Play- The-Ball Law May Be Retained

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31011, 17 March 1966, Page 16

Play- The-Ball Law May Be Retained

Although the five-yard rule will be reintroduced into the New Zealand Rugby League’s laws this year, the three-yard play-the-ball law may be retained for the international matches against the British touring team.

Mr T. J. Wellsmore, the Canterbury delegate to the New Zealand Council, said this at last evening’s meeting of the Canterbury Rugby League. The five-yard rule will be a local rule and will be used in club and representative fixtures. However, until the International Rules Board alters its laws, the three-yard

rule will be retained for international matches

While co-manager of the 1965 Kiwi team he had discovered that British and French officials were only luke-warm to the change. Australia and New Zealand favoured the five-yard rule.. A 3-1 majority is necessary to change an international law. Re-elected Mr W. K. Blow was re-elect-ed president of the league Mr E. G. Blazey, who recently retired from the board of control after long service, was elected a vice-president. Officers elected were:— Patron, Mr L. G. Amos; preaident, Mr W. K. Blow; vicepresidents, Messrs H. A. Kinc, L. A. Stuart, H. R. Woodham, E. G. Blazey; secretary, Mr D. G. Gaynor; treasurer, Mr J. H. Machilruf; board of control, Messrs J. Anderson, L. R. Huston, J. D. Shearer, W. A. Whitehead and D. C. WMson.