TOUCH JUDGING: 2015

Role of a TJ

Sole judge of:• touch• touch in goal• kicks at goal

Role of a TJ

• dead ball decisions• foul play, particularly off the ball incidents• offside chasers on kicks in general play• offside players in general play (usually given via communication

system, otherwise advice given at an appropriate time, such as at a stoppage in play)

• ball steals• knock ons• forward passes• tries

Positioning

• Recommended positions are for guidance only (see later slides)

• Positioning is ultimately about being in the best position to make the right decision

• Consider why a particular position is adopted and if it should be adjusted for factors such as the weather (e.g. strong wind) or a close scoreline towards the end of a match

Goal Kick Reminders

• The TJ must be in the best position when adjudicating on goal kicks

• A position near each post should be taken with the TJ closest to the kicker standing forward and the other TJ standing behind

• Movement should be made towards the ball as it is kicked, then following the path of the ball at all times

Back Play Reporting

• The Touch Judges responsibility is to watch where the ball has been, not the ball. Off the ball incidents (e.g. after a pass, tackle, scrum or kick) can result in foul play.

• The TJ is to identify any incidents and report when necessary

• Incidents of Foul play must be reported by entering the field of play and under NO circumstances via the Communication system only.

• Playing out advantage before reporting is the desired result in most instances.

Forward Passes

• Assisting the referee with forward pass calls is a key role for the TJ

• ‘BEST POSITION WILL ALLOW THE BEST CALL’• Get in line with pass as much as you can• Urgency is the key. Especially coming off the 10m to get in

best position and then back in time for the following ruck is essential

• Look for key indicators:• Hands of the passer• Position of the players body as they pass• Movement of player passing and trajectory of ball

Ten Metres

• As the touch judge covers the 10 metres, the referee can focus on the rucks and ball

• Maintaining good communication with the referee allows the 10 metres to be policed effectively

• Urgency to the defensive line will allow you to be in position early

Communication

• Communication between all officials should be clear and concise, with standard vocabulary being used

• RESULT DRIVEN COMMUNICATION is required to provide efficient and clear decision making. E.g. Penalty (to) Wigan ball steal.

• Keep voice at a calm level as much as possible.

General Notes

• In general play, touch judges should keep direct talk to players to a minimum. Do not over-communicate at a play-the-ball close to the sideline.

• Base any communication on the tackle identification of the referee. Do not call “move” when the referee has called a dominant or surrender tackle.

• During “idle chat”, such as after a try, do not tell the referee to undertake any specific actions. Identify incidents and individuals and allow the referee to make his own judgements and decide on his own actions.

ADVICE?

• Advice is an opinion that someone offers you about what you should do.

• Decisions are your choices that YOU make about something after thinking about several outcomes.

• WE want decision makers not advisors expect outcomes from your decisions.

• Advice is for dead ball situations only.

Live Call (TV Games only)

• It’s important to have a view on a decision and make a call on it.

• TJs are encouraged to be in good positions and to make the calls as you would on a non-TV game.  

• Taking time is crucial to looking controlled and ensuring accurate referrals.  

• The key is not to ask for a referral just because you haven't seen something – e.g. grounding.

 

Live Call (TV Games only)

Due to the quality of the communication system & crowd noise, the position of the TJs is important as it automatically indicates to the referee your view:

Positioning:

1. If you think it’s a try and have no reason to refer it, run through to dead ball line.

2. If you’ve not seen the grounding, but have no reason to refer it then stand on the flag.

3. If you want a decision referred, stand short of the flag.

Live Call (TV Games only)

Communication on referrals:

1. Ask for decision to be checked – “check it”.

2. Give live decision – “try” or “no try” – do not use signals, as this may conflict with the referee’s signal on referral.

3. State specifically what you want checking – e.g. “check touch/grounding”; for offside referrals “check if X player is offside” or “check if X player is within 10m of the catcher”.

Assessment

• Teamwork Preview/Review of the game• TEAM Input• TEAM Dialogue• 15 Marks

Expectations

• Preview your game, know your players, roles, names etc

• Understand what the referee wants from the team

• Accountability• Review• Training

Career

• To touch judge in Super League you must come from the Championship/League 1 Squad

• Panel is subject to change throughout the season based on matchday performance, attendance at meetings etc

• Monthly manager meetings will allow review of the panel

Positioning

• The matchday touch judge positions that follow are examples of best practice.

Kick Off

20m Restart

Goal Line Drop Out

20m Drop Out

Penalty Kick to TouchInitial positions before ball is kicked to touch

Penalty Kick to TouchSecond phase positions after ball enters touch

General PlayNearside play the ball

General PlayCentre field play the ball (remain as tackle before)

General PlayFar side play the ball: switch

Scrum

Both TJs think it’s a try

Try

TryRed TJ has not seen grounding but has no reason to

disallow try

Try

Yellow TJ believes the try should be disallowed (non-TV)