to indicate, by raising their flags vertically, when the ball is in touch or touch in goal or when a goal is scored from a penalty or conversion.

when the ball is in touch he will raise his flag, but not his other arm until a quick throw cannot be taken.

by ensuring the thrower in does so correctly.

to indicate , by raising their flag horizontally across the pitch, when they witness any act of foul play. Through the referee, TJs have the power to caution or dismiss miscreants.

to communicate with players to discourage them from committing infringements and thus reduce stoppages in play. They will police all offside lines in open play and at scrums, rucks, mauls etc. They will offer an advisory signal to the referee if players transgress by raising their non flag arm towards the non offending side. referees are not bound to act upon these signals if they consider the infringements do not affect the overall context of the game. And they shouldn’t give such signals when the referee cannot see them !!

other advisory signals are given for knock-ons, forward passes and for any other aspect of play that the referee might ask for on the day e.g. to indicate the offending side in a scrummage collapse.

TJs will also contribute to the correct decision when a try is or is not scored in the corner when the referee does not have a clear view.

TJs also assist the referee with timekeeping and , with the assistance of the Fourth Official when present,  the management of replacements.