ATHLETIC PROTEST AGAINST OLD BOYS’ WIN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6664, 18 July 1928, Page 8

ATHLETIC PROTEST AGAINST OLD BOYS’ WIN

CONTEND MAKE SHOtTLD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED.

'At last.night’s meeting of the Manawat'u Rugby; Council the Athletic Football ; Club wrote entering a protest in connection with last Saturday’s game against Old Boys, on a point of law, that the referee called time before the ball had gone out. of play. . Mark Might Have Made Difference. Tho letter stated that the position was that the referee brought the game to a close when an Athletic player had marked tho ball. Had the projected kick at goal been allowed, the position of tho game might have been altered, according to the success of the kick. Tho chairman, Mr. J. A. Golquhoun, stated that' there were only two rules which they need consult. Rule 100 stated that “half-time or no-sido shall be declared as soon as the referee has blown his whistle, except in the case of a try.” T Rule 2 stated that tho bail shall be declared “dead” as soon? as tho ball is out of play for the time being, an event which occurs when.tho referee’s whistle is blown. “As I read it,” said Mr. Golquhoun, “once the referee has blown his whistle, except for a .try, the ball is dead. These two rules are quite sufficient, I think, still it is for you, gentlem'en, to decide.” : Mark Should Have Been Allowed.

* Mr. Hands suggested that the matter be held over for one week until it had been considered by the Referees’ Association. His own opinion , was that the, mark should have been allowed to, no taken, because the referees had decided that the game should cease only after » breach, or when the- ball went out' of play; also that the advantage rule should apply. He was of the opinion that the council, should obtain a ruling on the matter from the New Zealand Rugby Union —there was plenty of time to obtain this. Mr. Hands then moved that the matter be referred to the New Zealand Rugby Union for a ruling. To go to N.Z.K.U. “I think that we should consult the referee first, in this case,” said Mr. -P. G. Burlace. “We should ask him if he blew his whistle for the mark or to terminate the game. In any case this council should be able to settle the matter one way or the other this evening. ’ ’ Mr. Colquhoun: There is no doubt that the referee called time. Mr. Bly: To test the feeling of the meeting I will move as an amendment.

that the referee’s action in terminating the game be upheld. “I cannot see where the doubt arises myself,” said Mr. Colquhoun. “The referee acted according to the rules of football in stopping the game when ho did.” Mr. Hands reiterated his statement that the Referees ’ Association had come to an agreement to terminate the game only after a breach, or if the ball went out of play. It was not right that one referee should stop the game to suit himself, when the others were abiding by the agreement. “No Referees’ Association can alter the rules of football,” 'observed Mr. Colquhoun. " . On Mr. Ely’s amendment being put to the meeting, it was lost on a show of hands, and it was decided to ask the New Zealand Rugby Union for a ruling on the matter.’