Appeal impossible
The controversial decision which cost the New Brighton Rugby Club’s senior team victory in the match against Suburbs last Saturday cannot be the subject of an appeal.
The president of the Canterbury Rugby Referees’ Association (Mr B. E. Powell) said yesterday that the rules no longer provided for an appeal on a point of law.
Until about 14 years ago the referee was held to be the sole judge of law, “subject to a right of appeal to the union,” Mr Powell said.
Then the right of appeal was eliminated. The re-
levant clause now reads: “The referee is the sole judge of fact and law. All his decisions are binding on the players.” The rule was changed probably to prevent any “haggle” over decisions in debate, Mr Powell said. “If the referee had not seen the incident the argument could have dragged on.” In Saturday’s match, the referee (Mr T. K. Armstrong) awarded a try to Suburbs after the ball had struck the comer post. A drop-out should have been ordered. Suburbs beat New Brighton, 18-16.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33883, 1 July 1975, Page 38
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179Appeal impossible Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33883, 1 July 1975, Page 38
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