IRB to trial change in substitutions

IRB to trial change in substitutions

October 26, 2010 - 3:19AM

The International Rugby Board says substitutes will only be allowed to enter the playing area from the halfway line under law changes that will be trialled during next month's international matches.
The IRB is attempting to "give greater clarity to what is a busy area of the game" for officials.
It says replacements can only go on once the player substituted has left the field of play via the touchline, touch-in-goal line or dead-ball line.
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The only exception to the new protocol will be when an injury forces a player being substituted to be escorted off by medical staff. In that case, replacements can go on before the injured player leaves the pitch.
The change will operate only during international matches next month.

© 2010 AP

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news...026-17136.html

Why on earth does this change need to be made, substitutions only occur during stoppages anyway, they need to be booked ini advance with a qualified ref who manages them and I've never ever been confused by the substitutions. All I can see this doing is slowing down the game (in an era where everything else is aimed at speeding it up)
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I thought it was pretty clear as is.

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Originally Posted by GIGS20

Why on earth does this change need to be made, substitutions only occur during stoppages anyway, they need to be booked ini advance with a qualified ref who manages them and I've never ever been confused by the substitutions. All I can see this doing is slowing down the game (in an era where everything else is aimed at speeding it up)
Posted via Mobile Device

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Maybe the refs want a breather? :)

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Originally Posted by Sheikh

Maybe the refs want a breather? :)

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Are they going to have a bench for the refs?

And the sanction should a play step onto the field prior to the play he is replacing comes off?

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Originally Posted by travelling_gerry

And the sanction should a play step onto the field prior to the play he is replacing comes off?

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Free kick in front of goals isn't it :sarcastic:

:banghead: