The New Rules of Football.

Manawatu Herald, 1 June 1897, Page 2

The New Rules of Football.

The Hawera Star publishes the following in reference to the recent alterations and additions made by the English Rugby Union, now in force, the most important being Bet out in a concise form, so 'that footballers may readily learn them : — (a) [DjjiQ referee has now sole charge of the ga^e without appeals. (This frill mate the game much quieter and faster.) . (b) An off-Bi3e~ player must nov*^ keep 10 yards from an opponent who# is waiting for the ball ; add if within that distance must do his best to retire. Penalty for infringement, free kick. - i ' (c) Breaches of roles, where scram is the penalty, are to be penalised only when they benefit the side committing them. When they benefit the oposing side the whistle should not be blown. (Most important change in the rules.) (d) Wilful breaking of roles, or systematic wasting of time, such as knocking on, throwing the ball forward to secure a scrummage, or kicking the ball unneoessarily far out of touch, are to be penalised by free kioks. (c) Pushing a player from behind unless he is actually holding the ball. Penalty, free kick. ; (f) Galling out " all on side " when such is not the case. Penalty, free kick. (g) When a man isf down in the scrum game is to be continued unless referee considers it dangerous. (h) Referee may order ball to be put into scrum from either Bide he may choose. (i) Ball ooming out of. sorum player shoves it back with his hands into scrum. Penalty, free kick. (j) Player being on the ground does not immediately get up ; prevents an opponent either getting up or putting down the ball. Penalty, free kick in each case. (k) The attention of players is drawn to latter part of law 6, which orders (hat th<? ball MUST be pat down at onoe if fairly held. Penalty, free kick for not doing bo, or preventing a player doing so. (To emphasise this the Union has printed the word must in capital letters, and referees are asked to strictly enforce this law to the utmost. Referees will, no doubt, experience great difficulty in deoiding who is the offending player when two opponents are struggling with the ball. It has been suggested that the man with the ball should cry " down " when it Is held.