History of Rule Changes
1895 - The Game of Rugby
League was born on 29th August, 1895 at an historic meeting at the
George Hotel Huddersfield when England's new Northern Union was formed.
Traditional rugby rules were adhered to for the first two seasons with
the line-outs and eight-man scrummages.
1897 - The Line-out was replaced by a punt kick from touch. All goals were reduced to two points.
1906 - Teams were reduced from 15 to 13 a side and the play the ball was introduced. The scoring system of 2 points for any type of goal and 3 points for a try was adopted for the season 1906-07. During that season the line-out, as played in Union, was also abolished and the ball was brought into play from the sideline by a kick in any direction by a player from the non-offending team.
1907 - Rugby League came into being in Australia in 1907.
1908 - MAJOR AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF RUGBY LEAGUE
• No limit on number of tackles a team can retain possession.
• Scrum formations not regulated (no loose-head rule, numbers in each row not specified, ball permitted to come out from anywhere behind front row). Front rows bind against each other before subsequent rows pack behind.
• Play-the-ball: provided they are onside (no minimum distance specified) all players in vicinity permitted to kick or rake for the ball in any direction.
• Attacking team (the team in the opposition’s half of the field) to put ball into the scrum.
• Scrum feed method unrestricted (spinning and bouncing the ball not illegal).
• Penalty options: drop, place or punt kicks only.
• ‘Fair catch’ rule: catching the ball on the full from an opponent’s kick, knock-on or forward pass earns a ‘free kick’ (can drop or place-kick for goal; ‘tap’ impractical).
• All goals valued at two points. Penalty goals and ‘free kicks’ permitted to be either placed or drop-kicked for goal. All conversions to be place-kicked. ‘Soccer-style’ field goals (kicking a loose or bouncing ball from the ground over the cross-bar on the full) permitted.
• Kicking to touch from penalty results in a scrum (feed given to attacking team).
• Defenders permitted to stand on the ‘mark’ at a penalty or ‘fair catch’. The subsequent kick must go beyond the ‘mark’ for play to continue (‘tap’ impractical).
• Restart of play after unconverted try: drop-kick from inside halfway (ball must cross halfway).
• Kickoff or drop-out crosses touchline on the full: recalled for a scrum (opposing team to feed).
• Restart of play after defending team makes ball dead after carrying, kicking or passing ball into own in-goal: five-yard scrum, with attacking team to feed.
• Restart of play after defender makes ball dead in own in-goal (where opponent kicked or carried ball across the goal-line): 25-yard line drop-out.
• All other significant rules are essentially as per today’s playing laws.
Note on Replacements: A local rule operated in NSW between 1908 and 1925 whereby a replacement player was allowed for an injured player. From 1925 to 1963, no replacements were allowed.
1909 - Maximum of three forwards in front row of the scrum; other rows remain unrestricted.
1920 - Scrum half required to roll ball into scrum.
1922 - Goal from ‘fair catch/mark’ and soccer-style ‘field goal’ abolished.
1925 - A second football provided at the touch-line to eliminate delays during all first-class matches.
1926 - Goal-line drop-out (instead of from the 25-yard line) after defender makes ball dead; play-the-ball modernised - only marker and man playing the ball to be involved in contest for the ball, and marker to keep both feet on ground until ball is dropped or placed.
1930 - Defending halfback to feed scrums, with attacking side having the loose-head; ‘3-2-1’ scrum formation made mandatory.
1932 - Hooker must have both arms over props (loose-arm rule); penalty extended to include optional scrum (instead of ‘free kick’).
1948 - Front rows cannot pack against each other until ordered by referee.
1951 - Five-yard ruck rule introduced (for one season only); previously there had been a ‘no-yard’ ruck rule.
1952 - No-yard ruck rule reinstated; dummy-half and second-marker to stand one yard behind the two men at the play-the-ball.
1954 - Tap penalty introduced, with offending team to retire 10 yards.
1956 - Three-yard ruck rule, with no minimum distance for dummy-half and second-marker.
1959 - Abolition of tap penalty.
1961 - Dummy-half caught with ball resulted in a scrum.
1963 - Reinstatement of unrestricted dummy-half runs; ball from scrum to come out from behind the second-rowers; non-offending team given feed and loose-head for scrum from penalties (including after kick to touch); teams can replace a maximum of two injured players up to and including halftime.
1964 - Scrums minimum of 10 yards from goal-line; place kickoff from halfway line to restart play after unconverted try; penalty at halfway if kickoff out on the full.
1966 - Five-yard ruck rule implemented.
1967 - Four-tackle rule replaced unlimited tackles; tap penalty reintroduced; scrum replaced by tap kick for restart after penalty kick into touch.
1968 - Restart after attacking team makes ball dead: 25-yard optional kick.
1969 - Front row to pack ‘square’ in the scrums.
1970 - Two replacements for injured players allowed at any time during a game, provided those replacements had played at least half of a lower-grade game.
1971 - Value of field goal reduced from two points to one, and six-tackle rule introduced.
1981 - ‘Sin-bin’ and differential scrum penalty introduced; four replacements allowed.
1982 - Scrum feed and loose-head given to non-offending team.
1983 - Value of try increased to four points; handover after sixth tackle if caught in possession; drop out for kickoffs going dead (instead of a 22m tap).
1986 - Twenty-metre restarts when ball caught on full in in-goal.
1987 - ‘Head-bin’ introduced (players suffering minor head injuries allowed to return to the field of play after 10 minutes without affecting team’s quota of replacements).
1988 - Two fresh reserves allowed.
1990 - In-goal touch judges used in finals series.
1991 - Interchange rule introduced, allowing four players (two of whom could be fresh reserves and two of whom must have played half a game in the preceding Reserve Grade or President’s Cup) unlimited interchanges throughout a match. This rule was brought in primarily to cut down the risk of the spread of blood-borne diseases. By April an angry public reaction forced a modification which provided for a maximum of four players to be available for a total of six interchanges in a match. Players sent to the ‘blood-bin’ did not count among these six interchanges.
1993 - Ten-metre rule introduced mid-season.
1996 - Unlimited interchange reintroduced.
Rule Changes for 1997 – 2 competitions with very little differences
A.R.L. Rule Change: Rule 1 : If the ball is kicked from inside a team's 40 metre line and finds touch inside the opponent's 20 metre line (not on the full) the kicking team will be given the scrum feed.
The twenty metre (attacking) zones at each end of the field will be coloured red -Red Zone.
An automatic two year ban for any player testing positive to anabolic steroids. A second offence by a player would attract an automatic life ban.
1998 - ‘Zero tackle’ introduced; video referee introduced.
