How to police the offside line?

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

A major bug bearer of mine is how many referees can't get to grips with officiating the offside line. Given the myriad of offences they have to look for at the breakdown it's perhaps not surprising that referees aren't on top of defences creeping offside. Touch judges are passing the buck and not getting involved either.

Could a solution to the problem be found in what the NRL are trialling in the 2009 season?


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

The NRL board has confirmed two referees will control every NRL match in 2009 in the biggest on-field change to the way the game is controlled in its 100-year history. The two-referee model will apply to the top-flight NRL competition only, with one official patrolling the play-the-ball area and the other positioned on the 10-metre defensive line.

The main referee will be the 10-metre official, who will use the whistle to order stoppages or penalties.

The second referee will communicate directly to the referee who has the whistle.[/b]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/12/11/2444244.htm

The main referee does the same job as at present while the 2nd referee's specific task is to mark out the offside line and advise the head official whenever defences encroach. It could have the effect of speeding up the game by virtue of (slightly) more space being available for backs to work in. The rules of the game don't change but they're enforced more efficiently/accurately.


Any thoughts? This may not be possible to implement at lower/amateur level but at the professional level where, like it or not, the game is now a product which has to appeal to TV and spectators it may be a quick fix to one of the major blights on the game.

 

[rsea]

The game is already over policed. Bringing another whistle onto the field is a bad idea

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RSEA @ Jan 14 2009, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

The game is already over policed.[/b]

In what respect is it overpoliced?

 

[rsea]

Games need to flow. If every infringement was called Rugby would cease to be a spectator sport

 

[johnl1993]

Their can be too many decisions made, but surely it would be better if the 2nd referee was watching like a TV Ref, so then he can see things from other angles.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RSEA @ Jan 15 2009, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Games need to flow. If every infringement was called Rugby would cease to be a spectator sport[/b]

True. Some infringements are worse than others in my opinion. One of the major blights on the game is defences creeping offside, denying the attacking team/team in possession space to work in. If a way can be found to eliminate that, we're well on the way to having a more free flowing game.