TEAM OF THREE
TOUCH JUDGE REFERENCE GUIDE
| NEAR SIDE TOUCH JUDGE | EVENT | FAR SIDE TOUCH JUDGE |
| Move to 10m line and watch for "taking out" and obstruction | Kick Off | Move to at least the 22m line for long kicks, and the ball going into in-goal etc. |
| Remain at the 22m line and move with play. | Drop-Out | Go deep towards the halfway line. |
| Mark position, then move 10m. up field and be prepared to move with play. Transfer flag to correct hand for indicating any subsequent throw-in. | Free Kicks & Penalties |
Mark 10m from kick. If the opposition do not retire behind the mark, inform the referee at the first opportunity. |
| Stay in touch-in-goal, 1m from the corner post if you think a Try has been scored OR 1m from the corner post on the touch line if you think a Try has not been scored. | Goal Line | Wait by the corner post for decision before moving behind the opposite goal post. |
| Mark the line-of-touch but only indicate the throwing-in side when the line-out has been formed, then extend the other arm. Ensure any quick throw-in is legal. Stay on line-of-touch to ensure the ball is thrown in from the correct place. Keep throwers feet behind the line-of-touch. If player does not, inform the referee and then keep the flag up. | Line-Outs | Mark 10m offside line on defending team. Keep players on-side. If they are not then communicate. |
| Move with play watching carefully for touch. | Open Play | Watch carefully for illegalities hidden from view of other members of the "Team of Three". |
Kicks at Goal Watch that sand/soil tee is only allowed on after the referee has signaled an attempt at goal. Move to the opposite post and take responsibility for that post and the cross bar. Agree with the other touch judge that the ball has crossed the bar inside your post before raising a flag. If either touch judge says no, then remain still, keeping out of the players’ way with the flag at your side. Only move to the new "nearest" touchline when safe to do so.
Foul Play Signal all observed foul play! Be clear and concise when reporting to the referee. (Who did what, to whom, where and recommended action)
End of Match Join referee on the pitch and walk off together.
Note: - Touch judges will be introduced to the captains by the referee before the match and their functions explained. They will also be present when medic/physio/trainer is spoken to on matters concerning injuries and how replacements are made.
Touch judges will keep both score and the "running time" without allowing for injury.
Touch judges will ensure that there are no obstructions or spectators in the playing enclosure or near the pitch.
The appropriate touch judge will time any temporarily replaced player, (whilst he is on the field, touch judges should not change sides.
Both touch judges should be present when the ball boys/girls are being briefed.