TV official protocol altered

THE Television Match Official (TMO) protocol for Super Rugby has been amended thanks to new available technology‚ Sanzaar announced yesterday.

The number of camera angles available to match officials‚ as well as the use of split-screen television software‚ have made these amendments possible.

It also reflects Sanzaar’s desire to tighten the process and make it more accurate‚ more efficient and to reduce the time taken for the decisionmaking process. So what is different in 2017? Should the referee or one of his team (assistant referees or TMO) wish to initiate a review of a decision (via replay by the TMO)‚ the referee will first state to the TMO his “onfield decision” based on his real-time view.

The TMO will then review the given incident accordingly‚ based on the referee’s assessment.

The TMO must be persuaded that the evidence is compelling before proving the wrong‚ and the call.

What can be referred for review remains the same as the World Rugby Protocol (no change) and the ‘two phases back only’ protocol still stands.

The only exception to this process is in the case of a potential foul play incident. The referee can choose to review the incident on the big screen (or request the TMO to review it if the replay screen is of poor quality) with no “on-field decision” prior to the review.

Commenting on the new protocol‚ Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos said: “The general consensus is that with the new technology and the protocol of a definitive on-field call‚ time is saved and the awkward conversation between referee and TMO that occurs from time to time is eliminated.

“In summary‚ this protocol change makes the process clean and efficient and places accountability for an onfield call in the hands of the referee and a review of that decision in the hands of the TMO.” — TMG on-field referee’s call therefore overturning