adamkungl
Immortal
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The NRL's current fan frustrations are in my opinion almost entirely due to refereeing and rules that are either inconsistent, unclear, or unfair, and not in the spirit of the game's 'tough but fair' history.
When fans are frustrated after a game, they are less likely to return as paying customers. Hence we find ourselves in a position where the game's finances and memberships are both as strong as ever, yet crowds have stagnated for 10 years. Time to get people talking about the footy on display rather than the referees, and some rule adjustments, changes, and repeals are necessary.
Each of these can be justified at length, so discuss.
Only use the video referee on a Captain’s Challenge
Captain may be call a challenge at any break in play or try, to a limit of 1 failed challenge per half. The video ref is not used at any other time, including instances of players staying down after a contentious tackle. Successful challenges are not counted. The video referee may rule on any incident in the preceding play, including forward passes.
Clear up ruck penalties
Have consistent, well-communicated timing allowed on holding down in the ruck.
Penalise rakes only where it is obvious and visible.
Only allow penalty kick options for dangerous foul play, professional fouls or repeat infringements
Dangerous foul play includes high tackles, dangerous throws, and other dangerous contact rules.
Ruck penalties, offsides, and similar penalties will only result in a tap restart, unless after a repeat infringement warning. Further infringements result in a sin bin.
50/50 calls are treated less harshly. Repeat incidents more harshly. Attacking teams less likely to get an easy march downfield.
The vast majority of fan and coach frustration over penalty counts is based on 50/50 ruck penalties.
Repeal the shoulder charge ban
It is not in the spirit of the game and results in farcical soft penalties on an almost weekly basis.
If a shoulder charge results in head contact or late contact the tackle is penalised and placed on report.
Repeal the mandatory sin bin on fighting
Sin bins or send offs are applied according to the referees discretion.
The current situation of niggling and jersey grabbing is not in the spirit of the game. Nor should all out brawling ever be tolerated.
Encourage referees to use the sin bin and send off
Sin bin is for professional fouls, repeat infringements or contrary conduct.
Send off is for foul play resulting in the victim being seriously injured or severe contrary conduct.
Actually use them as they are intended.
Simplify the rules around try scoring - obstructions and put downs
Was the defending team prevented from making a fair tackle?
Did the try scorer place the ball down?
Keep it simple.
Repeal the 7 tackle set rule after a dead in-goal kick
It’s ridiculous and unnecessary. A 20m tap is already a valid reward. No more needs to be said.
Remove golden point from regular matches
A tied game at full time of a regular match results in a draw.
A tied game at full time of a representative or finals match results in 5 minutes of extra time each way. If a game is drawn at the end of extra time, only then is golden point played.
When fans are frustrated after a game, they are less likely to return as paying customers. Hence we find ourselves in a position where the game's finances and memberships are both as strong as ever, yet crowds have stagnated for 10 years. Time to get people talking about the footy on display rather than the referees, and some rule adjustments, changes, and repeals are necessary.
Each of these can be justified at length, so discuss.
Only use the video referee on a Captain’s Challenge
Captain may be call a challenge at any break in play or try, to a limit of 1 failed challenge per half. The video ref is not used at any other time, including instances of players staying down after a contentious tackle. Successful challenges are not counted. The video referee may rule on any incident in the preceding play, including forward passes.
Clear up ruck penalties
Have consistent, well-communicated timing allowed on holding down in the ruck.
Penalise rakes only where it is obvious and visible.
Only allow penalty kick options for dangerous foul play, professional fouls or repeat infringements
Dangerous foul play includes high tackles, dangerous throws, and other dangerous contact rules.
Ruck penalties, offsides, and similar penalties will only result in a tap restart, unless after a repeat infringement warning. Further infringements result in a sin bin.
50/50 calls are treated less harshly. Repeat incidents more harshly. Attacking teams less likely to get an easy march downfield.
The vast majority of fan and coach frustration over penalty counts is based on 50/50 ruck penalties.
Repeal the shoulder charge ban
It is not in the spirit of the game and results in farcical soft penalties on an almost weekly basis.
If a shoulder charge results in head contact or late contact the tackle is penalised and placed on report.
Repeal the mandatory sin bin on fighting
Sin bins or send offs are applied according to the referees discretion.
The current situation of niggling and jersey grabbing is not in the spirit of the game. Nor should all out brawling ever be tolerated.
Encourage referees to use the sin bin and send off
Sin bin is for professional fouls, repeat infringements or contrary conduct.
Send off is for foul play resulting in the victim being seriously injured or severe contrary conduct.
Actually use them as they are intended.
Simplify the rules around try scoring - obstructions and put downs
Was the defending team prevented from making a fair tackle?
Did the try scorer place the ball down?
Keep it simple.
Repeal the 7 tackle set rule after a dead in-goal kick
It’s ridiculous and unnecessary. A 20m tap is already a valid reward. No more needs to be said.
Remove golden point from regular matches
A tied game at full time of a regular match results in a draw.
A tied game at full time of a representative or finals match results in 5 minutes of extra time each way. If a game is drawn at the end of extra time, only then is golden point played.
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