FOOTBALL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1923, Page 1

FOOTBALL.

FLAYING THE MAN

I Tn connection with Saturday’s football game on Cass Square some comment' took place in regard to some of the players playing tlie man instead of tlie ball. In the senior game there were one or two striking instances, that tbe referee did not apparently consider were breaches of the rules, beyond the necessity of awarding a penalty of a, frce-kicit against the olfeiider. The question at issue is of considerable importance, especially to the player who Juts to take the .shock, at times absolutely unwarrantable, when awaiting the coming of a high kick, either through opposing players •being offside, or playing the man instead of the ball. This is a case when the referee should give every support to the taking player who is placed at a great disadvantage when illegally attacked. A fice kick does not pay tiie price, and if a firm stand were taken the game would go along much more happily. As it was, there was almost a set-to between two players on Saturday, who luckily curbed their feelings sufficiently to play on, but such instances usually lead to players getting hurt later in some unexpected manner. It appears peculiar that a country player lias to be calk'd upon as an example when similar happenings occur in front of the. Union officials in their own town.

EMPIRE RUGBY CONFERENCE. AUSTRALIAN ANI) N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION, LONDON, Alay 11. Tlie New Zealand proposal to bold an Empire Rugby Conference in South Africa to deal with the rules and eonduet of the game, is impossible, as it is unlikely that the four British Unions would be able to send the best represciitaton, and a conference would likely be ineffective. The English Union would probably insist that tbe conference. should be held in London.