arbitragem aos molhos #17 - TMO

IRB Television Match Official Protocoli. Laws of the Game
Law 6 permits the referee to consult with an official using technological devices to assist the referee in making decisions.
The referee may consult with an official using technological devices who has been approved by the Union having jurisdiction over the match, when the referee is unsure, when making decisions relating to:
The scoring of points through try, conversion, penalty goal, dropped goal
Correct grounding of the ball for try and touch down
Penalty Try as a result of foul play that occurs only in the in-goal area prior to or during the act of grounding the ball
Touch / touch in goal / dead ball during the act of grounding the ball.
ii. Area of Adjudication
The areas of adjudication are limited to Law 6. 8(b), 6.8(d) and 6.8(e) and therefore relate to:
Grounding of the ball for try and touch down
Touch, touch-in-goal, ball being made dead during the act of grounding the ball.
This includes situations where a player may or may not have stepped in touch in the act of grounding the ball on or over the goal line.
The TMO could therefore be requested to assist the referee in making the following decisions:
Try
No try and scrum awarded 5 metres
Touch down by a defender
In touch – line-out
Touch-in-goal
Ball dead on or over the dead ball line
Penalty tries after acts of foul play in in-goal
All kicks at goal including dropped goals.
The TMO must not be requested to provide information on players prior to the ball going into in-goal (except touch in the act of grounding the ball).
The TMO must not be asked to assist in any other decision other than those listed.
The referee must make an effort to make an adjudication. If he is unsighted or has doubt, he will then use the following process (4).
iii. Process
a) The referee will blow time out and make the “time out” T signal.
b) The referee will make a “square box” signal with his hands and at the same time inform the video referee through the two way communication that he will require his advice.
The referee will then outline to the video referee the exact nature of the problem and the advice required. The video referee should repeat the referee’s request to ensure the message is correct.
c) In the situation where assistance is required regarding the scoring of a try, the referee may ask the TMO in the following way, e.g. My feeling is that this is a try, please have a look and advise me of any reason why I should not award it.” (Doubt excluded – facts are needed here)
d) The TMO will then liase with the TV Director and look at all available footage in order to gather enough information in order to provide informed advice.
When the TMO has concluded his analysis he will provide the referee with his advice and recommendations. The match referee should repeat the TMO’s recommendation to ensure that he is absolutely satisfied that he has heard what has been recommended.
The referee will then communicate his decision in the correct manner and play, and time on, will continue accordingly.

It is imperative that the referee of the day meets with the TMO at the same time as he has his pre-match discussion with the TJ’s in order for all role players to be clear on their respective roles and what is required according to this protocol.
iv. Communication
Where large on-ground video screens are available the TV Director will also communicate the decision.
In the absence of a video screen some grounds may use -other methods of communication.
The important method and primary of communication still rests firmly with the referee who will indicate in the normal way after receiving the TMO’s advice.
vi. TMO EXAMPLES: (For reference purposes only)
Explanation of: - “I believe a try has been scored. Can you give me a reason…..”
An example of this may be where a rolling maul moves into in-goal and the referee is aware that a try is most likely to have been scored, however, there are now a large number of bodies lying on top of it. This process will allow the TMO to advise the referee if there is any reason why he should not award the try... The TMO can only state things that he can see and should tell the referee that the ball is unsighted and that there is no infringement that disqualifies a potential try. The TMO must use his discretion in advising the referee. Referees are to then make the decision.