Is scuffling material away from play.

[Rushforth]

A try was probably going to be scored and foul play by the opposition prevented it - by making the ref stop play.

I am coming away from that way of thinking. Given players won't stop when you blow your whistle anyway, I don't see any harm in waiting an extra couple of seconds to award the try then dealing with it.

When I was (even) less experienced, I recall being too quick on the whistle on a high-tackle in the red zone in case it escalated. I can't recall exact details, but I'm fairly sure I either gave a PT or strongly considered it as an option. Since then, like you, I have taken a few extra seconds to decide whether to whistle, although I do call out what I expect.

In particular, if I am without ARs (always) I'll call 'cut it out' if I see a scuffle, and when I have two fixed TJs I will brief them "since you aren't ARs, you can't call my attention to a brawl, but if you can verbally de-escalate a situation behind my back, just yell to the players to play on".