Does anyone else feel the refs are a bit lax these days on markers not being square? Obviously one of the benefits of a quick p-t-b is that you can catch the markers not square, get a penalty/6 again call. But it seems to me refs aren't as strict on that these days, and pens are seldom given.

It is a set restart rather than a penalty now. I wonder if that's why you're not noticing them as much for that reason? Markers not square on the goal line is a recurring theme that doesn't always get addressed I think.

Yes, I thought it was a set restart now, but I still think it often goes unpenalised.

Another pet hate of mine is, chasers are in front of the kicker, However, the defending winger catches the ball safely, but is tackled by an offside player on his own try-line. Play normally just continues, but surely the defending side are entitled to a penalty and a kick down the pitch?

They have to give him 10 m grace prior engaging with the ball carrier or it is a penalty.

Has the kicker ran past the chasers to put them onside, or has the catcher gone 10m (in any direction)? One of those two things has to happen or it would be a penalty. Sounds like you're probably not picking up on the 'give 10' rule. Which, granted, is sometimes more like 8.

I am aware of the 'give 10' rule. And the kicker playing team-mates onside.

I don't think I am confused. I never said I was.

I am saying I believe penalties are not being awarded when they should be. Other posters appear to saying that the officials wouldn't get that, wrong (or perhaps that I don't understand the relevant rules) so I therefore I must be mistaken.

Just the wording of the comment regarding the downtown chase on the kicks came across as if you were unsure of the rules.

To be fair I find the refs very good and vocal on these situations and generally the players do give the carrier the space, although it’s rarely 10m, much more like 7/8m.

It’s on the cross field kicks where it’s more of a challenge to call players because the margins are usually so fine.

Agreed. It's the hardest part of the game to officiate. There will be errors but not regular.

Trent Barrett was a master at the Cross field kick then sprinting forward in a straight line to play everyone onside . Player's lack of knowledge of the rules is a problem IMO these days.

Regards EW

I think they all know it but it's a trade off. On a long downfield kick the forwards will often set off well ahead of the kick knowing that they'll have to give 10 (which is better than getting there when they would have done if they set off in line with the kicker). That leaves the kicker no opportunity to run them onside. Plus teams generally like to get kick pressure on, meaning the kicker goes to ground and can't run anyone onside, and even risks getting caught in possession if he doesn't stand deep enough.

I find the refs often shout give 10 and it literally looks like 5meters given. (In situations where kicker hasn’t become furthest on the chase)

Yeah it should be 10 but I'd agree with that. Don't forget it's 10 in any direction though, so if a player is running sideways or diagonally he won't get 10 metres forward.

Just watching CC cas kick 3 players offside Roby knocked on, ball to cas either the touch judge or ref not looking at players