RUGBY RULES INTERPRETATIONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 20 July 1934, Page 4

RUGBY RULES INTERPRETATIONS.

(The Editor.)

Sir, —I attended the Wellington-Wai-rarapa rep. Rugby match last Wednesday. It was a‘ ‘ corker. ’ ’ So was the refereeing, although some of the overstrict interpretations of rules seemed to my antiquated self a little ultra-modern —in fact, quite futuristic. However, on leaving the ground, I accidentally picked up a Referees’ Handbook of the very latest Rugby rules and interpretations. It is understood there is only one other copy in Wairarapa. About the “penalty kick,” or so-called “free kick,” I read that players on the opposing side must “remain passive with arms at the side.” For interpretation of the above, see Rule 1.X.L., page umpteen, which states shortly:—“Arms at the side means extended to full length downwards; hands closed, but not tightly; thumbs slightly in rear of seam of the pants; heels tightly together, toes at an angle of forty-live degrees; knees stiff; chest out, stomach in; head erect, with chin slightly drawn back; eyes looking directly ahead. Should any defending player move an eye-lash, the referee “may” award a second kick, if this is unsuccessful, he shall, in his discretion, award a penalty goal if, in his opinion, the flapping of the defending player’s trousers is caused by nervousness and not by the action of the wind; or being satisfied that it was caused by neither —but probably an earthquake, he shall give the command, “Right turn! (or left, as the case may be)” “Quick run,” and the ball is again in play.” Well, now we know! And the sooner these tommy-rot, hair-splitting interpretations of rules are dropped, and eommonsense discretion used, the better chance will Rugby have of rehabilitating itself as our principal national winter pastime, instead, of having to take second place to golf.—l am, etc., A 1922 REP.