Video referee conversations could be heard in Super League stadiums

In Super League this season, every game now has a video referee. While this closes a perceived unfairness in the game, the process still excludes paying fans in the stadium. When a decision is sent to the video referee, fans at home can hear the making process. However, this is not available to fans in the stadium.

Now, the RFL’s new head of match officials, Phil Bentham, has offered his opinion on whether the conversations between the on-field and video referees in Super League should be broadcast in the stadium. According to Bentham, the whole process would be improved if it was more of a conversation between the officials.

RFL looking to adopt Rugby Union model

In Rugby Union, when the referee refers a decision to the TMO, they provide their reasoning for a decision. The TMO then has a conversation with the on-field official on the evidence presented. The referee then takes into consideration before confirming their decision. Bentham would like Rugby League to follow suit. He wants to encourage a dialogue between on-field and off-field officials.

“Why can we not have a conversation between two people who are experts, one on the ground and one with all the replays.

“Obviously it’s quite difficult in some of our stadia where the screens, if you were at the far end as a referee whether you’d be able to see the screen or not. That probably wouldn’t be the factor, it’s the conversation between the two professionals that for me would make the difference.”

Conversations could be broadcast in stadiums

Bentham previously worked with the Premier League on the roll-out of VAR. This experienced has influenced his thinking on the importance of ensuring fans in the stadium are part of the process. Bentham wants to ensure that the RFL keeps up with other governing bodies. Rugby Union and football are taking steps  to broadcast decisions into stadiums. Bentham believes that Rugby League should not fall behind.

“[Broadcasting refereeing decisions] is the way it’s going in rugby union and I know football are on the starting line at the moment.” Bentham said.

“So we might have to find a way of doing that, otherwise we’ve suddenly gone to a video ref on every game, which has brought us in line with other sports, and then we’re going to fall back again. So it might be something that we need to find a way of doing.”