How many times have we agonised over the NRL referral system, and called the ref all sorts of names because he was right there yet still referred the decision?
Has anybody thought about KFC – the lone sponsor of the ‘decision pending’ process that holds fans to ransom, waiting for confirmation to what they know to be true anyway – has a part to play?
What if the NRL sponsorship deal with KFC requires a minimum number of product endorsements throughout the game to meet the contract needs?
What if referrals produce additional revenue from the sponsorship deal? Are referees instructed to make the referrals to appease the sponsor?
If so, what cost does this cause the game?
The initial anticipation and intrigue has long past, fans now see the referral process for obvious decisions as a reason for players and refs to have a rest.
The referral process has only complicated decision making, and mitigated the control referees have over the players and the conduct of the game. I refer to the continued rushing of players at referees to refer decisions – that’s not a part of the game we all love.
The question has to be what damage this delay process is causing the game in the long term?
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
Read this article by Roar expert and former league touch judge. It spells out why refs go to the video ref so much: because they get reviewed on their performance and loss points for every wrong decision they make. By sending it to the video ref they are covering their own ass. http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/06/05/minus-10-how-the-nrl-referees-demerit-system-destroyed-confidence/
catcat
Guest
Because the refs don't want to make a mistake that will be replayed and replayed on the big screen. It takes a lot of mental toughness to not think about that - to be sure, to be sure is an easier approach..............causes more issues in cricket if you ask me
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
Perhaps, but can you give an alternative explanation for the number of obvious decisions being referred?
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
This is up their with Johnathan Thurston's conspiracy against the Cowboys. Put on your tinfoil hats everybody.
The EYE-BALL Opinion
Roar Pro
Yes ... and does that just add to the Sponsorship deal/requirements? The concern as the post outlines, is whether this referral process, the length it takes, the frequency even for obvious decisions, and whatever else is in the mix all adds or detracts to/from the game. For mine the fans are being subjected to sponsorship delays that has nothing to do with the game.
Wayne
Roar Guru
The Video Ref process takes so long because if they did it quickly, fans would complain they are getting the decision wrong (faster). Channel 9 would show the other 5mins of replays proving the Ref's were wrong after the decision anyway.