2001 - 10th February 2001 - It has been decided that the NRL ingoal rule where players can make the ball dead by having one-foot out has been scrapped. Players will now be forced to pick up the ball in the ingoal area unless it rolls dead and try and try and back into the field of play. The trial experiment rule two players allowed to stripping the ball has also been scrapped.
The NRL has introduced a number of new rule changes for the 2001 season in an attempt to encourage attacking play.
Along with the rule changes, the NRL also announced that salary cap breaches from the 2000 season will result in fines of up to 50 per cent of the breach, while the eight-team finals system will be retained.
The contentious ruling that allowed defenders to earn a 20 metre tap by placing one foot over the dead ball line and making the ball "dead" after an in-goal kick has been changed.
The new rulings are that any kick from inside the 40m line that finishes in-goal and which in turn is made "dead" by a defender will result in a 20m tap.
However a kick made from outside the 40m area which is made dead in-goal by the defending team will result in a line drop-out.
In other rule changes, the ball will be able to be 'stolen' with two defenders involved in a tackle. Before, only player could be involved in the tackle.
Attacking teams will be given the "benefit of the doubt" in refereeing decisions on tries.
The ability of video referees to rule on forward passes during tries has been scrapped.
Both props on the open side must have their front foot forward and the halfback must feed into that "tunnel" and players will be "held" in the scrum until the ball has cleared.
The International Rugby League Federation will be asked to approve the 'experimental' rules and they will be assessed in trial matches ahead of the 2001 season.
26th May 2000 - Rugby League's unlimited interchange bench will be scrapped next season in favour of a maximum 12 replacements from a four-man bench. A board meeting of the National Rugby League voted yesterday to implement the new ruling from next season. The 12 replacements include all interchanges, including blood bins and head bins.
NRL MAKE SEVERAL RULE CHANGES: Tuesday 23 Jan 2001:
The NRL has introduced a whole new array of rules with the controversial dead ball rule to be experimented during the trials and there's also been a change to the format of extra time during the final series. Instead of a finals match being 10min each way in case of a draw, it will now be automatically a 'Golden Point' rule where first point wins.
In the last extra-time finals match back in 1998 when Parramatta crumbled against Canterbury, the match under the new rule format would have been over in less than a minute during extra-time as Bulldogs hero Craig Polla-Mounter landed a 30m drop-goal at the end of the first set of six during the extra time period. But under the old setup, the extra-time was played the full 20 minutes with the Bulldogs winning 32-20. The only sudden death extra-time seen in Australia was in 1997 during the Super League Tri-Series where New South Wales and Queensland were still locked at 22-all after extra-time and four minutes into sudden extra-time, Noel Goldthorpe landed a drop-goal to secure the Blues victory. There will be no extra interchanges (max 12) allowed during extra-time, unless someone is injured because of foul play.
Without doubt the most controversial and talked about rule addition is the dead ball line restarts that has caused more anger than delight and one of the hardest rules to fathom. Many see it as a way to stop kicking but a good skill was trapping the opponents in the ingoal area and forcing a repeat set of six. Has anyone thought about what happens if a player gets the ball 5m out and surrounded by a wall of defence? The player could walk back and be tackled ingoal and get the 20m tap and gain 15m....
Can't see the dead ball line restarts lasting beyond the trials but they should get rid of the silly one-foot-in and one-foot-out rule that turned a great kick into a shocker.
Below are the five rules to be used during the trials:
Dead ball line restarts: Kicks from over 40 metres out from opponents goal line that finish in the in-goal area and are made dead by a defending player in any manner, play will recommence with a goal line drop out. Kicks from within 40 metres of opponents goal line that finish in the in-goal area and are made dead by a defender in any manner, will recommence with a 20 metre restart by the defending team.
Mid-air tackles: Only apply when a player from the non kicking team catches the ball on the full.
Stealing the ball: The football may not be stolen if there are more than two tacklers involved.
Knock-on: If knocked towards opponents dead ball line with the hand or arm 'while playing at the ball'.
20 metre restart: This kick may be used to gain a territorial advantage (i.e. if this kick finds touch a scrum will be formed where the ball crosses the touchline, and the kicking team will receive the loose head and feed).
Rules below that have been approved by the NRL Board and implemented for the 2001 season:
Video referee: The video referee may not be called upon to rule on forward passes. The video referee may only be called upon to rule on incidents in the final play leading to the scoring of points (i.e. from the previous play-the-ball).
Benefit of the doubt: In cases of extreme doubt the referee or video referee will give the benefit of such doubt to the attacking team.
Interchange (extra time): No additional interchanges will be permitted. However, the NRL Rules have been amended to dispense with extra time of 10 minutes each way. Finals matches where the scores are level at full-time will go directly into a 'Golden Point' situation where the first scorer be it try, goal or drop-goal wins.
Double movement: Only apply if a players momentum has stopped short of the goal line, the ball or the arm carrying the ball has been grounded, and the ball is then advanced to place it over the goal line. If momentum carries a player in possession into the in-goal area, it will not be a double movement if the ball would have finished over the goal line regardless of any subsequent movement of the ball or the arm carrying the ball.
Reduced in-goal dimensions: A standard in-goal depth of 8 metres will apply at all venues.
Scrums: Both props on the side where the ball is being fed must have their outside foot forward and the half back must feed the ball into the space between their outside feet. All players must remain in the scrum until the ball is out of the scrum.
Interchange because of foul play: A free interchange will be permitted if a player is fouled and injured by an opponent, who is sent off, sin binned, or placed on report. This will only apply where the injured player is immediately replaced at the time of the incident. If the injured player later returns to the field, that interchange is to be counted as one of the twelve permissible interchanges.
Bleeding players procedure: If the referee notices a bleeding player he will immediately stop play and call 'time-out'. The team trainer will immediately assess if the player can be quickly treated on the field or if he will require attention off the field. If the trainer advises that the player can be treated on the field, the referee will instruct the player to drop out behind play and the match will recommence immediately. If the trainer advises he will have to take the player off the field, the game will not recommence until the team is given the chance to affect an immediate interchange, or advise that they will temporarily play on with 12 players.
2003 - The Golden Point introduced to decide drawn games
2004 - Rugby League fans may no longer have to endure goal kickers deliberately taking 'excessive' time to attempt penalties or conversions.
The National Rugby League has today advised that clubs face fines starting from $2,000 if goal kickers deliberately 'waste time' during games.
The practice of 'time wasting' attracted significant attention from fans and clubs in 2003, with the issue ultimately being raised via the NRL Rules Committee and the NRL Annual Conference.
