id like to discuss something ive thought for a while now, and feel the timing is just right so here goes....



as it stands the ref can not go to the big screen for a forward pass call because the video evidence is deemed to be unreliable to call on this (i think that's the reason anyway). BUT! my question is this,



Are the video replays, with four or five maybe more different angels not (in the vast majority of times) a very efficient tool for judging a forward pass? i mean why go to the lengths to have the technology and not use it?



on any event the video ref is called upon to make the decision, but the video evidence is felt to be inconclusive the video ref has two options, 'benefit of doubt' and hand the decision back to the man with the whistle. so it would seem a contingency plan is already in place for 'poor video evidence' can we not operate the same system for forward passes?

As far as I am concerned, if you can judge a player offside by video evidence (a player is further forward than another player when the ball is kicked) then why can't you do the same or forward passes?

It wouldn't be able to rule on momentum, so unless a player is static or pretty static, it would be useless and probably even more controversial.



However, I think they should definitely be looking for offside at said passes though. You can't pass to someone who starts in front of you.

Because forward passes aren't in relation to the pitch.

I've never yet seen the momentum rule implemented properly. I'm not sure anybody even understands it.

I wonder what it would be like if we binned the forward pass rule; keep the offside rule and the knock-on rule, so if it touches the ground or an oppostition player you would lose possession, but if you catch it and were on-side you can play on... unless they've already changed it and not told us?

i cant see it changing the game all that much, as far as i can see many a pass travels forward but its always classed as flat pass.

Firstly, let me say I think the decision was fair and correct.

My question is - did the video ref disallow the late Cas 'try' for a forward pass?

I'm no expert on the laws of the game (I'm sure many on here are so please correct me if I am wrong) but I thought a player was only offside IF he collects the ball after it has come into contact with the ground or another player, if the ball goes from one player to another it's a forward pass, even if said player is stood in front of him (as is the case with most forward passes). This was the case yesterday, so did the VR technically (even if rightly) disallow the try for a forward pass?

Not sure if he ruled it came off his head, so technically a knock on?



The forward pass debate is the most contentious part of the game, however, I don’t see how to rectify it.



Maybe, instead of watching endless replays from various angles, they could have a B.G.T style £1 text vote, with 10p going to the National leagues

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As posted the forward pass is not in relation to the pitch (off side is) so video would be problamatic at best. Having said that if Dobson had not caught the ball I am sure Ganson would have given a knock on from Lovegrove & the video could also have ruled on that. We have had enough descisions go the other way so I will take it.

I've never liked the kop-out where video refs and forward passes are concerned. Even though it's a relative motion it's still a measurable action: does the ball travel forward relative to the player who has passed it? Yes, or no?



Perhaps an option for the video ref to say "cannot rule/ref's call" if he doesn't think he can make a decision based on the footage.



I like the fact Ganson is backing himself a bit more on calls rather than going to the VR every 2 minutes, but he still seems to get caught up in the action at times and gives a call for the sake of the drama and reaction.

As far as I am concerned they should get rid of the video ref for everything except the act of putting the ball down for a try. Anything else let the three guys watching the game decide.