The sin bin has effectively derailed the course of two matches over the past two weeks. Both the Gold Coast Titans and Springboks were affected by a law which applies no common sense, but rather mandatory sentencing.
In my opinion, the sin bin should be used for punishment when a players emotions have got the better of him. He has either lost control, or needs to cool his heels so that he can be re-introduced into the game. Almost like a prisoner being rehabilitated before returning to society.
Mat Rogers was binned after holding a player down for too long when his team was scrambling back into position. Rogers was merely attempting to give his team more time to get on side. A professional foul that must be punished, however, ten minutes is far too severe.
Sam Burgess commented on NRL Super Saturday, he made the point that ten minutes is a long time in a game of football, and different offences should carry different lengths of time.
Burgess referenced Luke O’Donnell’s reckless behaviour during Origin 2, which saw him suspended for several weeks. Obviously Luke had lost control and needed to regain his composure so as to play the game in the spirit that it should be. Although he wasn’t binned, this is an example where the ten minute penalty would have been appropriate.
Mat Rogers committed an offence, I agree he should be punished, however, five minutes would probably be a more appropriate length of time.
Bakkies Botha was binned in the first Tri-Nations test against New Zealand for a similar offence. His binning altered the course of the match as it placed the Springboks under even more pressure than they were already under. It forced a number of their players to go into the red-zone to which they never came out.
Although Botha’s behaviour is questionable at times, a five-minute time out would have been ample.
Botha should have received 10 minutes for his head-butt on Jimmy Cowan. Again, like O’Donnell, this is an example where the maximum punishment should be applied for reckless behaviour.
Referees seem to hide behind the protective force field of the rulebook, unable to apply discretion out of the fear of punishment.
As far as I’m aware, AFL players cannot be sent off, but rather punished following the game when cited by the match review panel. Teams are not handicapped for the actions of an individual.
However, I’m of the opinion that AFL could benefit from the use of the sin bin; it would punish all the unnecessary tagging which occurs off the ball. Full contact sports need to be moderated during the contest so that game doesn’t turn into Lord of the Flies.
Unfortunately, referees rarely use discretion, and who can blame them? They’re under the pump every week for a laundry list of reasons.
Titans coach, John Cartwright, was critical of the inconsistencies regarding the law in the post match press conference: “I’d like someone to explain to me when the sin bin is applied. I’d just like someone to explain it to me,” Cartwright said.
It’s clear common sense needs to be exercised for individual situations. Referees need to be cut more slack when dealing with issues that involve reckless behaviour. Unfortunately, common sense just isn’t very common.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Who are the hardest working big men in the NRL?
Buzz Rothfield from NRL 360 has also questioned why the bunker wasn't involved in looking at the off-side as it ended up costing the…
Graham Annesley has admitted the match officials got it wrong and the Titans should've been given a set restart after a Raiders player was…
Cranky old coaches Des Hasler and Ricky Stuart reportedly engaged in a post-match argument outside Canberra's dressing room following the Titans' controversial golden-point loss…
Ricky Stuart says Gold Coast coach Des Hasler is "on another planet" after the Titans boss blasted the refereeing in his side's golden point…
1. Sea Eagles see no evil The Manly Sea Eagles are a loveable bunch, which is why they famously don’t have to carry banners…
