Benefit of the doubt made clearer by NRL
A more liberal interpretation of the benefit of the doubt rule by video referees is set to result in an increase in the number of tries awarded during the 2009
NRL season.
While no rule change has been implemented by the
NRL, an adjustment in thinking will see the onus of proof swing in favour of the tryscorer.
Rather than looking for a reason to award the try, the man in the box will instead look for a reason not to give the try, with any benefit of the doubt to favour the attacker.
Were looking at the rules of the game and using them and saying `well what has he done wrong, what rule has he not abided in scoring that try, referees boss Robert Finch said.
When you score a try in possession of the football, the rule book talks about placing the ball on the ground with your hand or hands.
It doesnt mention control, it doesnt mention downward pressure - so when were adjudicating on a try, were not considering control or downward pressure because the rulebook doesnt state that.
For us to take the try off them, they need to have broken a rule.
If we cant the clarify (whether a rule has been broken) or `geez Im not sure, I think he had his hand on the ball or I think its downward pressure, well give the try.
