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Video referee: RFL make decision on whether to keep on-field ‘try’ or ‘no-try’

RFL to keep 'on-field' decision

One of the most contentious aspects of decision making in Rugby League today is the way in which tries are awarded via the video referee. Under the current RFL model, the referee makes a live call on the field on whether to award the try. The video referee than has to find conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision.

This has led to several controversies in recent weeks. Most recently, in the Salford Red Devils v Warrington Wolves game. A number of marginal calls were made on the field, with the video referee lacking sufficient evidence to overturn them.

Now, speaking to an RFL media briefing, head of match officials, Phil Bentham, has revealed whether the process will remain.

RFL confirm video referee process will remain in place

RFL Head of Referees, Phil Bentham

RFL Head of Referees, Phil Bentham. Credit: Imago Images

Bentham is a former Super League referee and has spent time working with the Premier League on the roll-out of VAR. He has confirmed the current decision making process will remain unchanged. During his time as a referee, he operated under the old system, where the video referee made the decision. He believes this led to too many decisions made by the video ref.

“I’ve worked in both scenarios. So, when I was on field the early part of my career it was basically just send everything up to the video referee, that’s his job”, Bentham explained.

“I think there is some merit in us not necessarily having a fixed live call but having that conversation between the [person] on field and the [person] in the video ref booth.”

On-field decision adds to drama

RFL Referee Chris Kendall

Referee Chris Kendall. Credit: Imago Images

According to Bentham, the wait for the referee’s on-field decision adds to the drama of the decision.

“I was at Warrington on Saturday, and I’m sat in the crowd and I’m waiting for the referee’s live call, in anticipation”, he said.

“People have got used to it and it’s that there’s a little bit of drama in the ground waiting for the referees to try or not try. That drama will be lost”.

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