FOOOOORWARD!

[St Helens RLFC]

Do you guys have something called "the momentum rule" when it comes to officials adjudging forward passes?

 

[dobrien7]

Yep, technically momentum should be allowed for in the referees interpretation of a pass... it is when the hands propel the ball forward that it should be called. That's why sometimes a floated pass can drift forward due to momentum and not be called. Is exagerated when passer gets tackled and ceases moving, makes pass look "obviously" forward, when in fact is not.

But this interpretation is different from referee to referee, just like tackle ball situation etc...

 

[Elethor]

Apparently where i play we do, either that or our referees are too lax.

 

[Caledfwlch]

check youtube for this ARU video on this "inertia" or ":momentum" of the ball that travels forward when its thrown backward.