It was proposed that a reasonable 'time standard' be established for goal-kicks and that breach notices be issued to clubs who operate outside this.
NRL Referees have now analysed video tapes from the 2003 season and identified that the time taken for kicks throughout the season ranged from less than 1 minute at the lower end of the scale to approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds and sometimes even longer.
In 2004 the NRL will require the kicker to take his attempt within 1 minute 30 seconds for goal kicks from the moment the try is scored, or for penalties from the moment the referee blows his whistle.
No matter what time is taken the referee will not take any disciplinary action on the field in relation to the kicker, other than to blow time off if he feels this is appropriate (as per the existing rules).
Instead statistics will be analysed after the game and the club (not the player) will be issued with a breach notice in the following week.
Initial fines will be $2,000 but there will be scope to increase these if clubs incur consistent breaches.
"Naturally, the NRL will consider unusual circumstances (e.g. extreme weather conditions) prior to any decision to breach a club under this policy," NRL Chief Operating Officer, Mr Graham Annesley said today.
"The NRL will also monitor the time limit as the season progresses to ensure it remains appropriate and effective.
"This was an area that caused considerable debate among fans and club personnel in 2003 and the NRL wants to ensure that fans are getting to see a full game of Rugby League action each weekend.
"If players are allowed to take two, three, and four minutes a kick, and there are four or five goals in a match, then there is a lot of football the fans won't get to see.
"This issue was canvassed with players, clubs and coaches at the Annual conference and this is the course of action that was endorsed."
The NRL has also received official confirmation from the RLIF in relation to two rule amendments for 2004. These rules will be consistent throughout the International Laws of the game.
Currently the team that wins the toss automatically receives the ball and has the choice of ends; the rule has been changed along the following lines:
1. Coin Toss (pre game & to commence extra time):
The team winning the toss now has the option of choosing which end of the field to defend, or alternatively may elect to kick-off to commence play. If the team winning the toss elects to kick-off, the choice of ends reverts to the team losing the toss.
Currently a team whose player is held up in goal while in possession before the fifth tackle will receive a scrum feed 10m from the goal line and an effective restarting of the tackle count. The rule will be altered along the following lines:
2. Held-up In-Goal:
When an attacking player is held-up in his opponents in-goal area and is unable to ground the ball, play will be restarted by the player in possession playing the ball 10 metres out from the goal line directly opposite the point where he was held-up. The tackle count will then continue in the normal manner (i.e. if a player is held-up on tackle 3, play will resume with a play-the-ball 10 metres from the goal line and the following tackle will be tackle 4). Please note that if a player in possession is held-up on the sixth tackle, there is no change to the existing rule (i.e. a 'hand-over' 10m out).
These rule changes will apply throughout the upcoming regional trials; however no breaches will be issued in relation to goal kicking until the commencement of the Telstra Premiership on Friday March 12.
2006 - Tap from penalty kick to be taken 20 metres infield.
2007 - The National Rugby League Board has retained the Golden Point rule in its present form, reinstated Sunday semi finals and accepted a number of amendments to refereeing interpretations for the 2007 season.
Today’s meeting considered outcomes from this year’s Football Operations Conference, the Chief Executive’s Annual Conference and submissions from both individual clubs and the NRL Executive.
While there had been substantial debate in relation to the Golden Point and particularly the option of moving to a Golden Try, there was also acceptance that the existing Golden Point rule had added an exciting dimension to matches and had provided the framework.
“There’s an element of ‘if it isn’t broken don’t fix it’,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.
“There were also some real concerns about the consistency between matches during the year and semi finals that would need to be played until a result was reached.
“Finally there was a fundamental concern that moving away from the current concept would mean that you could win a game one way in the 79th minute (through a field goal) but have to win it another in the 81st minute (through a try).
“A lot of people point to the Tri Nations Final as a reason for change but in fact that finish occurred under the existing rule.
“We’ve implemented a large number of changes on the back of the feedback from coaches, players, referees and CEO’s but will leave the Golden Point in place.”
As a result of today’s meeting, referees will adjust a number of on field rule interpretations:
· Off-side (in judging the position of attacking players in relation to offside, both feet must be behind the ball; in the case of defensive players both feet must be behind the either the referees’ 10m mark or the goal line).
· Play-the-ball (genuine attempt must be made to play with foot)
· Obstruction (as per points agreed at Football Operations Conference listed at the end of this release).
· Sin Bin (may be used for minor repeated infringements of foul play)
· Interchange/Foul Play (free interchange when leaving and returning to field)
· Free kicks 20 metres from touch (RLIF Executive has agreed this can be adopted as an experimental rule in 2007)
Minor changes were also approved to the NRL Judiciary system.
The first change will result in a player’s first Careless Grade 1 tackle conviction no longer incurring a ‘prior offence’ loading for those players who have qualified for the 7 year incident free discount.
In effect this means a player who has played 7 years without conviction would not lose his ‘good-record’ discount because of his first Careless Grade 1 Tackle offence.
Furthermore, if a player who has played 7 years incident free in Grade Football is convicted of an offence other than a Careless Grade 1 High Tackle, the loading period (the length of time the offence remains on his record for the purposes of increasing future penalties) be reduced from two years to one year.
“It’s an incentive for players to retain clean records,” Mr Gallop explained.
“Without lessening any of the deterrents we have against foul play it also rewards players who play the game in the right spirit over an extended period.”
The meeting today also made a minor amendment to the salary cap aimed at providing further opportunities to young players.
Players in a club’s 2nd Tier (not part of the top 25), who have not played in the NRL and whose contract with the club is terminated, will not remain in the club’s salary cap calculation after that point.
On the issue of scheduling, the Board agreed that the 2006 experiment of taking semi finals in weeks two and three to Friday night instead of Sunday night should not be repeated. The semi finals in weeks two and three will now be played on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
The Board has confirmed that 2007 will move to a system of Home Finals in week 1, Home Cities in week 2, Home Regions in Week 3, with the Grand Final at Telstra Stadium.
“We’ve listened to the fans over the last couple of years in terms of having more flexibility around finals scheduling and last year in terms of their preference Saturday evening and Sunday finals,” Mr Gallop said.
“The mix of matches in 2007 will get the big games close to fans but keep them in Stadiums that can accommodate semi final crowds.”
Notes on amendments to the obstruction interpretation:
Standard ‘run-around’ move is ok.
Passing across the back of decoy runners is ok.
Ball carrier cannot run behind a decoy and gain an advantage regardless of any contact between the decoy and the defence.
Decoy runners must run into space and not interfere with the defensive.
Decoys that interfere with inside-out defenders will be penalised.
