Is the TMO taking over the game

It is often the moment in the game that is talked about the most, it can also be the moment in the game that can cost a team a victory.

But lets look first at the positive points of the TMO.

Brought into the game back in 2001 it was used to determine if tries had been scored, using basic multi camera angels it was a way for the officials to get assistance with potential try scoring moments.

This was a great step forward for the game and helped officials make this key decisions without the fear of backlash in the press.

Since that time the TMO has got more and more complex and involved in the game. It all started off as a support system for the officials but has it now grown into something which has the control on the game?

In recent years we have seen the TMO make key decisions, stop and start games and take all flow out of games . Personally i believe that the TMO is good for the game in certain areas such as try scoring and even some areas of foul play, the issue it have is that the TMO is brought in at almost every point to review foul play and if a try is scored, I feel that a lot of the officials in the game are to reliant on the TMO and often do not make the decision even if they are sure of the outcome. This points to the issue that are the Officials on the field in control or is the TMO?

While i understand the want to review certain try scoring moments or foul play there needs to be something done with how long it takes for this to happen, stopping a game for foul play is all well and good but if that stoppage then takes 5 mins it takes all the energy out of the game. If there is clear and obvious foul play that has gone on and the referee and linesman have seen it and communicated the problem and they agree that foul play happened then why bring in the TMO?

Bringing in the TMO in this situation shows me that there is a lack of confidence within the officials. I think that rugby need to look at using the TMO less though games and when it is used to put a time limit on the review.

Also if a try has been scored and then a reply shows that there was a issue the try should stand unless the ref gets told by the TMO that the try is in doubt due to whatever reason. The ref should not be able to use the screen at the ground unless reviewing a play. Watching a reply of the event is not the correct way in which to determine the on field decision is incorrect. Between the try being scored and the kicker kicking taking the conversion if the TMO does not request a review then the try should stand.

While i understand the need for the TMO i believe that rugby as a game needs to hand more power back to referee and restrict the involvement of the TMO.