Uncontested scrums

It is the referee's responsibility to exercise a duty of care at all times. There is one situation in particular where the Society feels it will
be helpful to give specific advice to all referees, but especially those refereeing at the lower levels of the game.

There are a number of competitions, where if a side opts for uncontested scrums then, regardless of the
result, that side forfeits the match. In all matches, but especially those in which the uncontested scrum regulation applies, the referee should
establish beforehand that each side has a specialist front row replacement. This player may, of course, be playing elsewhere in the scrum. If
either side is unable to identify a specialist front row replacement, the referee should make it clear that in the event of the loss of a front row
player, uncontested scrums will follow.

In the event that a specialist front row player is identified then, regardless of this, in the event of the loss of a front row player, the referee
should be especially vigilant at the first few scrums thereafter. If the scrums become unsafe, he must order uncontested scrums.

It is not for the referee to consider the result implications of his actions. He should merely make a note of the time and the score at which he
orders uncontested scrums. Any referee who finds it necessary to order uncontested scrums in a match where the regulation applies should
inform Paul Burton, HRURS Secretary within 48 hours.