URI:
   DIR Return Create A Forum - Home
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       UAE Rugby Referees
  HTML https://uaerr.createaforum.com
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       *****************************************************
   DIR Return to: Rugby Law
       *****************************************************
       #Post#: 35--------------------------------------------------
       New Scrum Law Directive
   DIR By: uaerrs
       Date: January 9, 2014, 3:04 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Hi Guys
       Thoughts on the new Directive?
  HTML http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/mediazone/pressrelease/newsid=2069952.html#irb+further+empowers+referees+scrums
       In a minor revision to the current protocol surrounding the
       ongoing scrum engagement global trial, the International Rugby
       Board has confirmed that referees will use non-verbal
       communication to indicate to the scrum-half when the ball can be
       thrown into the scrum.
       Up to now as part of the scrum trial, the referee has told the
       scrum-half that the scrum is ready for the put-in by the use of
       the phrase “yes nine”. But following an initial review,
       including consultation with national coaches and referee
       managers, it has been decided that referees will adopt a
       non-verbal communication to scrum-halves for the introduction of
       the ball.
       This is in accordance with the relevant law (20.5 Throwing the
       Ball Into the Scrum).
       The change is effective immediately and will include this week’s
       Heineken Cup and Amlin Challenge Cup matches in the northern
       hemisphere (January 9-12). It will also include the next rounds
       of other elite competitions, including the Top 14 in France
       (January 24), Aviva Premiership in England (February 7-9) and
       the Rabo Direct Pro 12 in other parts of Europe (February 7-9).
       As with the original protocol, it is up to individual Unions to
       decide whether this change will be adopted at levels below elite
       Rugby.
       #Post#: 36--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New Scrum Law Directive
   DIR By: rugby_mark
       Date: January 9, 2014, 3:12 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Looking around Facebook, Twitter and the Internet, this topic
       has received a load of coverage from lots of people. As a
       result, I think we might struggle NOT to implement the new
       directive this weekend.
       As for HOW we do it, I'm not a big fan of standing in 'tunnel'.
       Being short, this position doesn't allow me to see what I want
       to see. However, if I'm standing on the scrum-half side I think
       that I'll take up that position now and use the stepping aside
       as an indication to the nine to put the ball in. Standing on the
       opposite side of the scrum presents significantly less of an
       issue since I think it's a simple nod of the head.
       For what it's worth, think this is an excellent move and should
       remove an option some teams have been using which is to
       anticipate the ball coming in, predicated on the referee saying
       'Yes 9'. I'd hope it might reduce a few of the scrum FKs that
       tend to happen at the start of a game with front rows trying to
       assert themselves...
       #Post#: 37--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New Scrum Law Directive
   DIR By: uaerrs
       Date: January 9, 2014, 2:42 pm
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Well, That went pretty well.
       I just refereed the Arabian Knights v Al Ain Amblers. During my
       pre-match I spoke to the 9 and explained to him (with the front
       row) about the new IRB directive, and explained that I would
       indicate I was happy by moving out of the tunnel or giving them
       a nod (depending which side we were on).
       During the game this posed no issues and the scrums went well
       throughout the game. I only said "yes 9" once and that was out
       of habit.
       The only difference really no is that the opposition 9 is
       commanding the "ball in" call to his team, which gives less
       anticipation to the opposition giving the advantage back to the
       team in possession. Taking this from us and putting it back on
       player is great as we are there to officiate not interfear. Both
       teams responded well and said that they have been training
       without the "yes 9" in preparation.
       #Post#: 38--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New Scrum Law Directive
   DIR By: Chris Linwood
       Date: January 11, 2014, 2:35 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       In my game yesterday, Harlequins 1sts v Dragons 1sts, the
       implementation of this new directive worked well.
       My pre-game message to the 9s were: (1) If I am on your side, me
       moving away is your ok to come forward and put the ball in (I do
       not move away until the scrum is set, square and steady); (2) If
       I am on the opposite side, wait for a thumbs up from me before
       putting the ball in.
       This seemed to be well received and there were no major issues
       with teams trying to pre-empt the put in.
       The only slight issue was when I was standing on the other side
       from the 9. Although I gave the thumbs up, I am not sure he was
       looking for it or saw it. He always waited until the scrum was
       square and steady anyway so there were no issues but I am not
       sure how well this will work when there are difficulties. It is
       something we have to keep reminding the scrumhalf of when
       circumstances dictate we do not stand on the same side as them.
       #Post#: 39--------------------------------------------------
       Re: New Scrum Law Directive
   DIR By: norman_drake
       Date: January 22, 2014, 7:37 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Chris et al,
       I concur with your statement/approach/pre-match talk.
       Personally, I believe that it comes down to passing the
       responsibility onto the 9. Generally, the key (for me), would
       ultimately be a fair contest, which translates into a safe,
       steady and square scrum- all of this is a requirement before the
       feed anyway.
       by standing in the tunnel with the first couple of scrums, my
       view is that the 9 should get a clear understanding of when to
       feed the scrum- it shouldn't matter if we are on the far side.
       regards,
       norman
       *****************************************************
       Page 1 of 1