New Points In Rugby Refereeing

Northern Advocate, 21 April 1939, Page 2

New Points In Rugby Refereeing

An extensive - tepori on the Now Zealand Rugby Referees’ Conference, neld at Gisborne recently, was presented on Wednesday night to the North Auckland Rugby Referees’ Associate.n by its delegate. Mr R. Morrison. “In connection with Iho new tackle rule introduced last year, the question of the player being tackled in the field of play and sliding into in-goal has led to some argument as to exactly what the ciocision should be." Mr Morrison’s rcoort staled.

“As an example, take the case of the attacking player being tackled just short of the line with the ba’l in his possession, and making contact with the g.’ound in the field of play. Owing to (tie impetus of his run, the lackleci player with the tackier still grasping him. s’ides into the in-goal. > Slide Into In-goal. ‘‘Naturally the first thing to decide is whether the tackle took place. This is a point to be judged solely by the I’efercc.

“If the tackle took place, the conference decided that the following interpretation was correct: — “(1) No try could be allowed.

“(2) The tackled player should release the ball immediately. If unable to do so until the end of his slide, ho should do so then and should be penalised if he docs not. (Note: Usual penalty here would bo 25 drop out as greater advantage). If and when the tackled player releases the ball, it should first be played with the foot by a player on his feet. Scrummage Breach. “(3) The circumstances may arise that the tackled player may not be able to release the ball through no fault of his own or of any particular side such as in a case of “sacks on the mill” in in-goal. In this particular case, tbu? conference decided on the following: ‘lf a player is tackled and slides into ingoal where it is physically impossible for him to release the ball, play shall be re-started by a scrummage at the spot where the tackle occurred.’ Note particularly that this is not a five yards scrum.

“This decision .will,,of course, have to be confirmed by the NiZ.R.F.U., but the interpretation should be observed until we hear to the contrary,” the report said. ~ ■

Fair Catch.

Continuing, the report dealt with the fair catch. - - - .

It stated that all referees should be chary of granting a fair catch unless all points of the law were strictly complied with. A player claiming a fair catch should, generally speaking, be wholly supported on both feet. Referees were rquested to be very sure that the law had been fully complied with before allowing the catch/ It was also recommended that where a player claimed a catch which was not allowed, the referee should make some indication that this is so. The words, “Not allowed, play on,” were suggested. Wrestling Holds.

Attention was drawn by several delegates at the conference, Mr Morrison said, to the prevalence of wrestling holds in modern Rugby, particularly headlocks. Such tactics were to be deplored, and all referees were requested to take strong action with the offenders under Law 34.