LAWS OF RUGBY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 9

LAWS OF RUGBY

SCRUMMAGE BREACHES SPIRIT OF THE GAME REFEREES' CONFERENCE Matters affecting the laws of the game were dealt with 'by Mr. D. MeKenzie, of Wellington, who presided at the annual conference of the New Zealand Rugby Referees' Association yesterday. Mr. MeKenzie referred to the conference held in Wellington during the off season between the New Zealand Rugby Union and the executive of the New Zealand Rugby Referees' Association.

"The representative matches between Auckland and Wellington at Auckland and Otago and Canterbury at Christchurch were two games around which much discussion centred," said Mr. MeKenzie. "In those matches two of the leading referees in New Zealand officiated, Mr. S. Hollander in Auckland and Mr. H. J. MeKenzie in Christchurch. In Mr. McKenzie's case —the Canterbury-Otago Ranfurly Shield match—he came to the conclusion that the only way he could get the scrummage to function properly was to put the ball in himself. Mr. Hollander's experience was different. Before play started he informed tbe respective captains that when the ball was put into the scrummage if both sides had an equal chance of obtaining possession he would allow the play to go on. In his case, from the view of those of us on the sidelines, things did not pan out as he anticipated. In fairness to Mr. Hollander it is but right to say that this illegal hooking was done when he was on the opposite side of the scrummage. Remembering these instances, and comparing them with the experiences in local matches, it is a fair thing to say that the scrummage is not functioning as the rules intended it should. Distinctive Feature "The scrummage is a, distinctive feature of the Rugby game and of the Rugby game alone. There is no such a definition or such a formation in any other game. The principle at the back of the scrummage is absolute fairness. The New Zealand Rugby Union has suggested to the International Board that the law be altered in order that when the ball is fairly in—on the ground in the centre of the scrummage, and after having passed two feet of a player on each side—it can then be played. With this suggestion I personally and the executive are heartily in accord, and ever since the introduction of the new scrummage law this association, in conference and at meetings of the executive, has held that this is the correct way to interpret the rule. Up to the present, however, the International Board has given no indication of their conclusions on the matter." Welcome to Visitors Prior to the comnifsncement ,of the conference, representatives of. the various associations were weleonled by Mr. H. Frost. chairman of the management committee of the Auckland llugby Union, Mr. J. G. G. Wales, chairman of the Auckland Rugby Referees' Association, and Mr. F. E. Sutherland, of Auckland, chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Referees'' Association. Mr. Sutherland said that with such large representation from all parts of the Dominion it was probably the largest gathering which had yet been held in connection with an annual conference. This augured well for the forthcoming season and must have a beneficial effect on the game. Messrs. P. Macky, a member of the first- New Zealand Referees' Association, and Mr. F. J. Ohlson also welcomed the delegates. Penalty .'Kick The questions forwarded by the various associations during the season and the answers given by the executive of the New Zealand Rugby Referees' Association were discussed. It was ruled that it was not necessary for a player claiming a mark to claim the catch besides making the heel mark, >s Regarding the penalty kick under law 24, there was considerable discussion as to what constituted "at or near the mark." It was decided that the words " at or near the mark " should be interpreted " within a 10 yards semi-circle of the actual mark." -

On the motion of Mr. Wales, it was resolved: "That in the opinion of this conference law 24 as amended has given permission for players other than those standing 'at or near the mark' to charge as soon as a penalty kick has been taken. This conference therefore asks the New Zealand Rugby Union to obtain a ruling from the English Rugby Union as to whether this law is to be so interpreted." A motion that where the referee finds difficulty in administering the scrums fairly lie be instructed to put the ball in himself was lost. A further motion that tho advantage rule be applied wherever possible to the scrums was also lost. It was unanimously decided that any player who persistently offends by liftnig his feet before the ball is fairly in the scrum, or any player who persistently puts the ball unfairly in the scrum, be ordered off the field. The conference will conclude this morning, when the annual meeting will bo held.