Refs to put the boot in
Stamping out stamping
Following the meeting of top referees and their managers in Lensbury on Tuesday, the International Rugby Board (IRB) has said that the referees have been instructed to stamp out stamping and backchat. This will start with Saturday's match between Wales and Australia in Cardiff.
The IRB's referees manager, Paddy O'Brien, till recently one of the world's top referees said: "The area of indiscriminate trampling was discussed at the meeting and referees have been informed to take strong action against the inappropriate use of feet on bodies.”
The player using his feet to get the ball must be going for the ball and not simply put his feet on a player lying on the ground. It was felt that this was being refereed too leniently and, as with the spear tackle, it would now be treated as a serious misdemeanour and referees would consider a red card from the start and work down from that.
On the matter of backchat, O'Brien said: “The growing trend of players to continually question and dispute decisions, taken by referees and touch judges was discussed. The decision was taken to implement a zero tolerance policy to curtail this growing trend. Referees will penalise teams through means such as free kicks, penalties and even yellow cards. This includes players attempting to influence decision making and appeals to touch judges.”
“The message has to be clear. Backchat and arguing with a match official will not be tolerated, nor will any attempt to slow down the match through questioning the referee.”
“For example when a referee awards a free kick or penalty against a team it must immediately retreat 10 metres.”
“As is customary, captains may request the referee to explain certain decisions but not every one. Common sense should prevail and the referee will give explanation, if deemed fit, at the first opportunity when play has stopped, such as at a kick to touch or during an injury stoppage.
“Referees have also been instructed to take a harsh view of the use of foul language and the sledging of players from the opposition. Again the referee will penalise teams if such standards of behaviour are evident.”
O'Brien added: “The Game has a proud history of fair play and respect and the IRB is determined that such characteristics are maintained. This policy is being communicated to all IRB member unions."
