ANOTHER CHANGE

Evening Star, Issue 22633, 27 April 1937, Page 5

ANOTHER CHANGE

KICK INTO TOUCH RULE RUGBY UNION'S DECISION Described by one member as a farce, the conditions governing the kick-uuo-tpuch rule were severely criticised by the Management Committee of the Otago Rugby Football Union at the meeting last night. The action of the New Zealand Rugby Union in making the rule fit three separate grades or the game—the amended rule for club and interprovincial matches, and the international for the trial and Springbok matches—was strongly denounced and dubbed “an illogical decision. In conformity with the New Zealand Union’s decision, the meeting agreed that the Otago Union had now no option but to play according to the amended rule from next Saturday. It was decided to inform referees accordingly of the change. At the outset the chairman (Dr A. Perry) invited discussion on the New Zealand Union’s decision following a comprehensive report on the proceedings by the two Otago delegates, Messrs H. Harris and D. Spedding. “To my mind some of the arguments in favour of the amended rule were not_ very convincing,” commented Mr Harris, referring to the attitude of the delegates. The decision had been carried by a large majority. Ho doubted if Otago desired to revert again to the old rule, if the New Zealand Union could prevent it from doing so. “ The attitude of some of the northern delegates was rather peculiar, to say the least of it,” said Dr Perry. He pointed out that two matches had been played in all local competitions under the old rule, and now Otago had to play the amended rule. “ I think it will be a wise step if Otago abides by the decision of the New Zealand, Union.” Mr Harris commented.

Mr D. A. Jolly; “ It is nothing more or less than a farce to he asked to play under two separate rules in the same season. The decision is downright illogical.” He added that Otago would be playing under three separate He moved that the old rule be played in club games for the remainder of the season.

Mr R. W. S. Betting moved as an amendment that the amended rule be played in Otago for the remainder of the season. _ The amendment was carried decisively..

The Chairman intimated that the Referees’ Association would be advised of the change in the rules.