RUGBY POINTERS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 177, 28 July 1928, Page 4

RUGBY POINTERS

RULES AND INTERPRETATIONS PROBLEMS FOB WHISTLES Rugby enthusiasts who have watched displays of the code in Wanganui during the present season have often a great deal of comment to otter with regard to the referee and some of his rulings. Reasons for some of the interpretations are this woek given By “REFEREE” Too Much Whistle. A portion of a recently published letter from an All Black at present in South Africa states that “it is whistle, whistle, whistle, all day long.” The New Zealand football public can thank their lucky stars that referees apply the advantage rule wherever possible. In last Saturday’s game, for instance, if the official hail blown his whistle for every breach that occurred, the 94 scrums that took place in a recent South African match would have been easily eclipsed. Thon the spectators would have had a complaint about too much whistle spoling the game. On the other hand the growlers and “grandstand referees” often complain that referees allow too much latitude. It is indeed very difficult to know exactly where to draw the line. Moro Problems. As the season progresses referees’ associations arc bombarded with various questions with reference to rulings that have been given in matches. Kick at Goal. A kick at goal is being taken from a “mark” and “no charge” is awarded. The placer then places the ball, stands up in front of the ball and remains there while the kick *s being taken. Is there any penalty, and when can he play the ball? The player referred to should bo ruled as in front. The kick is therefore forfeited and a scrummage should be ordered at the spot. Was it a Knock-on? D is running with the ball under his arm. One of A’s backs strikes the ball from under D’s arm with his shut fist, the ball going forward two yards before A picked it up. The referee blew his whistle for a knock-on. Was he right? The answer is in the affirmative. Carry Back.

A player standing in his own in-goal, with both feet behind the goal-lino, reaches out for the ball in the field of play and forces, down. What is the decision, a carry back or a force down ? Answer: “Carry back.” (Decision of the English Rugby Union). Two More Cases. On a windy day the ball was kicked over the head of D’s full-back The ball crossed the goal-line while still ip the air and was then blown back into D’s arms out in the field of play. D caught the ball and ran back .".o touch down. The referee allowed a force down. Was he correct? In this instance the official was wrong. He should have ruled that the ball had been carried back and awarded a scrummage at the spot from which D ran.

In the other case D’s full-back caught, the ball in the field of play, turned and ran to the corner post, reaching out and touching the post with the ball, D still being in the field of play. The referee gave a scrum at the spot from which the ball was carried back. Was ho right? Yes; it was the correct decision. What Should Happen. A place kick at goal was being taken following a fair catch. The ball was placed on the ground, but to avoid the opposing charging players, the placer lying on the ground picked up the ball and passed to one of his own side. What should the decision be? ’ Answer: Scrummage at the mark. This is worth remembering, as it often catches referees on the “hop.” A Ticklish Ono. An attackin;, player tackled, say, x foot or a yard from the goal line, loses possession of the ball which rolls over the goal-line and lies in in-goal. Can an attacking player score a try, or a defending player claim a toucndown, without first of all playing the ball with his foot. Answer: No. Part of the tackle rule reads as follows, “ after a tackle the ball must be brought into play with the foot. . . .” In this instance therefore the ball must be played with the foot before a try or touchdown can be awarded. Failure to play the ball with the foot after a tackle results in a penalty kick being awarded against the offenders, but as penalty kicks cannot bo given for breaches in in-goal the following decisions would have to be given in this case were- the ball not played with the foot:—lf an attacking player offended, a drop-out; if a defender were the culprit, a scrummage five yards from the goal-line and opposite the spot where the breach was committed. Playing Ball on Ground. When a player was on both knees near the goal-line, the ball came near him aud he picked it up and put it over the line to score a try, which was allowed. Was the referee’s decision correct? Answer: Yes. The only restriction on players with reference to playing the ball on the ground is that thay arc not permitted to lie on the ground with the ball in their possession. Otherwise they may do anything they like to keep the game going.