RUGBY FOOTBALL

Chronicle (Levin), 23 July 1946, Page 6

RUGBY FOOTBALL

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CHARGING AND OBSTRUCTION , AWARDING OF PENALT1ES

(Bv

It is proposed this wee^ to deal with charging and obstruction. It quite happens that the' referee awards a penalty kick for an illegal tackle, and many players and members of the public are at a ioss to understand the ruling. Commonly the expression used is "late tackling." The referee is tne only one who . can decide whether there is any interference of an unfair nature. Late tackling or charging is to be deplored, because there is absolutely no necessity for it. Players are very fortunate that the referee does not inflict the maximum penalty by ordering the guilty offender off the playing field. The most • common occurrence of the late tackle or charge usually takes place when an oppor.^nt has collected the ball, and has either passed or kicked it, and then a player deliberately charges i.nto him, either by'jumping at him or shouldering him. Many injyiies are caused by these tactics, and che mere awarding of a penany kick seems to be rather a light punishment for the offence. The referee has the power to order the offender. off the field without the option of a warning. Players* would do well to remember that they would not be guilty of this unwarranted breach, if they considered that there was a brick wall in front of them when they decided to have "a sitting shot" at the opponent who has got rid of the ball. Foul Play and Misconduct Law 34 covers foul play and misconduct. Foul play includes (1) wilful hacking, tripping or striking; (.2) wilfully holding a player not in possession of the ball; (3) Illegal tackling, pushing, charging or obstruction; and (4) misconduct, that is, continually questioning decisions, abuse, swearing, etc. The penalty is a penalty ' kick awarded at the place of infringement (subject to Law 19 which is stated below) , and on the flrst offence either cautioning the offender or ordering him off. Law 19 states: — 1, No player running for the ball shall charge an opponent also running for the ball, except shoulder to shoulder. A player not running for the ball must not charge or obstruct an oppOnent ii6t holding the ball. 2. A player overtaking an opponent also running for the ball must not push him f£Qm.«bqJjW,$. > , 3. No player shall . hold ah': opponent who is not carrying the,; ball. Holding or pulling the clothing of sucll, a player is a breach of this rule.;. . 4. No '(player shall charge, push or > hold an opponent in the line- , out on. the ball being .throwr^ in from touch. : /' / ": ■/. 1 5. No player with the.balf in liis possession, after it has come out of any scrummage, either set or loose, shall . attempt to force his way' through his own players. Penalty kick awarded at the place of infringement.

6. A player, not himself running ifor the ball, must not wilfully charge or obstruct an opponent !who has just kicked or passed the ball. Penalty: The opposing team shall be awarded, at their option, a penalty kick at the place of infringement, or at the place whcre the ball alights. In the event of the ball alighting in touch, the mark shall be at a place ten yards fro.m the touch-line parallel to the goal-lines through the place where the ball crossed the touch-line; or, in the event of the ball alighting in in-goal the mark shall be at a mark ten yards from the goalline on a line parallel to the touchlines, through the place where the ball crossed the goal-line. "Shepherding" is Obstruction The expression "shepnerding" is nothing but obstruction. An offside player (that is, a player in front of a man of his own team who has the ball, or who has last played it) wilfully running or standing in front on an opponent and thus preventing him from Teaching the ball or the player holding it, is guilty of obstruction. Any player who receives the ball from any scrummage and wilfully dives into or through the scrummage, not only places his players off-side but he is guilty of obstruction. If any player has just made his kick and is deliberately p'revented from following up by the illegal tactics of an opponent, a penalty kick will be awarded according to sectipn.6 above.