RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19616, 21 October 1925, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

CHANGES IN THE LAWS. The changes in the laws of Rugby football passed by the Internationa! Board are shown below

Scrummage (Law 2). —A scrummage, which can only take place on the field of

play, is formed by one or more players from each side closing round the ball when -it is on the ground, or by their closing up in readiness to allow the bell to be put on the ground between them.

Xote.—ln all cases where the referee orders a scrummage the referee shall award, to the team which is not responsible for the stoppage in the game the right of putting the ball into the scrummage on either side. In case of doubt the referee shall award such right to the side which is territorially on the defensive. A player shall be considered as wilfully preventing a ball being fairly put _ into a scrummage under Law 11 (m) if before the ball is fairly in the scrummage he moves cither of his feet beyond the front line of his forwards.

Note.—The attention of referees is especially drawn to the necessity of rigidly and immediately enforcing the penalty incurred. It ia illegal for more than three players on each side to form the front row of their forwards before the ball is put into the scrummage The ball is not fairly in the scrummage until It baa passed a player on each side. It is important to observe that the notes under the definition of scrummage have been aJtered, and that the following two paragraphs, which appeared in last season’s Jaws, have been deleted: — 1. Note.—The referee may order the ball to be put into the scrummage from either aide 1m may choose.

2. (b) Follows the ball into the scrummage with either foot.

Alterations to Law 11, referring to a scrummage, should also be noted. A Goal (Law 2). —The second paragraph of note to definition of a goal now reads: A kicker and a placer must, except in the case of a penalty kick, be distinct persons, and the kicker may not, except in the case of a penalty kick, touch the ball when on tho ground, even though the charge has been disallowed.

Law 8, section (b), now reads: (b) When the ball has been kicked by, or has been intentionally touched by, an opponent. Section (f) part of note, referring to a free-kick, now reads: A free kick or scrummage shall be awarded, at their option, as it was the duty of the offside player to have retired beyond the ,10yarda limit. Law 10. —An addition has been made as follows, and the first paragraph of the not© to Law 10, which appeared in last season’s laws, has in consequence been deleted: When a penalty kick is awarded the opposite side may not charge. They must remain passive on or behind a line drawn through the mark where the penalty kick is awarded, and parallel to tho goal line. Law 11. Section (o). —“Being in a scrummage, lift a foot from the ground before the'ball has been pul: into such scrummage” has been deleted. A new sub-section has been .added as follows;

(p) Not himself running: for the ball, ■wilfully charges or obstructs an opponent who has just kicked the ball. On branch of sub-section (p) the opposite side shall be awarded at their option a freekick (a), at the place of infringement, (b) at the spot where the ball alights. In the event of the ball alighting in touch, the kick shall be taken at .or behind the spot 10 yards from the touch line drawn parallel to the goal line through the point where it crossed the touch line, or in the event of the ball alighting in in-goal at or behind a spot not less than 10 yards from the goal line on ft line drawn '-.arallel to the touch line through the spot where it crossed the goal line.

Law 12, Section (a).-—This law now reed#: (a) Thowing it out so as to, alight at least five yards, at right angles to the touch line. And after section (b):

A penalty kick should not be awarded if the ball does not alight at least five yards at right angles to the touch line, unless pereistentlv throwu less than that distance which should be dealt with under Law 11 (») or Law 3 (b). . Tlie following note has been added to Law 12 (a), and also to the definition of kick-off and drop-out: Note. —The advantage rule does not apply.