Early charge

aber-fan wrote: What, exactly, constitutes an 'early charge' when a conversion is being taken? At the weekend, while a conversion was being taken a defending player stood at least a yard in front of the try-line throughout (and another joined him before the kick was taken, I think). Now, these guys weren't 'charging', but technically they should have remained behind the goal line until the run-up started. Should the ref have ordered a re-take (the kick was missed)?

Did it have a material effect on the game ? Not really imo !

Technically they should remain behind the goal line, but tbh as long as they are not charging (i.e.moving towards the kicker)... If i'd spotted them prior to the kick, I'd have been inclined to stop the kicker until they got behind the line, but that would be more to advantage the kicker by giving him more than his allotted 1.5 minutes

Had an interesting one yesterday, I was reffing a Womens game when on of the Touch Judges (away team coach) while stood behind the post awaiting a conversion, held the flag in such a way that it was indicating the wind strength & direction ... The kicker missed anyway but I just had a quiet word that if he did it again, I'd have him replaced !

Incidentally it was my first Women's match one of the most entertaining & enjoyable games I have ever refereed ! It also provided two other firsts ..

1. Never been asked to be in a "selfie" with the away team Tight Head Prop at the pre-match H&S chat ..
2. First time I've ever come out of the referees room to encounter 5 players in the corridor with hair straighteners plugged in to the wall sockets ... there again I've never reffed Henson !