This from today. Very competitive cup match. Under 16's.
Last minute. Penalty to red 30 metres out. Red losing 7 v 10.
Blue prop throws ball away. I push the penalty on ten metres. It is now kickable.
Just as the kicker runs up I look to see the touch judges (both young lads not at all keen to wave the flag) and shock horror there is no one behind the sticks. I decide in an split second that it is all on me then. Kick very, very close, one of those ones you would have ideally liked to have a replay of, but I decide it is good. Whistle to award and stick my hand up and the small touch judge who has been hidden behind one of the large centres now appears and keeps his flag down. Confusion reigns.
I decide an explanation is needed and call the captains over (Blue very agitated) and explain that I could not see the touch judge and I have decided it it is a good kick. And therefore the penalty stands. I think that actually I could have overruled him anyway (but I am not certain of this). Blue NOT HAPPY BUNNY. The match is over at a 10 v 10 draw and Red go through as an away team under the cup rules (which as an aside I think is a bit lame, but that's the rules! ).
Questions:
1. Was I right to stick by the penalty award or should I have made him kick again?
2. Was it a good idea to explain to the captains?
3. Anything else I should have done (note to self to ensure at least one touch judge behind on such a crucial kick!)
Sometime you just could not make it up.............
Last minute. Penalty to red 30 metres out. Red losing 7 v 10.
Blue prop throws ball away. I push the penalty on ten metres. It is now kickable.
Just as the kicker runs up I look to see the touch judges (both young lads not at all keen to wave the flag) and shock horror there is no one behind the sticks. I decide in an split second that it is all on me then. Kick very, very close, one of those ones you would have ideally liked to have a replay of, but I decide it is good. Whistle to award and stick my hand up and the small touch judge who has been hidden behind one of the large centres now appears and keeps his flag down. Confusion reigns.
I decide an explanation is needed and call the captains over (Blue very agitated) and explain that I could not see the touch judge and I have decided it it is a good kick. And therefore the penalty stands. I think that actually I could have overruled him anyway (but I am not certain of this). Blue NOT HAPPY BUNNY. The match is over at a 10 v 10 draw and Red go through as an away team under the cup rules (which as an aside I think is a bit lame, but that's the rules! ).
Questions:
1. Was I right to stick by the penalty award or should I have made him kick again?
2. Was it a good idea to explain to the captains?
3. Anything else I should have done (note to self to ensure at least one touch judge behind on such a crucial kick!)
Sometime you just could not make it up.............