RULES OF RUGBY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIV, Issue 3223, 24 May 1924, Page 6

RULES OF RUGBY

"THE LOOSE HEAD." OBSTRUCTION AND INTERFERENCE. We are in receipt of a copy of a • memorandum by the International Board of Rugby Football, dated Twickenham, August 30th, 1923, the Board draws referees' attention to the enforcement of penalties against obstruction, interference and "loose head." We publish below an abstract from a circular letter sent to referees in the Dominion. Players can make the work of referees (a thankless task at the best) much easier by taking note of the following: The Board direct special attention to Law 3 of the Rules of Rugby in which wilful obstruction or interference is so, contrary to the spirit of the game that it is to be dealt with upon the same footing a* rough or foul play, or misconduct. "Loose head" can also be dealt with under the same heading as obstruction.

Under the laws of the game, a referee on observing a player or players wilfully obstructing or interfering with an opposing player or players may oither caution or order off the field such player besides inflicting tho penalty against his team, if such be the first offence. If it is a second offonce the referee has no option but to order the offender off the field and report the matter. "Loose head" in the opinion of the Board in all its forms is a species of wilful obstruction and should be dealt with under Rule 3.

The Board are further of opinion that by the strict enforcement by referees of the appropriate and necessary penalties the difficulty of getting the ball fairly and promptly into the scrummage can be greatly reduced. So long as referees refrain from inflicting the severest penalties, the complaints so prevalent of players adopting unfair methods and so securing an advantage over opponents will be justified and continue. It is to prevent the success of such tactics that the referee exists, and it is the duty of referees to stamp out such practices.