World Rugby has announced a series of guidelines for 2023 to speed up the game and make it more interesting.

Law enforcement will be in effect throughout the game from 1st January and World Rugby says they are “designed to support faster, more exciting games, balancing safety and spectacle”.

The use of a countdown clock will also be encouraged during competition, which will be displayed on giant screens to persuade teams to restart or shoot within the stipulated time more urgently.

With the Rugby World Cup in France just nine months away, the guidelines, designed to help officials, players and coaches, come amid continued criticism that there are too many breaks in elite rugby and widespread recognition that the sport needs to attract new fans.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: “As a sport, a movement and a family, we must always challenge ourselves to be better. It means taking the time to think about how fans and players want to see the future of our sport, a future where more people want to play and support the game, where the risk of injury is reduced and where everyone involved in the game has a say. “.

game acceleration

Players and officials are reminded of the following applicable laws, which under World Rugby must be strictly adhered to:

  • Transformation. [The kicker] takes a shot within 90 seconds (playing time) of the time the try is awarded, even if the ball rolls and needs to be relocated. Sanction: Don’t kick.
  • Free kick: The free kick must be taken within 60 seconds (game time) of the team that indicates its intention to do so, even if the ball rolls and must be retaken. Sanction: kicking is prohibited and a fight is called.
  • The player must not waste time. penalty penalty
  • Schedule: Teams form a schedule with no delays. Penalty: Free kick.
  • Scrimmage: Teams must be ready to form a scrum within 30 seconds of being called. Penalty: Free kick.

World Rugby encourages all sport to use these guidelines to accelerate play and elite competitions will encourage the use of a shot clock as tested in LPR/FFR competition wherever possible. In the French Top 14, the goal clock is ticking.

World Rugby Director of Rugby Phil Davies said: “World Rugby, member unions and competitions will work with broadcasters and match organizers to implement an on-screen shot clock (both in the stadium and on broadcast) for penalties and Conversions for referees, players and fans can see a countdown, reflecting what is happening in LPR and Simkyi.”

Reduced credibility of TMO reviews

Match officials are reminded that the current TMO protocol is aimed at identifying and ensuring that clear and obvious infringements are dealt with on the field, with ongoing checks indicating that the infringement may not be obvious.

Davies added: “There was a lot of discussion at the Shape of the Game conference on this topic, including from senior referees, coaches and player representatives. It was agreed that checks often take a long time, meaning that the crime in question is not clear or obvious. While we can always improve technological interaction to speed up the process, official match teams, led by the referee, should try to make quicker decisions and limit replays when unnecessary.”

Fewer interventions by water carriers

Water can be brought onto the field when a try is scored.

While a global demand to limit the number of water carriers to two and reduce time spent on the field has reduced unnecessary stoppages, World Rugby says the creation of fixed windows for water breaks has created the impression of interrupting play, even if was water. taken during a natural stop (BMT attempt/injury/revision).

Davies added: “Following discussions with interested parties, an amendment to the current global litigation involving water carriers will allow water to enter the field when a judgment is scheduled. Competitors and unions are reminded of the 60/90 second time limit. Only in non-experimental plays should a natural halt be used.”

Punishment for negative player actions.

Referees will be called upon to be decisive in negative player actions such as holding players in the ruck as well as forwards not trying to play the ball.

The statement read: “Players are reminded of their responsibility not to hold the ball or go with the ball during a penalty kick; this reduces the chances of the attacking team not committing fouls and slows down the game unnecessarily and will be penalized.”

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Punishment of players with their hands on the ground to support their body weight

Players who place their hands on the ground during tackles, rucks and mauls are subject to penalties, although a penalty may apply if a player uses the ground briefly for balance and stability.

intentional blows

World Rugby says: “Players must make an effort to catch the ball. Referees are asked to exercise discretion in deciding whether a player has a reasonable expectation of receiving and gaining possession of the ball and then awarding a penalty.”

All participants are reminded of the following applicable laws:

  • The player must not intentionally kick the ball forward with the hand or hand. Sanction: Penalty.
  • It is not a deliberate tackle if, in trying to catch the ball, the player drops it, provided there is a reasonable expectation that the player can catch the ball.

Source: Wales Online