A while ago we had a thread regarding rule changes we would like to see in RL.

I put down the fumble rule so that it prevented the argument of what was a knock on.

Anyway someone , I think, mentioned changing the points system , and thinking about it a bit further there could be merit in it.

So here is my take on scoring points in RL.

1 point for a drop goal: No need to change this as it is a fine rule that works well

2 points for a conversion: Again no reason to change.

now the "fun"


3 points for a technical foul penalty, if scored, for off side, obstruction, ball stealing..... Should sharpen a few minds and be brought in with stopping the match officials telling the players what offside is and shouting MOVE. It really is annoying that the players are too dim to know what offside is and have to be told.

4 points for a foul play penalty,if scored, for punching, tripping, gouging, head high etc plus an automatic sin bin minimum. Again will focus the players minds on a better tackling technique.

4 points as it stands, for a try scored through a kick, no matter what type because the aerial ping pong is a lottery 90% of the time as is the grubber and I think it detracts from the game but is worthy of points.

5 points for a try scored by a passing movement. This, besides the one man barge is really the essence of the game and should deserve the highest reward.

Anyway there it is for your views, variations etc..

It would change the change the game if applied and probably , initially, cause confusion but would also help clean up the worst parts of the game and make it even more of a spectacle than it is at present.

Why stop there?

6 points for a try scored from a PTB in your own half and involving a kick
7 points for a try scored from a PTB in your own half not involving a kick
8 points for a try scored from behind your own goalline and involving a kick
9 points for a try scored from behind your own goalline not involving a kick
10 points for a try involving a prop.
11 points for a try involving a prop putting boot to ball.

That should confuse us enough to have a mass debate after every try to work out what it was worth.

PS I put mass debate without realising the double entrentre!

The refs are confusing as it is now

Two simple rule changes to the game....

1. Once you get an international cap, you can't change. Then you wear your nations flag under your name on your club shirt.

2. Tries scored from a kick don't get a conversion chance.

Once the ref calls "held" the ball is no longer "live" until it's played (with the foot). Gets rid of all the ball stealing/knock on/trapped arms rubbish.

The game is already the greatest sport in the world. No need to change anything. Except touch judges with enough courage to shout for a forward pass when there is one. I've seen some shockers this year.

So what do you do when someone knocks on, or steals the ball, or lies on too long?

That's not a bad call.



Agree about the forward passes. Gives the ref one less thing to do in an already difficult job. I think we have the greatest game because we have learnt to adapt, bring in new rules, improvements and technology.

The ball is picked up by the tackled player and he plays it - putting the ball back in play. If someone lies on too long, it's a penalty.

Seems like a good suggestion to me. Often it's a 50/50 call by the ref as to whether it's a steal or a knock-on and a penalty is a big punishment.

I agree totally. Seems a decent way to tidy up the play the ball and reduce the amount of penalties, it would stop players leaving hands in the tackle.

We could have the video ref award points based on style and technical difficulty.

I could live with that