How are cards decided if there is no foul play review officer, or no TMO at all?
Rule- South Africa
- SA Rugby
- World Rugby
- TMO protocol
- Elite rugby
- Senior
- World Rugby laws
- 2026/27
- Match officials
World Rugby lets each union or competition choose an option before the competition starts, depending on technology and resources:
| Officials appointed | Yellow card | 20-minute red card | Permanent red card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referee, 2 ARs, TMO and FPRO | Referee | Off-field review by the FPRO, who advises the referee | Referee |
| Referee, 2 ARs and TMO only | Referee | Off-field review by the TMO, who advises the referee | Referee |
| Referee and ARs only | Referee | Referee | Referee |
- TMO but no FPRO: the TMO may take on the off-field review, with extra support so normal TMO duties continue.
- TMO but no off-field review (technology or staff not adequate): the referee, ARs and TMO decide every card at the time of the incident.
- No TMO or FPRO: the referee, after consulting the ARs, decides on the field. A red card with arms crossed is a 20-minute red; without, it is permanent.
"Referee" here means in consultation with the ARs or after a TMO review.
Added 21 Oct 2026