ROUGH FOOTBALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 166, 19 July 1946, Page 5

ROUGH FOOTBALL

; NZ. UNION WORRIED i FIRMER ACTION WANTED (P.A.) Wellington, July 19. Concern at the evidence of rough football was expressed by members at to-days’ meeting of the executive committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union. It. was made clear that any criticism was not intended as suggesting interference with the administration of local unions, but the evidence was deemed sufficient to warrant issuing a direction to unions urging the firmest possible control by referees and action in accordance with the rules. It was also decided to investigate the question of all unions being recommended to adopt the Otago I Union's by-law empowering line umi pires and management committee officials to take action where they sec instances of rough play. The subject was introduced by Mr. C. Mullany, who said there had been disgraceful displays of bad tamper al Athletic Park last Saturday. The referee hail not seen fit to send anybody off. If referees would not take a firm stand it was un to the controlling bodies to do so. EQUAL TO ASSAULT 1 The conduct in Saturdays main game at Athletic Park was such that i it. was sufficient, for the police Io I have taken action for assault, he said. The chairman. Mr. S. S. Dean, said it was not the committee’s function to J interfere with jurisdiction by local i union?. | Following a further suggestion b\ Mr. Mullany that consideration be given to empowering unions to take 1 action where referees did not do so, I Mr. A. .McDonald drew all ent ion to a by-law which had operated successlulls in Dunedin empowering line umpires and members of the management committee to take action when ihev saw instances of really rough football. The player or players concerned * were granted the right to bring evidence in support of their de- . fence. It was agreed to ask all unions to