RUGBY Rough Play In Tests Condemned By Referees

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28257, 20 April 1957, Page 12

RUGBY Rough Play In Tests Condemned By Referees

(New Zealana Press Association)

WHANGAREI, April 19.

If some players who indulged in rough tactics during international Rugby games in New Zealand last year had behaved in a similar manner in club games they would have been ordered off. This allegation was made during discussion at the New Zealand Rugby referees’ conference in Whangarei yesterday, when several delegates strongly criticised rough play.

But, some speakers said, referees would be made scapegoats if they ordered an international player from the field. They would be “third-degreed” and not given protection “from higher up,” it was stated. Mr R. Morrison (North Auckland) said there was too ipuch organised obstruction going unchecked. He said the first Rugby picture of the season published in Auckland showed a perfect example. “Instructions should go out to referees to clean up this illegal practice,” said Mr Morrison. “It is the primary cause of rough play.” The chairman (Mr A. C. Swan) agreed that obstruction was pronounced last year. “You must sit on obstruction,” he added. The association and the New Zealand Rugby Union would support referees who ordered men off for obstruction.

“It’s up to you,” Mr Swan said. Mr C. H. Williams (Wellington) said a lot of backs refereeing football could well have had their education improved by playing a season in the forwards. “We are like doctors, we have to study the disease,” he said. The association should have lectures on illegalities. “It is specialised stuff applied in a highly scientific manner.” Mr C. G. Wallace (Waikato) agreed that obstruction in the “big stuff” was of scientific vein. “It is coached, make no mistake about that. But don’t be too tough on the man who has to go out on the paddock and pick it,” he added.

Some delegates thought if a referee took action he would be made a scapegoat. They could do little until assured of support “from higher up.”

Mr Swan: These things are in the past. The chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union has said that the referees will be supported to the hilt.

Firm action should be taken on the field, said Mr C. R. McCallum. The major referees’ associations would support action. Most referees in big matches simply did not “have the guts” to order men off, said Mr E. J. B. Matthews. They feared they would not get another appointment. He cited an incident in a match played in Invercargill in 1947 when two prominent players were ordered off. The referee did not get another major appointment for several years.