Sanzaar admits to TMO protocol problems

Super Rugby’s ‘TMO’ review system will go under review as the competition’s governing body Sanzaar admits it has faults.

The Television Match Official (TMO) protocols have provided some ‘‘challenges’’ over the past month, according to Sanzaar.

‘‘A major concern for us at present is the practical implementation of the Television Match Official [TMO] protocols. The protocols are clearly not working and a specific review is required in this area,’’ Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos said.

‘‘Sanzaar believes the appointed referee needs to remain the key decision maker on the field and that TMO interventions only provide context to the match officials’ decision making.

‘‘We need better consistency in the application of the protocols and most would agree that perhaps this is not the case. The aim of the review will be to drive some operational

changes to the Andy Marinos protocols to

ensure this consistency so that better outcomes are delivered.’’

Marinos said the past month of Super Rugby and international rugby had brought attention to the system and highlighted some challenges for rugby – in particular, a number of controversial decisions over the past two weeks of Super Rugby.

‘‘Match officiating is a very important component of our game that undergoes continuous review to keep abreast of law changes and specific directives passed down from world rugby. The performances of the guys in the middle and those on the sidelines, and behind the TV monitor, are regularly reviewed and appraised to ensure the best referees and officials are officiating in Super Rugby matches,’’ said Marinos. ‘‘Like a player, match officials who consistently do not perform to the level required are stood down from time to time, with specific game related work then done to get them back to performing consistently.’’

Sanzaar could not change any of the laws of the game, but after reviewing the system it plans to take recommendations to World Rugby.