REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 210, 1 June 1926, Page 9

REFEREES’ ASSOCIATION

The weekly meeting of the Rcfeiees Association was held last night, the president (Mr. T. A. Fletcher) presiding otcr a good attendance of members. fn accordance with the request of the Wellington Rugby. Union it was decided to forward a list of. referees competent to control inter-provincial matches. . It was announced that a seven-n-side tournament wou’d be held on Thursday next nt Newtown Park and Wakefield Park for junior, third. Intermediate and fourth grade teams, the matches to commence at 9.15 a.m. Referees were asked to attend at both grounds as ear y ns possible. Mr. Leith was appointed to allot matches nt Newtown Park, an.l Mr. J Francis at Wakefield Park. The vice-president (Mr. G. E. gttve a lecture on "Touch He first explained how the ball was put into touch: (a) bv a player kicking it across the touchline: or Gi) a player, while carrving the ball, putting any part of his body, arms or legs on or over the line. The ball was then brought into play by a lino-out or scrum opposite the P spot where the ball crossed tlm line unless it was kicked into touch oni th Dili from a kick (other thani a _ P® na 1 Y kick) from outside the kicker s to. In that case the line-out wns taken hack opposite the spot wher « tlle I kl^ k „ er n ther when he kicked the ball, and the other side had then no option of a scrummage. The line-out only could be taken If the ball did not alight at righ angles to-tho touchline, a scrum should bo awarded ten yards out, and the advantage rule was not Ito be applied to this breach. On the other hand, it the tall was thrown in straight, and a knock-on or other breach occurred, then the advantage rule could be applied. If the ball did not reach the five yards limit another throw was to be ordered, and at the same time that side was to be warned that a repetition of the cffence would be penalised- by a free-kick. Another offence was to charge into an opponent in the line-out. If a playei was waiting to receive the ball, it was illegal for an opponent to stand back a yard or two ami then charge into the line. On the other hand, if the ba I was falling into a gap in the line-out, any player could run in to take it, without penalty. While .a player was entitled to kick the ball into touch, he was not entitled to pass, throw, or knock it into touch. If he did so,, the referee should at onco blow his whistle and award the other side, at their option, a scrum or free-kick. this scrum or free-kick could bo taken either (a.) at Hie spot where the offending player was, or (b) ton yards in from where the ball went into touch. No appeal was necessary, as was the case formerly. , , Mr. Bradley was accorded a very hearty of thanks for his address.