Rugby Referees Discuss Curbing Of “Birds Of Prey”

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1949, Page 9

Rugby Referees Discuss Curbing Of “Birds Of Prey”

(P.A.) . NELSON, This Day. A Rugby football referee should be unobtrusive, rather than forceful, said Mr H. B. Simmonds, a member of the executive of the New Zealand Rugby Referees’ Association, when delivering his opening address at the association’s annual conference. Mr Simmonds deputised for the chairman of the executive, Mr George Bradley (Wellington), who was prevented from attending by illness*. “In no other sport is the position of referee more important to the game than jn Rugby, but it is well to bear in mind that this importance must not be over-emphasised on the field. The game is for the players and the referee’s • position as’ arbiter should be unobtrusive, rather than forceful,” said Mr Simmonds. .Getting the ball into the scrummage appeared to be the referee’s most trying duty and he suggested that they give special attention to sub-section F of law 15, which referred to external factors.

An amendment to the offside rule is considered necessary by the association to curb the activities of breakaway forwards, who move too quickly round the scrum. The conference resolved to recommend to the New Zealand Union that when the laws of the game are next reviewed by the International Board it be suggested that the word “remain” be deleted from law 18 (B), which reads: “A player is offside if, while the ball is in the scrummage, he, not being in the scrummage, remains with either foot in front of the ball.”

The acting-chairman, Mr Simmonds, said it was time the association gave consideration to the forward who moved round the scrum before the ball was clear. Mr H. J. McKenzie (Wairarapa) said that if the rule was amended it would make Rugby easier for the players, referees and spectators by preventing “birds of prey” from careering round the scrum. A direction was issued that, if forwards stood up in the scrum, the half-back should be instructed to put the ball in immediately. The scrum should not be broken up. It was also ruled by the conference that injured players were not entitled to have play held up for three minutes, unless they were seriously hurt. Players with minor injuries, such as walking cases, should be removed to the sideline while the game continued.