Click here for link to Herts Society of Rugby Referees website.
The start of the 2009/10 season brings with it 3 ' clarifications ', which apply to all age groups where contact, lifting etc are permitted, and are as follows.
1. After a tackle, the 1st player on his feet who has his hands on the ball is entitled to keep his hands on the ball even after an opponent is bound on to him over the ball. Last season, the referee would have called ' Ruck ' and ' Hands Off ' the moment the opponent bound which would have forced the attacker to release the ball or be penalised. Now, the attacker can continue to play the ball with his hands without being penalised. This only applies if the player is on his feet. The tackler can also take advantage of this if he releases the ball carrier and then gets back to his feet before playing the ball. This only applies if the attacker has his hands on the ball and it is on the ground. The moment the attacker takes the ball off the ground and an opponent and a team-mate bind on to him, it is a maul and the attacker is entitled to carry on anyway.
2. The defending scrum-half at a scrum is entitled (as before) to follow the ball on the same side as the put-in or to go round to the other side of the scrum and stay behind the back foot. The clarification now is that the scrum-half who goes to his own side's back foot does not have to stay close to the scrum. He can move anywhere sideways along the back foot line and could, in theory, move 20 yards to the side and line up opposite one of the opposition centres. More likely is the defending scrum-half wanting to move slightly away from the scrum in order to counter an opposition no 8 pick up. As long as he does not advance in front of his own side's rear feet, he can go anywhere he likes.
and
3. A line out lifter who steps into the line out gap when bringing the ball catcher down is now likely to be penalised for either offside or obstruction. The practice has developed, particularly at international level, of one of the lifters stepping into the line out gap when his catcher is on the way down so that he is now between the ball carrier and the opposition. This will now, if spotted, be regarded as a penalty offence or, if the referee is feeling lenient, as accidental offside with a scrum to the opposition.
Codes of Conduct
The Good Match Officials code
Match Officials should:
(a) Recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when officiating players
(b) Provide positive verbal feedback in a constructive and encouraging manner during games
(c) Emphasise the spirit of the game
(d) Appreciate the needs of the players before the needs of the sport
(e) Understand the physical and behavioural development of players
(f) Be a positive role model. set an example and as such comments should be positive and supportive.
(g) Look to self improvemente.g. participation in training courses
(h) Recognise that the safety of players is paramount.
(i) Explain decisions - all players are still learning and parents will understand the game better.
(j) Always penalise foul play.
(k) Play advantage whenever possible in order to let the game flow
(l) Show empathy for the age and ability of players
(m) Be consistent and objective
(n) Be familiar with the Good Spectator's Code and ensure that verbal abuse from players,coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
(0) Be familiar with the good spectators code and ensure that verbal abuse from players , coaches or spectators is not tolerated and is dealt with by club officials immediately.
(p) Officiate to the rules Iaid down in the Rugby Continuum and keep themselves updated on rule changes.
(q) Check that the home Club or School has provided a qualified first aider, ambulance access has not been obstructed and that appropriate equipment is available along with someone trained in its use before starting play.
(r) Before training sessions and matches check that studs and other clothing are in accordance with the iRB Laws of the Game.
RFU.com 
Search
