REFEREES AND RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 539, 21 June 1909, Page 4

REFEREES AND RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Sir,—Knowing a number of complaints arc constantly being made about the capability of-some of the referees controlling tho Rugby game, and being anxious to see for mysol'f bow matohos were controlled outside the Athletici Park, 1 visited Miramar Park, and two of tho East grounds/giving a,few minutes to. each of four games. In the first match 1 watolied, I was informed that the two teams wore m leading positions for tho championship m their grade. In" this- match tho referee, in my opinion, had not sulllciont knowledge of tho rules to bo in charge of such an important game. Space will not allow mc to give dctnils of mis-ntliiu's. 'bitt. 1 •■ >t find any rule giving a scrummage fifteen yards out for a breach ol a tlirow'-in. The othor game ] witnessed o)i Minima r -Park was whoro a player with the half touched tho corner just m-goal and scored a try, which was- allowed.' In this • match a number of broaches wore overlooked, the sido committing

them gaining advantage. The other two matches on two of the Easts grounds, each side by sido, wore well conducted; and little fault could bo found. I would very .much like to hear what tho captains of the two lormer matches had to say. My intention <is not to abuse' referees, whose lot, as everyone knows who has anything to do with footpall, is not a pleasant or easy one, but in tho interests of.tho game and all concerned. When teams train hard, and go out on Saturday with tho intention of having a good game, and all their efforts are spoilt by an incapable referee having charge of tho game, is most discouraging, gomo power should bo allowed captains to send in a report, if they so desire, of any games being controlled by incapable roferees, the report to\bo dealt with by the Referees' Association, tho Classification Committee, or tho Appointment Board.—l am, etc., a Vh-'-x "■ t '' PLAYER. Wellington, Juno 15, 1909.