The Bok match droned on forever with the ref checking not only the facts but the rules with the TMO. And it’s good he checked the facts because he missed so much. This man was not in charge, so it became reffing by committee.
Rugby keeps piling on rule on top of rule…the whole thing is tedious. And there are very few refs out there with the confidence to let the game flow,
And there are very few refs out there with the confidence to let the game flow,
That is dismissing the part of the teams play in the mix.
While reffing may induce more meddling than in some other sports, games may assign refs to a side line part, only intervening at moments.
Many games out there were played with refs taking a marginal part.
SA rugby are a different beast though. They can not make things happen with a deep ref involvement. Massive involvement is expected every time.
Already written a piece about it: SA rugby put a tremendous pressure on referees as referees are expected to be actors of theirs games.
The neck twist event is a comical event in itself and a telling one. The ref's voice was shaking and he was near to apologizing. And that is because the infringement could have been a red card.
Anytime SA rugby are involved, refs are put on the line and they are expected to produce favourable calls for SA rugby.
As very often in these cases, dilution of responsibility happens. The reffing through committee ensures that any decision was not the decision of one man but four men.
Shielding them from consequences.
All refs knew the rules as most situations were straightforward. They had to check many times, take group decisions because SA rugby are involved.
In many games, refs stand where they must stand: on the side line of the game, players playing rugby on their own.
SA rugby are a specific case though as refs can not step back, let the teams express their rugby game. SA rugby can not play rugby. Refs must get involved for things to happen.
