NEW SCRUMMAGE LAWS

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25552, 21 July 1948, Page 3

NEW SCRUMMAGE LAWS

REFEREES’ OBJECTION (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 20. The opinion that alterations to the scrummage laws this season had so aggravated the task of referees as to make correct interpretation almost impossible, was given in a letter received by the management committee of the Wellington Rugby Union this evening from the Wellington Referees’ Association. It was decided to refer the matter to the New Zealand Rugby Union. Objection was raised by referees to section (1) of law 15 dealing with feet in the scrum. It was contended that any action under this must be inconsistent, inaccurate, and militating ag&inst the best interests of the code, to say nothing of the performances of referees and the players’ confidence in them. Mr H. B. Simmons said the new ruling had been drafted at the last international conference in London. It was his opinion that an error had been made in the drafting. The major problem was that whereas previously no feet could be advanced till the ball was fairly in the scrum, now the fourth feet from the side from which the ball was being put in, which were two hookers’ feet, and those beyond, could be raised and advanced to the centre of the scrum. Referees now had to watch this as well as see that the half-back put the ball in properly, that it went in straight, that it touched the ground beyond one foot of the nearest player in each front row, and that no other feet were raised till the ball was fairly in. “There is enough difficulty in seeing what goes on in the scrum without this latest alteration to the law,” said Mr Simmons. As there was a majority opinion that the ruling was ambiguous, it was agreed to send the letter to the New Zealand Union.

RUGBY LEAGUE AUCKLAND TEAM BEATS WELLINGTON (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 20. Bitterly cold weather and a steady drizzle marred the Rugby League match between Auckland and Wellington at the Basin ReserVe to-day. Auckland won by 14 points to 5, scoring four tries, one converted, to a converted try. The Auckland team included five members of the New Zealand team which toured England, as well as Rich, who was in the New Zealand team which toured Australia. Considering the difficult conditions, Auckland's handling, backing up, and positional play were first class. ASSOCIATION CODE DRAW FOR ‘SATURDAY Senior, 3 p.m.—This v. Ran, E.P.; Sham v. Tech A, 1.15 p.m., E.P.; Tech B v. Cel, Beck; Nom v. Ran, Malv. Senior Reserve, 3 p.m..—Wig v. West, Elm; Tech v. Wts, H.l; Nom v. This, Bar; Sham v. Cel, St. Alb; Ran, a bye. University trials, 3 p.m., Hagley 3. Junior A (K. 0. 3 p.m.—Y.M.C.A. v. Nom, H. 4; West v. Sham, Sprey; Wig, a bye. Junior B, 3 p.m.—T. Coll v. Tech, Ensor; St. Vin v. Nom, H.2; Var and Ran win by default. Fourth Grade, 1.30 p.m.—Tech B v. West, H. 4; Nom v. This, H.2; St. Vin v. Tech A, H. 3; Sham, a bye. Fifth Grade, 1.30 p.m.—Otago H.S. v. Tech, H.l; Cel v. Tech D, Beck; Nom v. West, Malv; Tech B v. Ran, Lin. Sixth Grade, 10 a.m.—West A v. Nom, Malv; West B v. Tech A, Ehn; This v. Tech B, Ensors; Wts v. Sham A, H. 3. Seventh Grade, 10 a.m.—Nom y. Cel, H.2; This v. West, Bar; Sham R v. Ran, Lin. Eighth Grade.—Section I, 10 a.m.: Nom v. Sham R, St. Alb; Wts v. Sham A, H. 4; West v. Sham. H.l. Section 11, 11 a.m.: Cel v. Ran, H.l; This v. Sham B, H.2; West B v. Nom B, Malv. Chatham Cup, South Island final, July 31. English Park. Advt.