Rugby referees embrace technology

By Johnson Were

IN a bid to improve perfomance and minimise errors, rugby centre referees have decided to employ technology that will help ease communication and consultation with touch judges.

The referees used walkie-talkies used for the first time during the Nile Special Premier Rugby League between Mutoni Warriors and Rhinos on Friday.

The officials were David Kirabira, his assistants Charlie Mungoma and Charlotte Mudoola.

The Uganda Rugby Union match ended 22-20 in favour of the Rhinos outfit as fans cheered on.

“We want to improve on our officiation and ensure that when a touch judge sees an incident first, he or she communicates to the centre referee,” Kirabira who is the brain behind the innovation stated after Friday’s match that had no issues.

“This will eliminate scenarios whereby a referee takes time walking to the touch line to consult. Kirabira added, “the gadgets are still few and will not be used in all games except in those likely to spark off controversy.”

The effectiveness of the technology was evident, as for the first time, coaches and players in Friday’s match never protested decisions of the officials.