SIDELIGHTS ON RUGBY RULES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19764, 15 April 1926, Page 5

SIDELIGHTS ON RUGBY RULES.

By Chevalier.

INTRODUCTION. The sole object of these articles is to endeavour to supply a much needed want in Rugby circles. The man on the bank,” who can “ barrack pretty fair, and likes the leather hunting he doesn’t have to share,” is surprisingly deficient in an intimate knowledge of the rules of our national game. Yet it is not so surprising after all, because players, and even some referees, have rather nebulou* ideas as to what some rules really mean. Then, again, it is hard for the general public to keep in touch with the different interpretations of and the variations in the rules since the days when they could be classed as “ muddied oafs.” The consequence is that the conversations on the bank are often amusing to the expert because of the wild and woolly ideas that are held by some “ authorities ” on the rules of Rugby. It is easy to say to the ordinary man: “ Why don’t you get a handbook and study it.” But even if he does so it seems to complicate the issue unless he is given a lead as to what certain rules really mean. The handbook of rules is not a large book, but it is a “terror for its size.” We are not all gifted in the direction of separating qualifying phrases from the main theme, therefore the lay mind, studying the rule book on his own, makes confusion worse confounded until “’e don’t know w’ere ’e are.” “ Chevalier ” undertakes the work of endeavouring, by means of explanation and illustration, to present the points of the rule book so that the young players and the budding referees may be enlightened. If there is an occasional crust that the senior player would like to assimilate he may have it, and the great authority who freezes on the bank is also welcome to a crumb or two if he can find them. As the Otago Daily Times circulates very widely throughout Otago. “ Chevalier ” is also bearing in mind the possible needs of country teams who do not possess the advantages of the city. We welcome questions which may be addressed to the editor. THE REFEREE AND THE SPECTATOR. One of the Dominion’s leading referees, speaking at a smoke concert some years ago, said: “A referee is born, not made. There is more truth in that statement than many people realise, and when we hear unfair criticism from the man who is probably afraid of losing the half-crown that he has invested on the game we are reminded of an incident in their own experience when the captain of a country team abused the only referee that Could be found. In the next game the captain had to referee, and he gave a deplorable exhibition as a chevalier of the whistle, but he was candid enough to say: “I never realised the referee’s job was so difficult, and I will never say a word against him again.” What about it, my gentle reader? Will you make a similar resolve for the season of 1926? . You ought to, you know, and use your influence to suppress any other “squeaks.” Referees aro men who give their time and spend their energy for the good of the game. We know many Who love their gardens and their homes, yet leave these that every game each Saturday may have a controlling hand and mind. We never want to see the professional referee take the field in connection with Rugby. Wc are all agreed upon that. Then let us show our appreciation of the men who face a most difficult task so that every Saturday you may enjoy your game of Rugby. THE REFEREE SYSTEM, is not an ideal one. Other systems have been tried in the dear dead days of long ago, but our present custom is the only one that has stood the test. Remember the referee is asked to accomplish an impossible task when he is expected to keep the ball within his range of vision, watch tlie players behind him as well as those in front, and follow the movements ot 30 heads, 60 arms, and 60 legs. Is it any wonder that some things are missed and some mistakes made in every game. It does not take long to discover if the referee is giving the teams a fair spin—we have yet to watch a game in which that doesn t happen—and if ne is doing so, then overlook his mistakes. Under the jurisdiction of an impartial referee, incompetent though he may be, each side suffers in about the same proportion. Each team is getting what it requires, a man who is handing out fair play to both sides, although perhaps making more mistakes than usual. A WORD TO THE REFEREE. There is no doubt . lat some men are anxious to hold the whistle who have no qualifications to control any game. Their temperament is not suited t- the job. If you are candid with yourself you will soon find this out. If unsuited to the job get out of it. You will only be a source of trouble to yourself and a nuisance to the teams. In these days of fast and open play there is no room for a referee who is slow of foot and palpably out of condition. If he cannot keep up with or last out the game he is not fair to the players who have trained for the game, because he stands alone when it comes to a decision. His word is law on matters of fact. The essential things in a referee are quick decision, firmness, observation, and fearlessness. .In later articles we shall give illustrations as to how needful these qualifications are. When play reaches striking distance the referee should endeavour to be in such a position that the play comes to him. That is the only position in which one can tell which player has grounded the ball first. We remember an occasion when the referee in an important match took care that he was at the goal post as the forward rush made for the line. Down came the forward with the ball, but the line was missed by two inches. When the resultant “sacks on the mill” was disintegrated the ball had crossed the line in the melee. The try was disallowed, and a perfectly correct decision given. Had the referee followed the play he could not have ruled with such confidence. No referee should enter into a discussion about his rulings while on the field of play. He is not an advocate; he is a judge. He must be courteous. When asked what the whistle is blown for he should -be prepared to say why he blew the whistle, although he must not discuss or defend his decision. We have heard a referee threaten to send men off for asking a perfectly natural question. Our custom has been to blow the whistle, then give the reason without waiting for the question. That gives the player confidence in the “chevalier” as a man who knows his job. Whatever you do, do not domineer. Some men can be both genial and firm. That is what you want to aim at. Do not hang the game up by being too fastidious with your rulings. When in neutral territory there is no need to spend five minutes getting a scrum back one yard so that it can be on the exact spot. On the other hand, when near the goal-line you cannot be too careful. NEW RULINGS. The advantage rule applies to the “lineout.” In some parts of the Dominion this has not been observed. It is now an instruction that it must be observed. A “penalty kick” is a free kick in every sense of the word. Players of the opposite side may stand on the mark, but may not hold up their hands or jump un.