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RE: "Hands On" call

Angus — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:11:13 GMT

Last night the Ref of our 3s gave what I thought was a perfect explanation before the game

The ball is considered out if the half back (and this would also apply to whoever was filling this role at the back of the ruck) has control of it

In other words if the ball is on the ground and he puts his hands on it then it is still in the ruck but as soon as he lifts the ball from the ground - even if it is still in front of the last foot - the ball is considered out

RE: "Hands On" call

colm_ose — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:08:07 GMT

[quote][b]Red & Black fan (24/06/2009)[/b][hr]
Outside of that, your players have to adapt to the situation (he who reacts the quickest gains the advantage) I like my 7/ 9 to keep asking/ pressuringthe ref at the breakdown so thathe either says 'no' or calls when its out for all to hear.[/quote]

I like the idea of the team questioning (in a polite way, of course!) if the ball is still in the ruck. It puts the pressure on the ref to really decide when it's clear, pressure on the SH to clear it away because he knows our fringe defenders are lurking and it means the fringe defenders are looking to advance and pressurise the ball rather than taking a breather.

RE: "Hands On" call

Angus — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:45:47 GMT

I am under the impression it is not out until it passes the back foot

So for example the 9 can have his hands on it but until he withdraws it past the hindmost foot it is not out and I would question Andre Watson's interpretation because the ball can be between the feet of the last player and be freely available to be painted from above by a flock of starlings but it is not out

RE: "Hands On" call

Red & Black fan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:13:12 GMT

The best interpretation i've ever had was from Andre Watson (SA ref) at Coaches/ referee briefing & I quote ALMOST verbatim- 'if a bird can **** on it from above without hitting anyone, the ball is out'...:D

The big problem with this issue is that every man, ref & his dog INTERPRETS the law differently... without sounding glib, the best thing is to ask the ref pre-game & then hope like hell your players are smart enough to follow that guideline (& even THEN, that's no guarantee of progress!) IF he/ she then pings you differently, you have every right to ask at half time what he/ she wants from your players at the breakdown given the instruction given & the contracdictory sanctions.

Outside of that, your players have to adapt to the situation (he who reacts the quickest gains the advantage) I like my 7/ 9 to keep asking/ pressuring the ref at the breakdown so that he either says 'no' or calls when its out for all to hear.

"Hands On" call

Ruggaz769 — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:26:08 GMT

I am a flanker playing senior rugby. One issue i have with rucks is when each ref has a different interpretation of when the ball is cleared from a ruck. When i ask a ref they give me one of four reasons:

1. When the player has their hands on the ball the ball is out. . .

1a. When the player has their hands on the ball the ball is out. ..unless they are searching for it and trying to get it out.

2. Once the ball is behind the hind-most feet the ball is out

3. The most annoying is when they dont give a clear answer and say "i will rule it as I see it"

Very confusing. Any Clear answers?!