Touch Judging

Touch Judging

1. Role of a touch judge

2. Signals

3. Positioning

Role of a TJ

Sole judge of:• touch• touch in goal• kicks at goal (except when the TJs do not

agree, referee will decide)

Role of a TJ

In all other cases, the TJ may advise the referee who may or may not accept the advice offered. TJs can give advice on (amongst other things):• 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

Signals

Signals are required to indicate a decision by a TJ for the benefit of the crowd and referee. Where it is only advice offered to a referee, these signals are generally for the benefit of the referee and not the crowd.

Where a communication system is used, TJs can for some offences offer advice to the referee using verbal input rather than signals.

Positioning

• Recommended positions are for guidance only

• 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

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