Rugby is meant to be played and officiated in real time, with the rules governing the scrum and the pace of a match perfectly fine as it is, writes MARK KEOHANE.
Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane criticises World Rugby’s persistent efforts to hasten matches by undermining scrums, arguing it hasn’t quickened gameplay but instead frustrated fans.
He opposes the goal-line dropout rule, penalising attacking teams, and argues it doesn’t enhance speed but aggravates viewers.
Keohane believes decision-makers tamper with fundamental aspects of rugby while neglecting the problematic role of television match officials (TMOs).
He advocates restricting the TMO’s powers to obvious fouls and blatant errors, as their current broad authority disrupts games, creates confusion and slows down play.
Keohane emphasises the importance of real-time officiating and highlights the flaws of scrutinising actions through super slow-motion replays, which can distort intent, timing, and perception.
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“Rugby’s decision-makers, so eager to speed up the game, continue to attack the scrum in a skewed belief that less scrums would mean a faster game,” he writes.
“Rugby’s clever people continue to tamper with the laws and with the primary facets of the game that make it unique to other sporting codes.
“But the one area they refuse to target is the role of the television match official, whose limitless powers of intervention are destroying the game, slowing it down and invariably creating confusion and chaos.
“Rugby is a game meant to be played in real time and officiated in real time. Let’s get back to that and leave the scrum alone.”
Photo: @JuniorBoks/Twitter
The post ‘Target TMOs and leave the scrum alone’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