2008 - The 2008 NRL premiership will include fewer interchanges per game and the grapple tackle stripped from players' repertoire among experimental rule amendments and changes to referee interpretations for next season.
There will be two experimental rule amendments and changes to referee's interpretation in six key areas, the National Rugby League announced.
The two experimental rule amendments approved are reducing the number of interchanges, use of replacement players, from 12 to 10 a match and ball stripping permitted if the ball carrier is in the act of trying to ground the ball for a try.
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) gave approval on Christmas Eve for the experimental law amendments after a review where coaches, players, referees, club officials and the boards of the NRL and ARL were consulted.
Interpretation changes within the NRL premiership do not need RLIF consent.
The six interpretation changes include scrapping the grapple/wrestle tackle from the game.
Any prolonged contact with the head or neck will be penalised and more serious cases will involve a visit to the judiciary.
In tackles known as The Crusher where a player uses his body weight to bend and exert pressure on another players head/neck, the judiciary will treat them very seriously and they'll be graded accordingly.
Props will have to bind tighter on the feeding side at scrums with their outside leg forward so the halfback puts the ball into the tunnel, which should minimise forwards leaving the scrum early and play breaking down at the scrum base.
Referees can allow quick 20 metre restarts once officials are in position regardless of whether defence is ready or not.
Also referees can ask the video referee to check on ball stripping if unsure, which depends on the NRL reaching agreement with broadcasters so games are not delayed.
Kickers will have more protection with the tackler or tacklers not to contact the punter dangerously.
Goal-line restarts will have a standard time where the referee can warn teams once and then give a penalty kick 10 metres out if the warning is ignored.
The video referee will monitor the time and notify the referee.
And referees are to be more vigilant on players trying to gain head start on 10 metres at ruck.
2009 - The NRL board confirmed today the biggest on-field change to the way the game is controlled in its 100 year history.
The two-referee model will apply to the top-flight NRL competition only, with one official patrolling the play-the-ball area and the other positioned on the 10-metre defensive line.
The main referee will be the 10-metre official, who will use the whistle to order stoppages or penalties. The second referee will communicate directly to the referee who has the whistle.
The referees will alternate roles during a match. "This is a major step and another demonstration of the priority that is placed in officiating our game,'' NRL chief executive David Gallop said in a statement.
"Today's decision is a fundamental change to the refereeing model and one that reflects the pace and demands of today's game. Not for a second do I think this will stop people arguing about on-field decisions but they can't argue about the professionalism or the dedication of those involved in making the decisions.''
The introduction of two on-field referees
PLAYERS not having to control the ball while scoring a try and being able to ground it with their arm;
· FORCING the attacking team to stay bound to the scrum, with backs who rush to pack down in order to have time suspended forced to contest the scrum;
· AWARDING tap kicks from penalties 10m in from touch, not 20m;
· STOPPING the video referee assisting on stripping-the-ball and foul-play decisions;
· CUTTING reliance on the video ref, to make the game more fluid. The introduction of two referees is shaping as one biggest rule changes in the games history. It was implemented to stop referees tiring. It is predicted the referee's average maximum heartbeat will drop from 180 to 170 this year under the new rule, while still controlling 80 per cent of the game.
2011- When NRL CEO David Gallop commented at last week's season launch that 2011 was the most anticipated year in recent memory, he wasn't just paying lip service to the assembled hordes – rarely have we seen such dramatic change across the board as we have over the past few months.
The coming season will see the long-awaited formation of an independent commission to run rugby league in Australia, ending News Limited's 16-year stake and giving both clubs and fans a greater say in shaping the future of the NRL.
Already moves are underway to streamline the sport with the various ruling bodies – NRL, ARL, NSWRL and CRL – preparing to move into the one building at Moore Park this time next year.
First concrete was poured at the Rugby League Central site last weekend.
Within NRL walls there have been a number of key personnel changes heading into 2011, with Nathan McGuirk the new Director of Football Operations – effectively taking over from departing Chief Operating Officer Graham Annesley – and former Wests Tigers captain Mark O'Neill appointed Judiciary Secretary and Football Operations Manager.
Also on board is Canberra great Brad Clyde, who has accepted a role with the match review committee.
But by far the biggest change for the game itself this season is the appointment of Bill Harrigan and Stuart Raper as referees' coaches, replacing Robert Finch in rugby league's most difficult job.
The pair spent the off-season meeting with players, ex-players and coaches to work through the entire rulebook and have devised a 'back to basics' approach to their reign as a direct result.
It's the first time the NRL has appointed two referees coaches, with Raper in charge of liaising with clubs and coaches and running training sessions, while Harrigan will look after performance, rules and appointments.
"We've decided that's the best way to go because Bill has a better feel if a ref is doing something right or wrong," Raper tells NRL.com.
The key rule changes introduced for 2011 are:
- Defenders will be rewarded for making a good 'legs' tackle, with referees allowing them more time. They will also be allowed, within reason, to spin on top if they are the lone defender in order to get to marker;
- Dominant tackles will only be called if dominance is gained upon impact. Gang tackles will not be called dominant;
- A penalty will only be awarded against a leg pull if it directly affects the speed of the play-the-ball;
- The attacking player must play the ball on the mark and will be penalised if he takes steps either forward or to the side;
- Defenders will only be penalised for making contact with the kicker if contact is deemed unnecessary;
- Any player that takes a kick-off or drop-out in front of the line by any margin will be penalised;
- Tries will be awarded if decoy runners have no effect on the try being scored;
- Scrums must bind correctly and players must not break until the referee calls 'out'. Players will be penalised if they break early; and
- The 10-metre advantage rule has been scrapped, with referees to determine when a side has taken their advantage.
There have also been changes in the video referee's room, with Bernard Sutton moving upstairs as a result of ongoing knee problems and Paul Mellor and Rod Lawrence both video ref trainees.
Raper and Harrigan have promised to communicate the reasons behind contentious decisions more effectively to fans and the media each Monday following their weekly round reviews and will split the eight games between them in order to better analyse every play.
While referees will forever be in the rugby league spotlight, already the NRL's new pairing have shown they have the game's best interests at heart, with clubs and players responding positively to what lies ahead in 2011.
1897 - The Line-out was replaced by a punt kick from touch. All goals were reduced to two points.
1906 - Teams were reduced from 15 to 13 a side and the play the ball was introduced. The scoring system of 2 points for any type of goal and 3 points for a try was adopted for the season 1906-07. During that season the line-out, as played in Union, was also abolished and the ball was brought into play from the sideline by a kick in any direction by a player from the non-offending team.
1907 - Rugby League came into being in Australia in 1907.
