The Guardian's Robert Kitson applauds the RFU's decision to promote young referees quickly, but argues that they need more support in the fast paced environs of Premiership rugby.
"No wonder Ed Morrison, the RFU's elite refereeing manager, say he is instructing his officials only to blow for "clear and obvious" misdemeanours. It is a variation on the old journo maxim - "If in doubt, leave it out" - but is also a tacit admission that referees simply cannot spot all the simultaneous crimes being committed in top-level games. Even if the officials are up with the pace, someone will have a hand or foot where, technically, it should not be. Pushing the letter of the laws has been a part of rugby union since William Webb Ellis's day and will always remain so.
"The only snag with Morrison's otherwise sensible edict is that you cannot be half pregnant. Either a player has knocked the ball on or he hasn't. Either a pass is forward (or at least flat) or it isn't. Games are being won by hairline margins, affecting people's livelihoods, and it is the referee's tough job to make those correct calls. Of course it is a difficult task which very few of us are equipped to handle, mentally or physically. But, somehow or other, someone has to help the poor old (or young) referee make better decisions on a more consistent basis. They need a metaphorical hug or, failing that, a few more mates to assist them."
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