Rugby union match officials

Before the creation of rugby referees, the captains from both teams would set the rules down before the game began.

In 1892, the International Rugby Board was created as a result of a disputed try as the captains could not agree on whether it had been scored.

The rugby laws were changed to require one referee and two touch judges at each game to make the arbitration easier and more consistent.

[36] Often referred to as the TMO, a television match official may be appointed to assist the referee in determining whether points have been scored or foul play has been committed.

[39] One study found that around 6% of United Kingdom referees surveyed had been physically assaulted.

[40] A further examination of the study found that rugby union referees' fear of being assaulted was a significant factor for increased stress.

[41] The same study found that rugby referees were most concerned about being assaulted by a spectator or coach.

[42] As a reaction to this rugby unions have begun handing out long bans and large fines to individuals who physically assault a referee,[43] and more recently verbal assault of referees has also received severe punishments.

[44] Now the common punishment for a player punching a referee or anything similar is a lifetime ban.