The introduction of the television match official (TMO) in the modern game of rugby was a turning point in officiating. This brought positivity in terms of decision making though it has its short comings. This year’s Rugby Championship has had its fair share of drama when it comes to decision making by referees, from Israel Folau’s hair tackle on Dillyn Leyds, to Ryan Crotty’s decisive try and De Allende's contentious red card. Whether these decisions were right or wrong is not the issue, the issue lies on, additional referees found in media, coach’s and supporters. The cancer of sideline refereeing could be killing the game we love if it continues. The truth is that no match official wakes up and says they are going to mess up a game. These match officials prepare for games as much as players put in hours in practice sessions before a game. In simple terms, match officials are humans and make mistakes like any other human.
The amazing thing about some of the decisions made by officials in this year’s Rugby Championship, is that, the players continued to play in true sportsmanship and never questioned the referees. On the other hand coach’s, supporters and media have spent a better part of the Rugby Championship aftermath, in unnecessary debate. Micheal Cheika at one point became so emotional about Isreal Folau’s hair tackle after a reporter instigated the conversation. South African media was ranting about Ryan Crotty’s try and how the red card was too harsh for De Allende. If we were to go back 15 or 20 years ago, on field referees had the power to make decisions with minimal aftermath debate from sideline referees. Old school rugby players can testify, the referee’s decision was final, so the only thing to do then, was to continue with play. The modern day game has gotten to a point were referees are devils, with supporters, media and coach’s viewing them as their number one enemies. These men and women can no longer do their jobs without fingers pointing at them. Is rugby losing the respect it once carried? What has happened to the idea of respecting a referee’s decision? Its time teams go back to basics and focus on fixing their mistakes and not fixing referees. The referee never wins the game, but teams do.
By: Shingai Jangara
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