Sanzar will trial new disciplinary rules during the 2012 Super Rugby competition following a 'clean sheet' review of the judicial process.

Under the revamped system, referees will be able to refer players to the citing commissioner for review over acts of foul play when unsure if an incident warrants a red card, or if the identity of an offending player is unclear.

The citing commissioner will also have the power to issue an 'off-field yellow card', which would be added to a players' record after the fact, if an act of foul play is spotted during the review process.

A duty judicial officer will also be appointed and oversee the initial assessment of citings, red cards or three yellow cards.

He/she will also have the power to hold a brief teleconference with an offending player to discuss possible sanctions and determine whether a full judicial hearing is required.

Where a full judicial hearing is required it will be held by videoconference or teleconference with 'in-person' hearings only taking place in exceptional circumstances.

Sanzar boss Greg Peters hopes the changes will deliver a fair, consistent and simple system that will result in less full hearings and subsequently reduced costs for all parties.

"Sanzar has long held the view that the disciplinary process could be enhanced to provide for a more consistent and simplified outcome," Peters said.

"We believe that these changes are an important step in the right direction."

Under the trial system, Sanzar has a right of appeal over the outcome of a judicial hearing where there is substantial unfairness, or the penalty imposed on a player is clearly excessive or inadequate.

Sanzar can also challenge a ruling where there has been a fundamental error by the judicial officer in reaching a decision.

Normal rights of Appeal apply for players

The Sanzar trial has been approved by the International Rugby Board (IRB) and will form an important part of the IRB's own full review of Regulation 17 that governs the disciplinary process internationally.

It will come into operation when the Super Rugby tournament gets underway on February 24.