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.
Jackson
Guest
I wish rogers was still playing union
soapit
Guest
rogers wasnt a binning. the ref made a mistake. a bad one. it happens but thankfully not that often. however..... ...if he was guilty of what the ref said he did (professional foul - he wasnt), 10 minutes is warranted. no place for it in the game and you gotta send a strong message otherwise these professional players will figure out there is an easy way to stop the other team scoring every time. the point is you want the defending team to risk having more then 1 try scored against them as a result of the pro foul (which the attacking has a reaonable shot at with 10 minutes with an extra player). if you're only risking 1 try or less you're still going to do the pro foul to save a try. would only be up for a 5 minute bin in rugby (seems like the extra man has more impact in rugby for some reason) and only if that meant the ref used it a whole lot more often. every 3rd team penalty in the same area (ruck , scrum, offside etc) should be a 5 minute bin no matter who does it.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
I just found the Roussouw incident so petty and childish. Typical really. I thought the two Botha incidents contrasted better which is why I didn't mention the Roussouw... whatever it was.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Is finch doing a press conference today?
Cameron
Guest
The worst aspect of sin-binning: actually any of the laws is the proble of consistency. It is somtimes apparent that one side is dealt with more harshly tha the others. But as far as sin-binnng being a blight on the game, I disagree. What is a blight is cyncical flouting of rules by players,and if sin-binning gets rid of tat I am all for it. But it must be used consistently and fairly. But then there couldbe issues, as one certain captain of an international side would be spending far more time on the sidelines.
M.O.C.
Roar Guru
Agree Darwin Stubby - Botha should have been sent for the headbutt as should Luke O'Donnell for the spear tackle and the behavious he showed following the tackle. Apart from those events, I agree with Paddy - the refs seem to only use the bin for technical infringements instead of violent behaviour intent to cause harm - Cast your mind back a month or two - if Slater and Hayne had been given 5 in the bin to cool off after their little scuffle, maybe in teh very next play the attempted elbow from Slater would not have occurred (lucky for him it dod not connect). Better five minutes in the bin to cool off than five weeks on the pine from suspension.
Brett McKay
Guest
Paddy, I'm guessing you might have written this prior to the second Tri-Nations Test in Wellington, in which Danie Roussouw also copped a yellow card which hasn't gone down well in certain circles. But, I'm with Darwin Stubby on this, particularly for the two Springbok yellows, and both of them fit your own definition perfectly: "..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." Rogers' sin binning was harsh, and you could probably argue that the ref sent the wrong guy, considering Prince was holding Rogers down. But the two 'Boks sin bins were thoroughly deserved..
oikee
Guest
This should be on the rugby union blog, i read your last line, "clear common sense" and you have to understand, common sense and rugby league are 2 words never used in rugby league. :) I agree with your post none-the-less.
darwin stubby
Guest
"Botha should have received 10 minutes for his head-butt on Jimmy Cowan" ... no I think you'll find that is a red card offence - he (and the boks) were fortunate it wasn't spotted by any of the officials all this discussion about what ifs and whether yellow cards should have been awarded is nothing more than a smokescreen - all the player know before they run on that professional fouls such as Botha's and Rogers' are punishable via 10 mins in the bin - you run the risk at your peril ... as for Rossouw it clear from the replays he runs his fingers across McCaw's face - near his eyes - you do that, apart from being dumb, you run the very real risk of going for an early shower - this time the ref gave him 10 mins. It's not the ref's ruining these games it's the stupid actions of the players