Stripping and the Video ref

[mepelthwack]

From the LU article re rule changes in 2008 :

"Also referees can ask the video referee to check on ball stripping if unsure, which depends on the NRL reaching agreement with broadcasters so games are not delayed."

---

Ok I see it doesn't mention in try scoring situations so I'm going to assume the referee can do this at any time.

Based on that assumption, I think this is overall a positive change but one that could cause problems and even be expoited.

Basically how will it be policed?

I mean will referees by obligated to check every 50/50 strip as soon as the player losing the ball complains? (which he and/or his team mates will be sure to do). On the flip side a team penalised for stripping may complain that the guy with the ball either dropped it intentionally to milk a penalty or through lack of ball control.

This could lead to checks and therefore stoppages in almost every set of 6, especially on rainy/wet days.

This will surely have some teething problems but I hope the NRL sticks with it and tries to iron out the probable early bugs. I guess I'm one for using available technology.

 

[Dogs Of War]

This is where having something like the NFL's coaching challenges could come in handy. Captains can challenge 2 things a half, so would use them wisely, rather than asking for everything to be checked as this system looks like encouraging

 

[innsaneink]

"Also referees can ask the video referee to check on ball stripping if unsure, which depends on the NRL reaching agreement with broadcasters so games are not delayed."

 

[Timmah]

Personally I hope the video ref keeps his clothes on :sarcasm:

 

[dio]

Personally I hope the video ref keeps his clothes on :sarcasm:

What so you dont have arrest him!

 

[thehattrickrabbit]

its more important that they check forward passes...not ball stripping...

 

[JB]

its more important that they check forward passes

If the ferkin touch judges could keep up with the play they wouldn't need to.

 

[God-King Dean]

Completely against this. Gonna slow down the game even more.

 

[jamesgould]

Yeah, I'm not a fan of this ... most decisions which cause controversy are 50/50 calls anyway ... better to just get on with the game!

 

[Inferno]

Hate it, personally I like the gamesmanship involved with raking the ball out. If you can get away with it, all the better for you.

What about the 50/50 calls where there is a hand in there, but there is also a loose carry? how many replays will they show of that.

Leave it how it is now, vid ref can only intervene if they see something in real time that the ref hasn't picked up.

 

[bobmar28]

It's agood idea but has to be limited to a certain number of challeges like in the NFL.