AUCKLAND RUGBY UNION.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 956, 2 July 1908, Page 11

AUCKLAND RUGBY UNION.

SUGGESTED ALTERATION OF RULES. The following alterations to the rules have been drafted at a conference between the Auckland Rugby Union and the Auckland Rugby Referees’ Association. The proposals are to be forwarded to the conference which is to be held between Mr Harnett (manager of the British team) and the New Zealand Union authorities. The following are the principal suggestions:— 1. That in future 14 players constitute a team, instead of 15, as at present. 2. That the following words be added to the rule relating to a knockon:—“ Except in the case of a player knocking on and regaining possession before the ball touches the ground.” 3. That in addition to the referee, power shall be given to officials of any union to detect and report on cases of misbehaviour or foul play occuring on the field. 4. That instead of each side playing an equal time from each “in goal”;

“That they play two spells of equal time from each ‘in goal.’ ” This will mean that the game will he played in four quarters, with one spell, instead of two halves, as at present. 5. That a goal from a mark or penalty kick shall count two points. 6. To add to the offside rule: “ An offside player is placed on side when a player, running behind one of his side who has last played the ball, has run in front of him. 7. To delete all the words referring to the charging allowed in the case of a free kick. 8. To give the non-offending side the option of taking a scrummage or free kick. 9. A player does not become part of a scrummage by merely placing his hand on the scrum. This is to do away with the wing-forward. 10. A player shall be considered offside if he advances beyond a line drawn through the back row of the scrummage. 11. That on a throw-in the ball shall be thrown out at least syds at right angles from the touch-line. In addition to the above a number of minor alterations are suggested, the most important of which are: The allowing of a goal from a place kick or drop kick, even if the ball touches an opposing player; the allowing of a mark for a fair catch; and the making of it optional for the referee to stop the game if the player or ball touches him during play.