FORCE-DOWN RULE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 122, 25 May 1934, Page 13

FORCE-DOWN RULE.

ENGLISH INTERPRETATION ADOPTED. A decision on the interpretation of the new force-down rule incorporated in the English Rugby League rules, was reached by the Council of the New Zealand Rugby League last evening, when, on the motion of Mr. E. Stallworthy (Northland), seconded by Mr. W. J. Taylor (South Auckland), it was resolved that in the event of the ball being forced down or made dead from the in-goal area by a defending side, "the'attacking Side shall stand on the goal-line, which the ball must pass on being dropped out by the defending side from the centre position.

All affiliated Leagues are to be _ instructed to play the rule as now decided until official advice from England as to amendment (if any), providing that the attacking side shall take up its position five yards from" the' goal-line when the defending side drops out the ball, is received.

The Hawke's Bay League reported that the game was going well at the Bay, with good public support. The Te Ngarue Maori team was creating much interest, and a visit by an Auckland Maori team was being looked forward to. The League had lost the services of its chairman, Mr. Chas. W. Merrick, owing to ill-health. The letter was received, and the League was sympathised with in the loss of Mr. Merrick, who is succeeded by Mr. H. J. Fulford. The council expressed the hope that arrangements would be possible in the near future for a Maori team from another centre to visit Napier.

The Taranaki League was granted permission for its Inglewood senior team to play at Taupiri on June 4. The Taranaki League's constitution was perused and approved, subject to minor alteration.

The Eastern Suburbs Club of Sydney wrote that it contemplated again sending its senior team to New Zealand late this season, and desired to know the council's wishes before formally applying to the Australian Board of Control. The secretary (Mr. W„ O. Carlaw) reported having sent a reply indicating that no definite arrangements could be made ponding the receipt of information about the suggested Australian visit this season. The reply "was confirmed. Mr. Cyril Snedden presided, and the council spent a considerable time discussing rule-book points and amendments recommended by the rules committee. J Notice of motion was given that the conditions governing the issue of life membership badges be amended to provide that no League shall be entitled to submit more than one name in any one year.