1908 - MAJOR AMENDMENTS TO THE LAWS OF RUGBY LEAGUE
• No limit on number of tackles a team can retain possession.
• Scrum formations not regulated (no loose-head rule, numbers in each row not specified, ball permitted to come out from anywhere behind front row). Front rows bind against each other before subsequent rows pack behind.
• Play-the-ball: provided they are onside (no minimum distance specified) all players in vicinity permitted to kick or rake for the ball in any direction.
• Attacking team (the team in the opposition’s half of the field) to put ball into the scrum.
• Scrum feed method unrestricted (spinning and bouncing the ball not illegal).
• Penalty options: drop, place or punt kicks only.
• ‘Fair catch’ rule: catching the ball on the full from an opponent’s kick, knock-on or forward pass earns a ‘free kick’ (can drop or place-kick for goal; ‘tap’ impractical).
• All goals valued at two points. Penalty goals and ‘free kicks’ permitted to be either placed or drop-kicked for goal. All conversions to be place-kicked. ‘Soccer-style’ field goals (kicking a loose or bouncing ball from the ground over the cross-bar on the full) permitted.
• Kicking to touch from penalty results in a scrum (feed given to attacking team).
• Defenders permitted to stand on the ‘mark’ at a penalty or ‘fair catch’. The subsequent kick must go beyond the ‘mark’ for play to continue (‘tap’ impractical).
• Restart of play after unconverted try: drop-kick from inside halfway (ball must cross halfway).
• Kickoff or drop-out crosses touchline on the full: recalled for a scrum (opposing team to feed).
• Restart of play after defending team makes ball dead after carrying, kicking or passing ball into own in-goal: five-yard scrum, with attacking team to feed.
• Restart of play after defender makes ball dead in own in-goal (where opponent kicked or carried ball across the goal-line): 25-yard line drop-out.
• All other significant rules are essentially as per today’s playing laws.
Note on Replacements: A local rule operated in NSW between 1908 and 1925 whereby a replacement player was allowed for an injured player. From 1925 to 1963, no replacements were allowed.
1909 - Maximum of three forwards in front row of the scrum; other rows remain unrestricted.
1920 - Scrum half required to roll ball into scrum.
1922 - Goal from ‘fair catch/mark’ and soccer-style ‘field goal’ abolished.
1925 - A second football provided at the touch-line to eliminate delays during all first-class matches.
1926 - Goal-line drop-out (instead of from the 25-yard line) after defender makes ball dead; play-the-ball modernised - only marker and man playing the ball to be involved in contest for the ball, and marker to keep both feet on ground until ball is dropped or placed.
1930 - Defending halfback to feed scrums, with attacking side having the loose-head; ‘3-2-1’ scrum formation made mandatory.
1932 - Hooker must have both arms over props (loose-arm rule); penalty extended to include optional scrum (instead of ‘free kick’).
1948 - Front rows cannot pack against each other until ordered by referee.
1951 - Five-yard ruck rule introduced (for one season only); previously there had been a ‘no-yard’ ruck rule.
1952 - No-yard ruck rule reinstated; dummy-half and second-marker to stand one yard behind the two men at the play-the-ball.
1954 - Tap penalty introduced, with offending team to retire 10 yards.
1956 - Three-yard ruck rule, with no minimum distance for dummy-half and second-marker.
1959 - Abolition of tap penalty.
1961 - Dummy-half caught with ball resulted in a scrum.
1963 - Reinstatement of unrestricted dummy-half runs; ball from scrum to come out from behind the second-rowers; non-offending team given feed and loose-head for scrum from penalties (including after kick to touch); teams can replace a maximum of two injured players up to and including halftime.
1964 - Scrums minimum of 10 yards from goal-line; place kickoff from halfway line to restart play after unconverted try; penalty at halfway if kickoff out on the full.
1966 - Five-yard ruck rule implemented.
1967 - Four-tackle rule replaced unlimited tackles; tap penalty reintroduced; scrum replaced by tap kick for restart after penalty kick into touch.
1968 - Restart after attacking team makes ball dead: 25-yard optional kick.
1969 - Front row to pack ‘square’ in the scrums.
1970 - Two replacements for injured players allowed at any time during a game, provided those replacements had played at least half of a lower-grade game.
1971 - Value of field goal reduced from two points to one, and six-tackle rule introduced.
1981 - ‘Sin-bin’ and differential scrum penalty introduced; four replacements allowed.
1982 - Scrum feed and loose-head given to non-offending team.
1983 - Value of try increased to four points; handover after sixth tackle if caught in possession; drop out for kickoffs going dead (instead of a 22m tap).
1986 - Twenty-metre restarts when ball caught on full in in-goal.
1987 - ‘Head-bin’ introduced (players suffering minor head injuries allowed to return to the field of play after 10 minutes without affecting team’s quota of replacements).
1988 - Two fresh reserves allowed.
1990 - In-goal touch judges used in finals series.
1991 - Interchange rule introduced, allowing four players (two of whom could be fresh reserves and two of whom must have played half a game in the preceding Reserve Grade or President’s Cup) unlimited interchanges throughout a match. This rule was brought in primarily to cut down the risk of the spread of blood-borne diseases. By April an angry public reaction forced a modification which provided for a maximum of four players to be available for a total of six interchanges in a match. Players sent to the ‘blood-bin’ did not count among these six interchanges.
1993 - Ten-metre rule introduced mid-season.
1996 - Unlimited interchange reintroduced.
Rule Changes for 1997 – 2 competitions with very little differences
A.R.L. Rule Change: Rule 1 : If the ball is kicked from inside a team's 40 metre line and finds touch inside the opponent's 20 metre line (not on the full) the kicking team will be given the scrum feed.
- Reason: This rewards kickers and prevents players from slowing down play, by watching kicks roll into touch.
- Reason: To stop fullbacks and wingers watching the ball roll out from kicks.
- Reason: This rule forces players to play at the ball and creates more opportunity for variety in the kick off.
- Reason: This is to assist the team who has just had a try scored against them.
- Reason: You shouldn't suffer a possession loss unless you actually play at the ball (as in a charge down).
- Reason: You shouldn't suffer a possession loss unless you actually play at the ball (as in a charge down).
- Reason: The player in possession must be responsible for protecting the football. This stops a second or third player coming in just to steal the ball.
- Reason: The player in possession must be responsible for protecting the football. This stops a second or third player coming in just to steal the ball.
- Reason: To both speed up and tidy up the play the ball area.
- Reason: To both speed up and tidy up the play the ball area.
- Reason: This eliminates confusion over last year's "mouse trap" play used by St George last year.
- Reason: This is intended to speed up the game by ensuring fresh players on the field at all times.
