Mailbox: Let video refs make decisions in-play

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com

Dear James,

Often we see televised incidents where the ref has got it wrong but couldn’t see an incident properly – deliberate off the ball incidents, ball raking at the play the ball, knock ons, forward passes etc.

The frustrating thing is the ref misses but everyone watching can see including the video ref. Couldn’t, as in rugby union, the video ref communicate errors to the on field ref? So if it’s wrong put it right.

John Shore

Editor’s comment: One of the arguments against video referees is the lack of judgement on the infinite number of plays that take place during the game. A missed knock on is fine as long as it happens prior to the last tackle before a try, for instance. I do agree with the involvement of video referees in the ear of the on-field officials, as long as it can be done in a timely manner, and doesn’t overly undermine what the officials are doing.

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com