with play.
Do not penalize players who are on their feet in the tackle zone, and who are hit from behind by their own players, and who fall to the ground as a result of this contact.
Ensure that support/ arriving players who are trying to retrieve the ball have their weight on their feet. Bridging is not allowed. It is acceptable for an arriving player to place a hand on the body or ground provided it is only to steady him.
Ensure that the supporting players do not prevent the tackled player from getting up or moving away.
Ensure that arriving players do not go to ground or on to players on the ground to "seal off" the ball (stacking).
Referees should communicate through the use of "ruck" or "maul" when the tackle is completed and a ruck or maul has been formed.
If 2 or more opponents arrive simultaneously, and are in contact over the ball, then this play automatically becomes a RUCK, off-side lines are in place, and must be refereed as such.
When the ball becomes unplayable at the tackle, the scrum feed will go to the team moving forward prior to the tackle and if neither team was moving forward, to the attacking team (the attacking team is geographical, i.e. in the opposition's half.
 
9. RUCKS
9.1

Referees must ensure that the following occurs:
 

Ensure that the tackle and post tackle are refereed correctly which will help in refereeing rucks.
Ensure that tackled players and tacklers comply with Law so that a rucking platform can be established. This should encourage both teams to enter into a contest.
Ensure that players do not turn a ruck into a maul.
Ensure that an indiscriminate pile-up is stopped before it develops.
Penalise any player who willfully falls to the ground in a ruck.
Referees should communicate through the use of "ruck!" when the tackle is completed and the ruck has been formed.
9.2 Safe rucking involves a backward motion of the foot with the studs pointing to the player's own goal-line.
9.3 For a ruck ball that was clearly won, the Referee should use a common sense approach to the last player who moves the ball with his hand for clearance purposes only.
9.4 Once a player reaches in and puts his hands on the ball to clear it in a ruck situation, the ruck is over.
9.5 Referees are to be vigilant with fringing forwards to remain behind the hindmost foot (as per the backs).
 
10. MAULS
10.1

Referees must ensure that the following occurs:
 

Be aware when a maul been has formed.
Not allow the maul to be deliberately collapsed.
Ensure that a collapsed maul (without penalty) is not refereed as a ruck if the ball becomes unplayable.
When the players roll off a maul with the ball and they become detached, the maul has ended, and, the ball carrier can be tackled.
Players of the ball carrier's team who are in front of that player are liable to penalty if they obstruct opposition players by preventing them tackling the ball carrier.
When a maul stops moving forward, it may start moving again but must do so within 5 seconds. It may not restart a second time.
Apply "use it or lose it" as soon as the maul stops moving forward. A maul moving sideways is also considered to have stopped moving.
In the case of an indeterminate collapsed maul, it does not matter if the ball is off the ground or on the ground when applying 'use it or lose it'.
Referees will communicate "use it" clearly to halfbacks at stationary mauls.
Referees are instructed to deal with retiring players who are loitering, or players of the team in possession who stand beside the maul as an obstruction.
 
11. ADVANTAGE
11.1

Referees will encourage advantage to be played with the appropriate signal. The penalty signal should not be given to signify advantage.
11.2 Referees are also encouraged to communicate "advantage" and "advantage over".
 
12. OFFSIDE
12.1

Mid-field offside is a blight on the game as it limits options. Both backlines need to be more responsible in this area of the game.
12.2