So far so good for the referees

In spite of some TMO hiccups, David Matthews believes that the officials have made a

decent start to the World Cup

Most teams will have had two or three of their Group Matches by now in the Rugby World Cup 2015 and following a turbulent opening weekend when the work of the Television Match Official took most of the attention the rugby appears to be occupying the limelight. It is difficult to believe that a replay of the England 'try' in their game against Fiji was shown no less than eleven times. The perils of the whole process of referring a decision to the Television Match Official have long threatened to dominate but surely an intervention which helps to extend the game by, in excess of, eleven minutes is not good for players, officials or spectators.  

Originally the use of the TMO was to be to adjudicate on tries scored or not scored and the immediate build-up to these incidents. Whilst consuming valuable time this has not posed significant difficulties since it was first introduced. However two instances where the TMO referred the decision on a try almost as the conversion was about to take place have initiated a whole new debate. I cannot offer any details whether or if there is a protocol in place to cover this but it simply didn't look right.

Another factor, discussed before in these columns, is that constant slow motion replay does not guarantee accuracy. There was a guideline which was useful that suggested, as a final escape clause, if in doubt think what the decision might have been without the aid of technology. It might not always be the solution but it is difficult to challenge as one persons opinion against another.    

Don't get the impression that there is widespread condemnation of the TMO process. Many enthusiasts are well aware that the Rugby World Cup is the most important rugby competition held in this country and that it is not sufficient for a bad decision, particularly over a try, can be dismissed with the cliché 'the referee's decision is final'. They go on to add that a few minutes added on to a match is a small price to pay for maintaining the integrity of the game, and the stakes are now so high that every try must be scrutinised.

John Jeffrey who is the Chairman of the World Rugby Match Officials Selection committee commented 'the TMO is part of the match official team and the fantastic technology is a tool to be used in the making of key decisions during matches'. Within the laws of the game, the TMOs can be used only in four areas:

1) Determining the legitimacy of a try

2) Checking whether a kick at goal was successful

3) Confirming if an infringement in the build up to a try has taken place

4) To consider and act on possible foul play

The whole Television Match Official process is used to ensure that the correct calls are made to protect the honesty of the game. An excellent sentiment! What a far cry from telephoning your wife on the mobile from the television van to see what Stuart Barnes and Miles Harrison are saying about a controversial score!

3rd October 2015