NRL adopts new time-wasting rules

IN a bid to crack down on time wasting, the NRL has introduced a maximum limit for the packing of scrums.

Scrum

A MAXIMUM time limit for the forming of scrums has been adopted by the NRL in a bid to crack down on time wasting.

The rule change follows a recommendation from the NRL competition committee, with statistics showing that an average of eight minutes per match was being lost packing scrums.

The committee also found that the 40-second time limit for drop-outs was excessive with the limit to be reduced to 30 seconds.

Under the new scrum guidelines for the NRL and Holden Cup:

* Both competing teams must be properly bound and be ready to pack into the scrum 30 seconds after the head referee has blown his whistle to indicate that play is to restart with a scrum;

* After the expiration of 30 seconds, and in the event that only one side is bound and ready to pack into the scrum, they will be awarded a penalty (not a differential) at the centre where the scrum was to have packed;

* In the event that no side is bound and ready to pack into the scrum, the side with the loose head and feed will receive the penalty (not a differential);

* If, in the opinion of the referee, the restart is being delayed due to the circumstances of the game the referee may call time off.

Match officials will begin to instruct players as to the new guidelines starting this week and penalties in matches for breaches will start being awarded from round 15.