RUGBY REFEREES' ASSOCIATION

Evening Post, Volume LXXX, Issue 4, 5 July 1910, Page 2

RUGBY REFEREES' ASSOCIATION

The Wellington Referees' Association met last night, Mr. D. M'Kenzie being in the chair. An apology was received and accepted from a member of the association who had questioned a decision by Mr. Keys. Mr. Fordyce reported that one of the grounds at Miramar Park on Saturday was covered with water, on tho surface of which were several thousand seagulls, and was totally unfit to play upon. Members contended that the association should instruct referees not to accept appointments for those grounds, but no decision was arrived at. In connection with the failure of a re- I feree to attend the senior match at Karori last Saturday, it was stated that Mr. F. Laws was drawn for the match, but, as he could not attend, Mr. Gillespie was appointed, but he had informed the secretary of the union on Saturday morning that he also would be unable to be present. Some members of the teams engaged were informed that Mr. G. Howe would take the match, but evidently they had not applied to him. j During the discussion some members criticised others for not .wanting to take matches at Johnsonvillo, Porirua, and other suburban grounds. Eventually it was decided to send a list of addresses of senior referees to the Appointment Board. The New. Zealand Referees' Association forwarded the following interpretations of amended rules :—(1): — (1) That a player who jumps into the air and takes the ball may claim a fair catch by. calling out "mark," and a free-kick should be awarded to him even though he is prevented from coming to the ground to make a mark with his heel. (2) That if, in the opinion of the referee, a player wilfully throws the ball out from touch less than five yards^ or wilfully prevents it being thrown out five yards, the penalty of a free-kick should be awarded to the non-offending side as provided in Law 11, Section (m). In regard to paragraph (2) it was decided, on the motion of Mr. F. Laws, that a free-kick be awarded in every case for the first offence.