- Reason: This is to stop things cutting into the playing time.
- Reason: This will allow greater scope for set plays.
- Reason: This is what really happens.
- Reason: To tidy up the play the ball area.
The twenty metre (attacking) zones at each end of the field will be coloured red -Red Zone.
An automatic two year ban for any player testing positive to anabolic steroids. A second offence by a player would attract an automatic life ban.
1998 - ‘Zero tackle’ introduced; video referee introduced.
2001 - 10th February 2001 - It has been decided that the NRL ingoal rule where players can make the ball dead by having one-foot out has been scrapped. Players will now be forced to pick up the ball in the ingoal area unless it rolls dead and try and try and back into the field of play. The trial experiment rule two players allowed to stripping the ball has also been scrapped.
The NRL has introduced a number of new rule changes for the 2001 season in an attempt to encourage attacking play.
Along with the rule changes, the NRL also announced that salary cap breaches from the 2000 season will result in fines of up to 50 per cent of the breach, while the eight-team finals system will be retained.
The contentious ruling that allowed defenders to earn a 20 metre tap by placing one foot over the dead ball line and making the ball "dead" after an in-goal kick has been changed.
The new rulings are that any kick from inside the 40m line that finishes in-goal and which in turn is made "dead" by a defender will result in a 20m tap.
However a kick made from outside the 40m area which is made dead in-goal by the defending team will result in a line drop-out.
In other rule changes, the ball will be able to be 'stolen' with two defenders involved in a tackle. Before, only player could be involved in the tackle.
Attacking teams will be given the "benefit of the doubt" in refereeing decisions on tries.
The ability of video referees to rule on forward passes during tries has been scrapped.
Both props on the open side must have their front foot forward and the halfback must feed into that "tunnel" and players will be "held" in the scrum until the ball has cleared.
The International Rugby League Federation will be asked to approve the 'experimental' rules and they will be assessed in trial matches ahead of the 2001 season.
26th May 2000 - Rugby League's unlimited interchange bench will be scrapped next season in favour of a maximum 12 replacements from a four-man bench. A board meeting of the National Rugby League voted yesterday to implement the new ruling from next season. The 12 replacements include all interchanges, including blood bins and head bins.
NRL MAKE SEVERAL RULE CHANGES: Tuesday 23 Jan 2001:
The NRL has introduced a whole new array of rules with the controversial dead ball rule to be experimented during the trials and there's also been a change to the format of extra time during the final series. Instead of a finals match being 10min each way in case of a draw, it will now be automatically a 'Golden Point' rule where first point wins.
In the last extra-time finals match back in 1998 when Parramatta crumbled against Canterbury, the match under the new rule format would have been over in less than a minute during extra-time as Bulldogs hero Craig Polla-Mounter landed a 30m drop-goal at the end of the first set of six during the extra time period. But under the old setup, the extra-time was played the full 20 minutes with the Bulldogs winning 32-20. The only sudden death extra-time seen in Australia was in 1997 during the Super League Tri-Series where New South Wales and Queensland were still locked at 22-all after extra-time and four minutes into sudden extra-time, Noel Goldthorpe landed a drop-goal to secure the Blues victory. There will be no extra interchanges (max 12) allowed during extra-time, unless someone is injured because of foul play.
Without doubt the most controversial and talked about rule addition is the dead ball line restarts that has caused more anger than delight and one of the hardest rules to fathom. Many see it as a way to stop kicking but a good skill was trapping the opponents in the ingoal area and forcing a repeat set of six. Has anyone thought about what happens if a player gets the ball 5m out and surrounded by a wall of defence? The player could walk back and be tackled ingoal and get the 20m tap and gain 15m....
Can't see the dead ball line restarts lasting beyond the trials but they should get rid of the silly one-foot-in and one-foot-out rule that turned a great kick into a shocker.
Below are the five rules to be used during the trials:
Dead ball line restarts: Kicks from over 40 metres out from opponents goal line that finish in the in-goal area and are made dead by a defending player in any manner, play will recommence with a goal line drop out. Kicks from within 40 metres of opponents goal line that finish in the in-goal area and are made dead by a defender in any manner, will recommence with a 20 metre restart by the defending team.
Mid-air tackles: Only apply when a player from the non kicking team catches the ball on the full.
Stealing the ball: The football may not be stolen if there are more than two tacklers involved.
Knock-on: If knocked towards opponents dead ball line with the hand or arm 'while playing at the ball'.
20 metre restart: This kick may be used to gain a territorial advantage (i.e. if this kick finds touch a scrum will be formed where the ball crosses the touchline, and the kicking team will receive the loose head and feed).
Rules below that have been approved by the NRL Board and implemented for the 2001 season:
Video referee: The video referee may not be called upon to rule on forward passes. The video referee may only be called upon to rule on incidents in the final play leading to the scoring of points (i.e. from the previous play-the-ball).
Benefit of the doubt: In cases of extreme doubt the referee or video referee will give the benefit of such doubt to the attacking team.
Interchange (extra time): No additional interchanges will be permitted. However, the NRL Rules have been amended to dispense with extra time of 10 minutes each way. Finals matches where the scores are level at full-time will go directly into a 'Golden Point' situation where the first scorer be it try, goal or drop-goal wins.
Double movement: Only apply if a players momentum has stopped short of the goal line, the ball or the arm carrying the ball has been grounded, and the ball is then advanced to place it over the goal line. If momentum carries a player in possession into the in-goal area, it will not be a double movement if the ball would have finished over the goal line regardless of any subsequent movement of the ball or the arm carrying the ball.
Reduced in-goal dimensions: A standard in-goal depth of 8 metres will apply at all venues.
Scrums: Both props on the side where the ball is being fed must have their outside foot forward and the half back must feed the ball into the space between their outside feet. All players must remain in the scrum until the ball is out of the scrum.
Interchange because of foul play: A free interchange will be permitted if a player is fouled and injured by an opponent, who is sent off, sin binned, or placed on report. This will only apply where the injured player is immediately replaced at the time of the incident. If the injured player later returns to the field, that interchange is to be counted as one of the twelve permissible interchanges.
Bleeding players procedure: If the referee notices a bleeding player he will immediately stop play and call 'time-out'. The team trainer will immediately assess if the player can be quickly treated on the field or if he will require attention off the field. If the trainer advises that the player can be treated on the field, the referee will instruct the player to drop out behind play and the match will recommence immediately. If the trainer advises he will have to take the player off the field, the game will not recommence until the team is given the chance to affect an immediate interchange, or advise that they will temporarily play on with 12 players.
