Attn, Mr Todd Greenberg How to Fix the NRL Bunker Issue
Dear Sir,
I have the following suggestion to improve the game that I would like to share with you.
Knowing for sure who was the last player to have been in contact with the ball, whenever a ref’s decision is pending, is a vital part of the modern game that requires improvement to the point that officials and spectators plus TV viewers alike, can rely on the correct decision having been made, with the decision supported by the best that modern technology can offer.
As the speed of the game increases, along with player intensity, the decision making technology currently offered by on field cameras also needs to improve. Given the current play back feature watched by tens of thousands, it becomes more and more vital that we determine where the ball actually is at all times of the game but especially with respect to the try line and equally important whether or not a try has actually been scored and by whom.
The game is being scrutinised by tens of thousands of fans via the TV who do not always agree with the decisions made via the bunker. They the fans, would like to see an improvement in the decision making process via modern technology.
The solution is quite simple – use a sensor chip in the ball, that recognises direction with respect to both try lines, position with respect to the field markings and boundaries, and handling who has contact with the ball, have they at any time lost contact, and was their contact at try time.
I have more to add with respect to the chip and how it is to be used and scrutinised, later.
At this time I have the following concepts.
The match balls to have a sensor chip inserted prior to kick off, in time for field tests, to be conducted and proven, to the attending officials that the sensor chip is functioning correctly.
The ball exterior surface is also treated.
The sensor chip and surface is to serve the following functions:-
a) To determine the direction of travel when the ball is passed along the line
That is to prove that the ball is passed in a backward mode even when the player is running forward.
b) To determine who is the player in contact with the ball, at any time during the game.
That is to prove who is actually in contact with the ball at any given time especially when grounding the ball for a try.
c) To determine if the ball has been grounded on or over the try line.
That is to prove that the ball is still in contact, has never lost contact, when a try is scored.
d) To determine that a player has not lost contact with the ball when attempting to make a try
That is to prove that there is not a knock on involved when scoring a try.
e) To determine the position / location of the ball with respect to the field boundaries but most importantly the try line
That is to prove that ball is inside the field of play and with respect to a try to be sure the ball is over or past the try line.
The benefits of this scheme include:-
Increased spectator interest via the big screen that shows the sensor results.
Increased TV viewing – viewers love the big screen
A greater reliance on the ref’s decisions.
The game skill and entertainment level is no longer governed by the skill level of the ref on the day
Less arguing with suspect game decisions after the match
A serious attempt to bring the game in to the modern world of sport.
Could you kindly review my proposal and let me know your thoughts.
Yours faithfully,
Allan
Allan S Phillips
151/171 David Low Way BLI BLI Q4560
m 0419973151