LEAGUE CODE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 30, 4 August 1923, Page 17

LEAGUE CODE

[BY "HALF BACK"}

NOTES AND COMMENTS

GAMES DELAYED.

The very bad state of the grounds owing to the unusual amount of wet ■weather lately is causing much delay to the competitions under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Rugby League football. Last Saturday, for the second time in succession, no games were played.

A few weeks ago the writer dealt with the line-out and indiscriminate kicking of the ball. Notes on knockingon and the advantage rule are now given for the benefit of followers of the game. Knocking-on and throwing forward are propelling the ball by hand or arm in the direction of the opponents' goal. When a player knocks or throws the ball forward any member of the opposing side may play the ball; but should he or any player of his own side play the ball it shall at once be brought back, to where such knock-on- or throw-for-ward took place, and then put down and scrummaged. If the ball or any player running with the ball touches the referee, it shall be put down and scrummaged at the spot. A player who accidentally knocks the ball on shall not bo penalised if he obtains possession before it falls to the ground.

Tiie advantage rule is very important. As applied in many cases it may be misleading to the spectators, who are not quite conversant with the rule. In the case of a knock-on or throw-forward it is necessary for the referee to wait and see which side gains the advantage from such.

When a player knocks or. throws the ball forward, any player of the opposing side may play the ball, and should such side gain the advantage, play should be allowed to proceed; but should he or any player of his own side gain the advantage the ball shall be brought back and scrummaged at a spot where such knock-on or throw-forward took place. By applying this rule strictly much unnecessary whistling is cut out; thus, the reason for referees not blowing their whistles immediately a breach occurs. Spectators are reminded that the success of a referee depends entirely on knowing when not to blow the whistle.

The advantage rule is not strictly applicable to knocking-on or throwing-for-ward. Example: Should a sure try be spoilt through obstruction or illegal play the referee can apply the advantage rule and award a try. It is necessary for a referee to blow his whistle in all cases when the ball strikes a player who is unintentionally "off-side," unless the opposite side gain the advantage. A .player who accidentally knocks the ball on shall not be penalised if he obtains possession before the ball falls to the ground.

If a player be hurt the referee should not blow his whistle till tho ball bo dead, unless such injured player is in a position that continuance of play would entail further danger.

The referee shall accept all decisions of neutral touch judges, but in every other respect shall have sole control of the game.

It shall be the duty of the touch judges to report to the referee any rough or foul play or obstruction that may have escaped the notice of the referee.

_ A player is tackled close to the touchline, and in getting up his foot touches or crosses the touch-line.—The player is considered in play,- and must play the ball. ■

An off-side player standing within five yards of an opponent about to receive the ball cannot under any circumstances be placed on side.

The Wellington Centre has decided to send a team to play South Auckland at Hamilton on Saturday, 18th August, for the Northern Union Challenge Cup. The team will then go on to Auckland, and play the Auckland representatives on the following Wednesday, 22nd August. The insurance of players is being thoroughly into by the Wellington Centre, and next ■ year a' scheme will be introduced which should be very successfully operated.