2003 - The Golden Point introduced to decide drawn games
2004 - Rugby League fans may no longer have to endure goal kickers deliberately taking 'excessive' time to attempt penalties or conversions.
The National Rugby League has today advised that clubs face fines starting from $2,000 if goal kickers deliberately 'waste time' during games.
The practice of 'time wasting' attracted significant attention from fans and clubs in 2003, with the issue ultimately being raised via the NRL Rules Committee and the NRL Annual Conference.
It was proposed that a reasonable 'time standard' be established for goal-kicks and that breach notices be issued to clubs who operate outside this.
NRL Referees have now analysed video tapes from the 2003 season and identified that the time taken for kicks throughout the season ranged from less than 1 minute at the lower end of the scale to approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds and sometimes even longer.
In 2004 the NRL will require the kicker to take his attempt within 1 minute 30 seconds for goal kicks from the moment the try is scored, or for penalties from the moment the referee blows his whistle.
No matter what time is taken the referee will not take any disciplinary action on the field in relation to the kicker, other than to blow time off if he feels this is appropriate (as per the existing rules).
Instead statistics will be analysed after the game and the club (not the player) will be issued with a breach notice in the following week.
Initial fines will be $2,000 but there will be scope to increase these if clubs incur consistent breaches.
"Naturally, the NRL will consider unusual circumstances (e.g. extreme weather conditions) prior to any decision to breach a club under this policy," NRL Chief Operating Officer, Mr Graham Annesley said today.
"The NRL will also monitor the time limit as the season progresses to ensure it remains appropriate and effective.
"This was an area that caused considerable debate among fans and club personnel in 2003 and the NRL wants to ensure that fans are getting to see a full game of Rugby League action each weekend.
"If players are allowed to take two, three, and four minutes a kick, and there are four or five goals in a match, then there is a lot of football the fans won't get to see.
"This issue was canvassed with players, clubs and coaches at the Annual conference and this is the course of action that was endorsed."
The NRL has also received official confirmation from the RLIF in relation to two rule amendments for 2004. These rules will be consistent throughout the International Laws of the game.
Currently the team that wins the toss automatically receives the ball and has the choice of ends; the rule has been changed along the following lines:
1. Coin Toss (pre game & to commence extra time):
The team winning the toss now has the option of choosing which end of the field to defend, or alternatively may elect to kick-off to commence play. If the team winning the toss elects to kick-off, the choice of ends reverts to the team losing the toss.
Currently a team whose player is held up in goal while in possession before the fifth tackle will receive a scrum feed 10m from the goal line and an effective restarting of the tackle count. The rule will be altered along the following lines:
2. Held-up In-Goal:
When an attacking player is held-up in his opponents in-goal area and is unable to ground the ball, play will be restarted by the player in possession playing the ball 10 metres out from the goal line directly opposite the point where he was held-up. The tackle count will then continue in the normal manner (i.e. if a player is held-up on tackle 3, play will resume with a play-the-ball 10 metres from the goal line and the following tackle will be tackle 4). Please note that if a player in possession is held-up on the sixth tackle, there is no change to the existing rule (i.e. a 'hand-over' 10m out).
These rule changes will apply throughout the upcoming regional trials; however no breaches will be issued in relation to goal kicking until the commencement of the Telstra Premiership on Friday March 12.
2006 - Tap from penalty kick to be taken 20 metres infield.
2007 - The National Rugby League Board has retained the Golden Point rule in its present form, reinstated Sunday semi finals and accepted a number of amendments to refereeing interpretations for the 2007 season.
Today’s meeting considered outcomes from this year’s Football Operations Conference, the Chief Executive’s Annual Conference and submissions from both individual clubs and the NRL Executive.
While there had been substantial debate in relation to the Golden Point and particularly the option of moving to a Golden Try, there was also acceptance that the existing Golden Point rule had added an exciting dimension to matches and had provided the framework.
“There’s an element of ‘if it isn’t broken don’t fix it’,” NRL Chief Executive, Mr David Gallop, said.
“There were also some real concerns about the consistency between matches during the year and semi finals that would need to be played until a result was reached.
“Finally there was a fundamental concern that moving away from the current concept would mean that you could win a game one way in the 79th minute (through a field goal) but have to win it another in the 81st minute (through a try).
“A lot of people point to the Tri Nations Final as a reason for change but in fact that finish occurred under the existing rule.
“We’ve implemented a large number of changes on the back of the feedback from coaches, players, referees and CEO’s but will leave the Golden Point in place.”
As a result of today’s meeting, referees will adjust a number of on field rule interpretations:
· Off-side (in judging the position of attacking players in relation to offside, both feet must be behind the ball; in the case of defensive players both feet must be behind the either the referees’ 10m mark or the goal line).
· Play-the-ball (genuine attempt must be made to play with foot)
· Obstruction (as per points agreed at Football Operations Conference listed at the end of this release).
· Sin Bin (may be used for minor repeated infringements of foul play)
· Interchange/Foul Play (free interchange when leaving and returning to field)
· Free kicks 20 metres from touch (RLIF Executive has agreed this can be adopted as an experimental rule in 2007)
Minor changes were also approved to the NRL Judiciary system.
The first change will result in a player’s first Careless Grade 1 tackle conviction no longer incurring a ‘prior offence’ loading for those players who have qualified for the 7 year incident free discount.
In effect this means a player who has played 7 years without conviction would not lose his ‘good-record’ discount because of his first Careless Grade 1 Tackle offence.
Furthermore, if a player who has played 7 years incident free in Grade Football is convicted of an offence other than a Careless Grade 1 High Tackle, the loading period (the length of time the offence remains on his record for the purposes of increasing future penalties) be reduced from two years to one year.
“It’s an incentive for players to retain clean records,” Mr Gallop explained.
“Without lessening any of the deterrents we have against foul play it also rewards players who play the game in the right spirit over an extended period.”
The meeting today also made a minor amendment to the salary cap aimed at providing further opportunities to young players.
Players in a club’s 2nd Tier (not part of the top 25), who have not played in the NRL and whose contract with the club is terminated, will not remain in the club’s salary cap calculation after that point.
On the issue of scheduling, the Board agreed that the 2006 experiment of taking semi finals in weeks two and three to Friday night instead of Sunday night should not be repeated. The semi finals in weeks two and three will now be played on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
The Board has confirmed that 2007 will move to a system of Home Finals in week 1, Home Cities in week 2, Home Regions in Week 3, with the Grand Final at Telstra Stadium.
“We’ve listened to the fans over the last couple of years in terms of having more flexibility around finals scheduling and last year in terms of their preference Saturday evening and Sunday finals,” Mr Gallop said.
