DUTY OF REFEREE.
It rests with the referee under Law 10, International Rugby Rules, inter Alia, to give all necessary directions within the laws. Under this rule the referee is the Sole Judge of fact. In this case the facts were that a penalty try was awarded ; the referee was approached by the kicker as to the manner in which the kick at goal should be taken. It is alleged that he gave a direction and stated that it was a “free kick,” but it would be necessary to have a placer. The kicker therefore gave the ball to one of the players to place, but when it was placed the opposing side charged. Relying on the referee’s decision, the kicker did not attempt to kick the ball and as a result the ball was charged down. It was immediately intimatedto the referee that a protest would be lodged. In view of this it may be contended that it was the referee’s duty to order that the kick be taken so that in the words of the rule as contained in Law 10
“If the Union afterwards supports the Appeal the goal points may be added if the kick were sue cessful.” In our opinion the referee, having given a decision prior to the kicking of the ball, cannot afterwards alter his decision, even though he knew it to be wrong (vide Law 10, International Rugby Rules).
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Bibliographic details
Northland Age, Volume III, Issue 33, 26 August 1931, Page 5
Word Count
237DUTY OF REFEREE. Northland Age, Volume III, Issue 33, 26 August 1931, Page 5
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