Rugby League Match officials in the Midlands region will make a major change for the 2011 season with the introduction of blue and white cards.

The new blue and white cards have been introduced to replace the traditional red and yellow cards which have been used up to date.

The change has been brought about after receiving a number of complaints from coaches and spectators being unable to tell the cards apart. The blue card will now be used to indicate a temporary suspension and the white card indicating a player has been dismissed.

The changes have been welcomed by the Action Planning Resource Indicator Legislative Focus Operational Organisation Leaders, who were consulted about the changes.

Their Chairman said; “The difficulty of telling red and yellow apart is very rarely considered when sports are putting plans together to make their sports user friendly. The Midlands Rugby League are making a brave decision to make the changes and they are welcomed by the team.

“The use of blue and white cards will overcome the problems faced by many spectators and coaches in understanding the referee’s decision.”

The changes will apply in all competitions across the Midlands region for the 2011 season.

For more information on the changes, contact the Match Officials Development Officer for Midlands and the South East Danny McNeice on danny.mcneice@rfl.uk.com or 07775 022 800