Respected former referee Nigel Owens, while acknowledging the use of technology, is urging a return to the essence of on-field decision-making.
Speaking in a Vodacom URC conference with fellow retired Test match official Jaco Peyper on Tuesday, Owens contends that its current pervasive usage dilutes the accountability and focus of match officials.
His stance suggests a cautious approach, limiting technological intervention to instances where human judgment falters, thereby preserving the integrity of referees.
“There’s more controversy with technology now than before,” Owens said. “I think it’s beneficial to get those critical decisions right that you wouldn’t otherwise have the answer to. However, you make mistakes when you run on the field knowing that there is another set of eyes for you.
“I liken it to a cord stretched between two tall buildings. If there isn’t a safety net, you’re going to make sure you’re completely focused and come out the other side safely.
“Now put a safety net under the rope and you will walk over knowing that it doesn’t matter if you fall. You may not be as focused as you should be.
PLUS: SA Cup to lift off in Kimberley
“That’s where I think technology has brought us out. It is necessary because we want to be accurate with the big decisions. However, I think that it should be limited and not used for almost everything as it is currently. The referees are competent enough to make the decisions themselves.”
Peyper, who recently joined the Springboks staff as laws advisor, champions the efficacy of the bunker system, lauding its role in alleviating the burden on referees during critical moments.
His endorsement stems from the system’s role in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where it helped mitigate the impact of high-pressure scenarios on match officials.
“From a referee’s point of view, it [the bunker system] took a lot of pressure off us. You can refer something to the bunker and then just get on with the rest of the game. The decision lies outside the stadium,” Peyper said.
“Referees are only human, so after big decisions there is sometimes a ‘compensation’. We often got feedback from coaches that referees decide the rest of the game slightly differently after a red card.
“You don’t have a large crowd at your back and the incident is not played on a screen in the stadium. They can then carefully work through the footage, discuss it and come back with a decision. As referees we felt that it worked. It relieved a lot of pressure on us.”
Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
The post Owens: Refs must trust themselves more appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
