Video
Drag & drop video here
orSupports MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM
Event Coding
Game Events
Referee Decisions
Event Log 0
No events coded yet. Start the video and tag events.
Self Review
Match Dashboard
Event Distribution
Referee Decision Accuracy
Penalties by Type
Events Timeline (by Half)
Field Zone Activity
Saved Games
No saved games yet. Create a new game to get started.
Reports & Export
Elite Referee Analysis Methodology
Based on frameworks used by World Rugby, Major League Rugby, and research on elite match officials
The 6 Key Performance Indicators
Research on expert rugby referees reveals six critical attributes ranked by importance for elite performance
Decision-Making Accuracy
The ability to make correct calls consistently under pressure. Elite referees at international tournaments achieve approximately 88% accuracy at the breakdown. This tool helps you track and measure this KPI across every game.
Reading the Game
Anticipating play developments before they happen. Where is the ball going next? What phase is likely? Elite referees position themselves based on prediction, not reaction.
Communication
Clear, authoritative communication with players, captains, and assistant referees. This includes verbal instructions at set pieces, warnings for repeated infringements, and explanations of decisions.
Game Understanding
Comprehending the flow, tempo, and context of the match. Knowing when to apply advantage, when a penalty is the right call, and when to let the game breathe.
Game Management
Controlling the match without being overly interventionist. A well-managed game may actually have fewer penalties because the referee uses warnings and player management effectively.
Law Knowledge
Deep understanding of the Laws of the Game and their correct contextual application. This includes staying current with World Rugby law amendments and trial laws.
Positioning & Decision Accuracy
Research shows that referee positioning is the strongest predictor of decision-making accuracy
The Professional Review Workflow
How elite referees and their coaches systematically review match performance
Full Match Watch
Watch the entire game at normal speed without coding. Get a feel for the overall flow, tempo changes, and your general positioning patterns. Note your initial impressions.
Decision-by-Decision Coding
Rewatch and code every referee decision using this tool. Tag the event type, team, zone, and your accuracy rating. Use slow motion for contested breakdown and scrum decisions.
Contextual Law Application
For every Marginal, Incorrect, or Missed call, cite the specific World Rugby law. Study the law in context. This is one of the most effective self-improvement methods identified by referee development research.
Positioning Review
Re-review key moments focusing solely on your positioning. Were you in the right place to see the infringement? Could a different angle have given you a better view?
Dashboard Analysis
Use the Dashboard view to analyze patterns — penalty distribution by team, field zone heatmaps, decision accuracy by event type. Look for trends and biases.
Generate Reports & Set Goals
Export a Referee Report and identify 2-3 specific areas for improvement. Share with your referee coach or development group for external feedback.
TMO & The Bunker Review System
Understanding how professional review systems work at the elite level
TMO Protocol
The Television Match Official reviews potential try-scoring and foul play incidents. The referee remains the lead decision-maker, but can refer incidents for review. Decisions are made using up to two big-screen replays.
The Bunker (FPRO)
World Rugby's Foul Play Review Officer sits off-field and proactively reviews all foul play. If the on-field team can't determine severity after two replays, the referee signals a formal review (arms crossed), and the player is temporarily removed while the Bunker reviews.
MLR Referee Review
Major League Rugby introduced a comprehensive Referee Review System for 2026, providing structured post-match analysis and grading for all match officials to improve consistency across the league.
Match Observers
Referee societies appoint experienced observers who watch from the stands and conduct detailed post-match reviews. They assess key aspects of play, positioning, communication, and provide strategies for improvement.
Decision Categories & What to Look For
A guide to the key decision areas and common analysis points
Breakdown / Ruck
The breakdown is where the majority of referee decisions occur. Key areas to analyze:
- Arriving players: Are they entering through the gate? Are they staying on their feet?
- Ball presentation: Is the tackled player releasing immediately? Are they placing the ball correctly?
- Jackal attempts: Is the contesting player on their feet and bound before the ruck forms?
- Sealing off: Are players going off their feet over the ball to prevent a contest?
- "Not rolling away": The most common penalty — is the tackler making a genuine effort to clear?
Scrum
Scrum management is one of the most technically demanding areas of refereeing. Key points:
- Engagement sequence: "Crouch, Bind, Set" — are you giving clear, consistent calls?
- Binding: Are props binding correctly on their opponent before the set call?
- Straight feed: Is the scrumhalf feeding the ball straight down the middle?
- Wheeling: Is either pack intentionally wheeling the scrum?
- Collapsing: Can you identify which player or side is pulling down? This often requires a side-on view.
Lineout
Key analysis points for lineout decisions:
- Straight throw: Is the hooker throwing down the middle of the lineout?
- Lifting legality: Are lifters supporting correctly and not lifting before the ball leaves the thrower's hands?
- Closing the gap: Are defending players maintaining the required 1-metre gap?
- Quick throws: Are the conditions met — same ball, no other player touched it, from behind the mark?
Foul Play & Discipline
The area under most scrutiny from review panels:
- High tackles: Apply the World Rugby Head Contact Process — what level of danger? Direct or indirect? Any mitigating factors?
- Dangerous play: Tip tackles, shoulder charges, striking — these require immediate sanction assessment.
- Card decisions: Was the sanction proportional? Would you make the same call on review?
- Repeated infringements: Are you tracking teams/players who repeatedly offend? Is a team penalty threshold being reached?
Offside
Offside is one of the hardest areas to consistently police:
- At the ruck: Are players behind the hindmost foot? This requires constant awareness of the offside line.
- In general play: Is the kicker's team staying behind the kicker?
- At lineout: Are backs standing at least 10 metres from the lineout?
- Accidental vs deliberate: Does the offside player gain an advantage? Could they have avoided being offside?