RUGBY DISCIPLINE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 213, 3 May 1932, Page 6

RUGBY DISCIPLINE

THREE PLAYERS OUT FOR SEASON FOR FIGHTING SERIOUS VIEW TAKEN A determination that Rugby football in Rotorua should be a clean game was evident at last night' s meeting of the Rugby Management Committee, when three players were stood down for the whole of the season for fighting on the field, and, a fourth was suspended until he appears before the committee for rough play. This action arose out of the referees' reports. Mr. R. G. Webb reported that he refereed the match Whaka v. Waikite, and had been forced to order off Kereopa (Whaka) and Oneone (Waikite) for exchanging blows on the field. Kereopa, who was unable to be present at the meeting, sent an explanatory letter stating that he had been aggravated by Oneone from the commencement of the game and in the heat of the moment had struck him. He apologised for his action. Oneone, who was present, admitted fighting, but said that he had received provocation and ' was sorry for what he had done. Mr. T. S. Robertson (president) in questioning Oneone said that he supposed the two of them were having a good set to whenever they had the opportunity. Oneone: No, he gave me the "opportunity first (laughter). Mr. Robertson said that he wanted to keep the game clean and as this was only the start of the season ne considered that both offenders should be debarred from playing for the re^ mainder of the year. Mr. L. Clark, speaking for the referees, said that he would like to see such cases as these dealt with severely. He was supported by Mr. McPherson, who added that an example should be made of these men in order to deter others. The Whaka delegate spoke on behalf of Kereopa. Mr. R. G. Webb said that he would not referee if, when he had occaslon to put a player off for such an offence, he found the player allowed back on the field again. It was hard enough for the referees as it was. Mr. W. G. Harwood also emphasised that a serio.us view of the offences should be taken, even though the players had been sports enough to admit their offenees so openly. It was decided that both players be stood down for the remainder of the season. A Waikite junior, Herewini, who was ordered off by Mr. T. Oneroa, for fighting on the field, was also stood down for the season. The Waikite delegate reported that Herewini pleaded guilty to the charge. The case of a Rotoiti player who was put off the field by Mr. L. Clark for indiscriminate kicking at the ball when an opponent was lying on top of it was also dealt with. The referee stated that he had had to speak to the player earlier in the game for "calling out to him: "Wake up re.feree." The offender was suspended hpfore the