15-Month-Old Law Now To Be Enforced

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30738, 30 April 1965, Page 13

15-Month-Old Law Now To Be Enforced

Belated, but nonetheless welcome, is the statement by Mr W. Fright, instructor for the Canterbury Referees’ Association, that “the intention of the laws is to provide playing room for the backs. This can only be done if the law is carried out.”

Mr Fright added that the Canterbury Referees’ Association intends to enforce firmly the laws which are aimed at speeding up the game and making it more attractive for players and spectators.

Without unduly denigrating the attitude of the Canterbury Referees’ Association, it surely is pertinent to remember that the new laws which were supposed to provide greater opportunities for back play were passed on January 9, 1964: almost 15 months ago, says “The Press” Rugby reporter. When these new laws were approved, Mr T. S. Morrison, chairman of the New Zealand council, had said: “I feel certain that they will restrict spoiling and help those who want action and to pass the ball.” Line-Out Faults Now, 15 months later, Mr Fright, when commenting on the line-outs, says: “Players are advancing over the line when the ball alights in the line-out and back play is being restricted. “Referees have been instructed to deal firmly with this and players who cross

the line before the line-out ends will be penalised at the place where they crossed the line.”

One can only wonder why this rule should suddenly be enforced. Last year it was illegal for players to creep up from a line-out; this year it is illegal: but only now the referees will enforce the rule.

The laws of Rugby are vagarious; but nonetheless they are still laws. It is surely a very odd situation when laws which were in force last season now suddenly become of the utmost importance; and, as a matter of policy, it is decided that they will be enforced.

It may well be taking a rather naive view, but it is felt that a law passed in 1964 should not suddenly have greater force merely because a local referees’ association decides to enforce it firmly a year later.