By Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s Chief On-Field Officer...
As we prepare to kick off the second round of fixtures in the 2022 Betfred Super League season, I'd like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to such an outstanding start to this World Cup year.
We mustn't forget that while the Super League clubs kicked off their season last weekend, there have already been three rounds of Betfred Championship fixtures, and three rounds of the Betfred Challenge Cup involving teams from League One and the community game.
Viewing figures across various channels have been excellent, and attendances have also been really encouraging as we all appreciate the return of something approaching normality, and the chance to gather at grounds again - and even more impressive considering some of the early-season weather which is again threatening to challenge us all this weekend.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the opening round of Betfred Super League fixtures was the lack of incidents of late hits on passers or kickers which were deemed to require charges or further action by the MRP.
I sent a note to Super League coaches earlier this week congratulating them for that, and thanking them for a number of supportive comments in the media, which make such a difference as we all work towards increased awareness and acceptance of the sport’s Enjoy the Game campaign.
I sense a mood of change around the majority of the game, more appreciative, supportive and understanding of the efforts of our match officials, who have also played their part in such a successful start to the season.
Communication has been important throughout this process. Changes to the On-Field Sentencing Guidelines were discussed at Coaches' Meetings, Laws Committee and Regulatory Groups throughout 2021, before being officially approved by the RFL Board in early December.
So everybody in the game should have been well aware for months both that changes to sentencing guidelines would be introduced for 2022, and of the reasons for those changes - the increased medical and scientific knowledge around head and neck injuries, and concussion.
Paul Cullen, who chairs the Match Review Panel, has spoken to players and coaches at Super League clubs in the weeks leading up to the start of the season to reinforce these points.
Match officials have also visited clubs on request, as they have done before every season.The purpose of these visits is to build relationships with players and coaches, and to reinforce any new laws and on-field policies and answer any questions.
In terms of their approach to high and late tackles, there are no significant differences in interpretation in 2022 compared to previous years.
There has been no specific directive to 'clamp down' on any aspect of play. The officials on duty in the televised fixtures last weekend could be heard explaining clearly the reasons for their decisions, to players and viewers, whether regarding the awarding of a try by the video referee, or the difference between a reckless and a careless high tackle.
The simple summary is as follows:
- A careless high tackle would start at Grade A, and should lead to at least a penalty;
- A reckless high tackle would start at Grade B, and should lead to at least a sin-binning as well as a penalty;
- An intentional high tackle would start at Grade D, and should lead to dismissal.
- Force is then taken into account, so a reckless high tackle which is also forceful would be upgraded to the next level of sanction.
- Direct shoulder contact with the head should lead to a dismissal where the shoulder is the first and only part of contact.
- Finally, video referees are to intervene only when an offence merits a sin-binning or a dismissal.
I’m writing this column partly to trail the relaunch of Sin Bin, the programme launched by the RFL early in the 2020 season - but then nipped in the bud by Covid - in which we hope to be able to explain more on and off-field decisions.
We will reintroduce it as a monthly programme, with the first edition in early March - and we'll be asking supporters to contact us with topics they'd like to see discussed.
Whatever your involvement in Rugby League this weekend - Enjoy the Game.
