A shot clock is already used in the French Top 14 and could come into play in Six Nations stadiums and broadcasts. Conversions must be kicked within 90 seconds of the try. Penalty kickers have 60 seconds from when they indicate a shot at goal. A scrum must be ready to form within 30 seconds of the mark. The times are rarely enforced.
“World Rugby, member unions and competitions will work with broadcasters and match hosts to implement on-screen (stadia and broadcast) shot clocks for penalties and conversions to ensure referees, players and fans can view the countdown, mirroring what happens in (French club rugby) and sevens,” World Rugby director of rugby Phil Davies said.
Referees and TMOs have been urged to make speedier decisions around replays and limit them to clear and obvious offences.
The trial since July to reduce water carriers and their field entries was deemed a success, but was tightened even more by limiting their entries to when only tries are scored.
In the disputed area of deliberate knock ons, an opponent’s touch of the ball whether intentional or not has often been sanctioned by a yellow card. But World Rugby says if a player has a chance at a catchable ball and the knock on doesn’t look intentional then refs “are asked to show good judgement... in determining a sanction.”
Super Rugby Pacific is yet to introduce any form of shot clock to the competition, however Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos indicated to media earlier in December that it was being seriously considered.
“When I look at innovations around the competition, it’s how can we speed play up? Are there opportunities for golden points, golden tries, shot clocks being introduced? Adapting law, making sure that law that’s sitting in the rule book is actually getting refereed and blown to,” Marinos explained.
“We’ve got a group that are busy working on it right now in terms of the shape of the game and what are those innovations. We just want to keep evolving and changing that up.”