“The mix of matches in 2007 will get the big games close to fans but keep them in Stadiums that can accommodate semi final crowds.”
Notes on amendments to the obstruction interpretation:
Standard ‘run-around’ move is ok.
Passing across the back of decoy runners is ok.
Ball carrier cannot run behind a decoy and gain an advantage regardless of any contact between the decoy and the defence.
Decoy runners must run into space and not interfere with the defensive.
Decoys that interfere with inside-out defenders will be penalised.
2008 - The 2008 NRL premiership will include fewer interchanges per game and the grapple tackle stripped from players' repertoire among experimental rule amendments and changes to referee interpretations for next season.
There will be two experimental rule amendments and changes to referee's interpretation in six key areas, the National Rugby League announced.
The two experimental rule amendments approved are reducing the number of interchanges, use of replacement players, from 12 to 10 a match and ball stripping permitted if the ball carrier is in the act of trying to ground the ball for a try.
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) gave approval on Christmas Eve for the experimental law amendments after a review where coaches, players, referees, club officials and the boards of the NRL and ARL were consulted.
Interpretation changes within the NRL premiership do not need RLIF consent.
The six interpretation changes include scrapping the grapple/wrestle tackle from the game.
Any prolonged contact with the head or neck will be penalised and more serious cases will involve a visit to the judiciary.
In tackles known as The Crusher where a player uses his body weight to bend and exert pressure on another players head/neck, the judiciary will treat them very seriously and they'll be graded accordingly.
Props will have to bind tighter on the feeding side at scrums with their outside leg forward so the halfback puts the ball into the tunnel, which should minimise forwards leaving the scrum early and play breaking down at the scrum base.
Referees can allow quick 20 metre restarts once officials are in position regardless of whether defence is ready or not.
Also referees can ask the video referee to check on ball stripping if unsure, which depends on the NRL reaching agreement with broadcasters so games are not delayed.
Kickers will have more protection with the tackler or tacklers not to contact the punter dangerously.
Goal-line restarts will have a standard time where the referee can warn teams once and then give a penalty kick 10 metres out if the warning is ignored.
The video referee will monitor the time and notify the referee.
And referees are to be more vigilant on players trying to gain head start on 10 metres at ruck.
2009 - The NRL board confirmed today the biggest on-field change to the way the game is controlled in its 100 year history.
The two-referee model will apply to the top-flight NRL competition only, with one official patrolling the play-the-ball area and the other positioned on the 10-metre defensive line.
The main referee will be the 10-metre official, who will use the whistle to order stoppages or penalties. The second referee will communicate directly to the referee who has the whistle.
The referees will alternate roles during a match. "This is a major step and another demonstration of the priority that is placed in officiating our game,'' NRL chief executive David Gallop said in a statement.
"Today's decision is a fundamental change to the refereeing model and one that reflects the pace and demands of today's game. Not for a second do I think this will stop people arguing about on-field decisions but they can't argue about the professionalism or the dedication of those involved in making the decisions.''
The introduction of two on-field referees
PLAYERS not having to control the ball while scoring a try and being able to ground it with their arm;
· FORCING the attacking team to stay bound to the scrum, with backs who rush to pack down in order to have time suspended forced to contest the scrum;
· AWARDING tap kicks from penalties 10m in from touch, not 20m;
· STOPPING the video referee assisting on stripping-the-ball and foul-play decisions;
· CUTTING reliance on the video ref, to make the game more fluid. The introduction of two referees is shaping as one biggest rule changes in the games history. It was implemented to stop referees tiring. It is predicted the referee's average maximum heartbeat will drop from 180 to 170 this year under the new rule, while still controlling 80 per cent of the game.
2011- When NRL CEO David Gallop commented at last week's season launch that 2011 was the most anticipated year in recent memory, he wasn't just paying lip service to the assembled hordes – rarely have we seen such dramatic change across the board as we have over the past few months.
The coming season will see the long-awaited formation of an independent commission to run rugby league in Australia, ending News Limited's 16-year stake and giving both clubs and fans a greater say in shaping the future of the NRL.
Already moves are underway to streamline the sport with the various ruling bodies – NRL, ARL, NSWRL and CRL – preparing to move into the one building at Moore Park this time next year.
First concrete was poured at the Rugby League Central site last weekend.
Within NRL walls there have been a number of key personnel changes heading into 2011, with Nathan McGuirk the new Director of Football Operations – effectively taking over from departing Chief Operating Officer Graham Annesley – and former Wests Tigers captain Mark O'Neill appointed Judiciary Secretary and Football Operations Manager.
Also on board is Canberra great Brad Clyde, who has accepted a role with the match review committee.
But by far the biggest change for the game itself this season is the appointment of Bill Harrigan and Stuart Raper as referees' coaches, replacing Robert Finch in rugby league's most difficult job.
The pair spent the off-season meeting with players, ex-players and coaches to work through the entire rulebook and have devised a 'back to basics' approach to their reign as a direct result.
It's the first time the NRL has appointed two referees coaches, with Raper in charge of liaising with clubs and coaches and running training sessions, while Harrigan will look after performance, rules and appointments.
"We've decided that's the best way to go because Bill has a better feel if a ref is doing something right or wrong," Raper tells NRL.com.
The key rule changes introduced for 2011 are:
- Defenders will be rewarded for making a good 'legs' tackle, with referees allowing them more time. They will also be allowed, within reason, to spin on top if they are the lone defender in order to get to marker;
- Dominant tackles will only be called if dominance is gained upon impact. Gang tackles will not be called dominant;
- A penalty will only be awarded against a leg pull if it directly affects the speed of the play-the-ball;
- The attacking player must play the ball on the mark and will be penalised if he takes steps either forward or to the side;
- Defenders will only be penalised for making contact with the kicker if contact is deemed unnecessary;
- Any player that takes a kick-off or drop-out in front of the line by any margin will be penalised;
- Tries will be awarded if decoy runners have no effect on the try being scored;
- Scrums must bind correctly and players must not break until the referee calls 'out'. Players will be penalised if they break early; and
- The 10-metre advantage rule has been scrapped, with referees to determine when a side has taken their advantage.
There have also been changes in the video referee's room, with Bernard Sutton moving upstairs as a result of ongoing knee problems and Paul Mellor and Rod Lawrence both video ref trainees.
Raper and Harrigan have promised to communicate the reasons behind contentious decisions more effectively to fans and the media each Monday following their weekly round reviews and will split the eight games between them in order to better analyse every play.
While referees will forever be in the rugby league spotlight, already the NRL's new pairing have shown they have the game's best interests at heart, with clubs and players responding positively to what lies ahead in 2011.
