RULING TO BE SOUGHT.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18330, 30 July 1929, Page 11

RULING TO BE SOUGHT.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE’S DECISION. CHALLENGED BY STAR CLUB. To hear an appeal by the Star Club against the decision of the Management Committee of the South Canterbury Rugby Union, in the matter of the Star-Celtic senior game of June 29, which was stopped before full time in the second half had been played, and which had been ordered to be replayed, a special meeting of delegates to the South Canterbury Rugby Union was held last evening. There were present—Mr H. H. Fraser (president), J. Gunn, A. Tyson (Star), W. Watson, A. Aitken (Old Boys), A. Hunt (Zingari), D. Hertnon, J. Roseveare (Celtic), D. O’Connor (Temuka), A. H. Clemens (Geraldine), J. Harley (Mackenzie Sub-Union), and Mr J. O’Leary (chairman of the Referees’ Association). Several delegates were apologised for. After the chairman had explained the object of the meeting, and the secretary (Mr J. V. McKeague) had read the minutes of the meeting of the Management Committee, calling a special meeting of delegates, Mr O’Connor moved that the letter from? the Star Club be received, and the appeal be heard. This was seconded by Mr Clemens, and carried.

The chairman: “I take it the appeal is in the hands of the Star Club. If so, can we have the club’s reason for appealing?” Mr Tyson, speaking on behalf of the Star Club, gave the opinion that his club had been unjustly treated by having been ordered to play the game again. The referee had stopped the game, and awarded the points to Star. Should not his decision be final? His club thought so, at least. Mr Tyson then quoted from Rule 10 of the rules governing Rugby in South Canterbury:—“The referee is sole timekeeper and judge of fact ... He may not consult with anyone else except with regard to time, and then only if the information supplied by the touch-judge be insufficient.” The referee, continued Mr Tyson, had stated to the Management Committee that if the game had gone on, a player, or players might have been injured. In his (the speaker’s) opinion, that was a fair reason for stopping the game. The chairman: “Looking into the rules, that’s right.” Mr Clemens: “Do you mean. Mr Tyson’s remarks, or the rule?” The chairman: “I haven’t given my opinion yet.” Mr Tyson then moved that the motion of the Management Committee in regard to the replaying of the game, be rescinded. Rule 10, he said, was strong enough to bring this about. This was seconded by Mr Gunn.

Mr O’Connor: “There is just one point. This meeting has no power to rescind any motion carried by the Management Committee. In other words, I would like to hear the motion at present before the meeting.” Mr Tyson again gave his motion. Mr O’Connor: “I still rise to a point, Mr Chairman. This meeting has got no jurisdiction. It can only recommend that the Management Committee rescind the motion, fiothing more.” The chairman: “To put it another way, Mr O’Connor ” Mr O’Connor: “Put it any way you like. The meeting to-night has not the power.” Mr Clemens agreed with Mr O’Connor. The same thing had happened before. Delegates had made a recommendation to the Management Committee, and this had eventually been carried. On the chairman’s suggestion, Mr Tyson intimated his willingness to change his motion to read. “ . . . and that the appeal be heard.' Mr O’Connor: “There’s a motion already before the meeting.” The chairman: “Mr O’Connor, what do you want to do? Do you want all discussion blocked?” Mr O’Connor: “Who are you speaking to?” The chairman: “You.” Mr Watson: “With all your wisdom, Mr O’Connor, perhaps you can tell us what you really want, and not hedge so much.” The chairman: “Does the meeting agree to the amended motion?” Approval was expressed. Mr O’Connor (to the chairman): “I challenge your ruling. I would like the Press to take a note of that.” The matter was then opened for discussion. Mr Clemens said that all knew the game had been stopped ten minutes before full time. Whether the referee was right or wrong was a question. He was of opinion that nothing could be done before a ruling was obtained from the New Zealand Rugby Union. Mr O’Connor quoted from Rule 8— “In international matches, two periods of 40 minutes each shall be played; in other matches the duration of play shall be agreed upon by the respective sides, or if not agreed, shall be fixed by the referee.” In the match under discussion, said Mr O’Connor, the time agreed upon by the teams had been 40 minutes. “No one can show me a rule to show that the referee was justified in his action. His (the referee’s) point was that someone might get hurt.” Mr O’Connor went on to say that, during the match, no one had been cautioned, or hurt. The referee had stated, to the Management Committee, that injury might have taken place. This was simply anticipating. This was not the referee’s duty. “He is the sole judge of fact,” said Mr O’Connor, “but has no power to act as he did merely on anticipation.” Mr Hertnon said the appeal was one against the Rugby Union, and the meeting could not go further until it was found out if the referee was right or wrong. If both teams were to blame, and the referee said this was the case, then no championship points should be awarded. Mr Watson: “We’ll get what we want about Christinas time.” Mr O’Leary said that he was taking no side, but had been interested in the case. When the Management Committee had arrived at its decision, the Referees’ Association had taken the matter up, and asked the New Zealand Referees' Association for a ruling. No reply had yet come to hand. It would be better if the Management Committee applied for a ruling to the governing body, the New Zealand Rugby Union. It seemed to him that the referee probably had made a slight error. There were other things the referee could have done, but these had not been done. If a ruling was obtained it would be found that the referee could not have stopped the game for the reason given. Mr Aitken then moved as an amendment to Mr Tyson’s motion, that the meeting directs the Management Committee to obtain a ruling from the New Zealand Rugby Union. This was seconded by Mr Hertnon. Mr O’Connor said that he, for one, would stick to the decision of the Management Committee. They had their rules and should abide by' them. A delegate: “What would happen if the Management Committee wore found to be wrong?” Mr Clemens: “They would be ‘booted’ out next year.” (Laughter.) Mr O’Connor: “j. would take my

chance, Mr Clemens, the same as you did.” The amendment was then put to the meeting and carried, Mr O’Connor voting against it.