IRB gets tough on tackles, scrums

Following the IRB's meeting of top referees and referees' managers at Lensbury in London this week, the IRB has issued a statement on policing illegal tackles and managing scrums.

The discussion on illegal tackles included tackles in general play and the cleaning out of players at the tackle/ruck. collapsed scrums most concerned the delegates.

The delegates committed themselves stricter policing illegal clearing out of players off the ball at the ruck and illegal tackles in open play. of

IRB analysis of scrums in a cross section of Tier 1 matches over the past three years identified an increase in infringements in this area at the top level of the Game. International matches now average 18 scrums with an average of 18 collapsed or reset scrums. Average match time consumed by the scrum is currently 16 percent and climbs as high as 25 percent in some cases.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "The scrum is an integral part of the fabric of the game, providing a unique sporting spectacle and contest. There is an obligation for referees and players to ensure that this critical area is played in accordance with Law, while the promotion of player welfare is of paramount importance.

“The IRB’s High Performance Referees have agreed to be extra vigilant regarding the area of scrum resets and associated infringements at the elite level of the game where the issue is more prominent.

"The Referees have been reminded of their obligation to penalise clear and obvious offences. Particular attention will be focused on front rows adhering to the engagement sequence, observation of the mark and the correct binding techniques.

“Addressing these key elements of scrum officiating will assist with reducing the number of resets or collapses."

The need to promote consistency and a fair contest for possession was also on the agenda and the referees are committed to stricter vigilance of offside from kicks, illegal scrum feeds and obstruction at the formation of the maul.