Referees will focus on freeing up the ball and creating clarity around rulings at the tackle area and scrums to make the 2010 Super 14 rugby competition more spectator friendly.

Additionally, players advancing from off-side positions during kicking phases will also be penalised to maintain the counter-attacking options for the receiving team.

Tournament officials in all three countries have been given a clear mandate to deal with these key areas in an effort to create clarity for players, officials and fans, and to enable the kind of rugby that Super Rugby fans have come to expect.

"There is total agreement between all three SANZAR countries that Super 14 rugby needs to return to its roots and deliver excitement and attack on the field and we believe these initiatives can help deliver a better game for everyone," Sanzar referees manager Lyndon Bray said.

New Zealander Bray said the 2009 season review process brought out four major priorities, which coaches, players and referees have bought into, in order to help create some fundamental change to the game on the field.

"In the past two months, I have attended workshops in all three SANZAR countries with coaches and officials and everyone has responded positively to this approach."

These initiatives were a return to the laws of the game and did not represent any change in law, Bray said.

"We are simply limiting room for interpretation and (this) should create clarity and certainty for coaches, players, officials and fans."

Referee performances will also be measured against these priorities throughout the Super 14 season which will guide the selectors in the appointment of officials as the tournament progressed.

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