PLAYERS PROTEST

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 663, 15 May 1929, Page 11

PLAYERS PROTEST

UNOFFICIAL RUGBY LAWS THE IMAGINARY LINE Among Rugby players in Auckland there exists a good deal of dissatisfaction with two of the “unofficial” laws observed in the playing of the game here. One cause of comment is the rule which provides that no player may advance beyond an imaginary line drawn through the back of the scrum under pain of being off-side, and the other is the no-charge kick rule. A special general meeting of delegates to the Auckland Rugby Union has been called for Monday week to consider the abolition of these rules, and a return to conformity with the New Zealand Rugby Union regulations for play. The move for abolition, it is said, has been initiated by a meeting of the Grammar Old Boys’ Club, which unanimously decided that something ought to be done about the rules concerned in the best interests of Auckland Rugby. The result of the meeting has been the calling together of the delegates for Monday week. The “imaginary line” rule is not an official one at all, but merely an understanding between the Auckland Rugby Union and its referees made in 1918. The understanding provides that an imaginary line be drawn through the back of the scrum, and that no player advance beyond this line and no forward break away from the pack until the ball is out, and the halfback has it. The no-charge rule is on the same basis, free-kicks and marks not being allowed to be charged. Neither of these rules is contained in the laws of Rugby. Their object was to open up back play, and make Rugby a more spectacular game for the public. The amended kick-into-touch rule was brought into operation in Auckland at the same time, and has since been adopted by the New Zealand Rugby Union, after hard battling by Auckland. MAKES SLUGGISH FORWARDS The chairman of the Auckland Rugby Union Management Committee, Mr. 1-f. Frost, was one of the keenest workers for these amendments, and he has had the satisfaction of seeing the game brightened up. Players interviewed this morning quite approve of the kick-into-tough rule, but the “imaginary line” rule finds no favour in their sight. They claim that it makes the forwards sluggish in breaking up and making play for themselves, and tends to make Auckland halfbacks slow, as they have plenty of time to get the ball out to their back-line. Auckland teams then find themselves in difficulties when they come up against other packs whose rule is that of the New Zealand Rugby Union—- “ Keep behind the ball.” Not only is it claimed that the rule is detrimental to Auckland representative form, but also to the chances of Auckland players finding their way into New Zealand teams. Also, it is pointed out that the “imaginary line” leaves too much to the imagination of the referee. The no-charge rule hinders Auckland goal-kickers in big fixtures, for, after being used to kicking without let or hindrance, they find themselves up against it when another man has to hold the ball, and the other side can charge the kick. Mr. W. Batty, a prominent Auckland forward, is strongly in favour of the abolition of the rule, on the grounds that the step will improve Rugby and forwards in Auckland as a whole, and will have a beneficial effect in improving halfback play. It also will enable forwards to go back to-the tactics of wheeling the scrum, which is a difficult thing to do under present conditions, because of the fear of being penalised. Mr. Lucas, the Varsity coach, has pronounced ideas on both rules. SPOILS REPRESENTATIVE PLAY made by the New Zealand Rugby “First of all,” he said, “the rules as Union are the only ones for forwards. Auckland forwards are too slow in breaking away against other provincial teams, and this is the result of playing under the ‘imaginary line’ rule. It is detrimental to representative play and to Auckland forwards finding places in New Zealand teams. Also, it tends to make the halfback too slow in getting the ball away, and this style of play grows into a habit which it is hard to break. “One reason why the scrum is not screwed in Auckland is that the back holds the ball in this manoeuvre, and when the side-men break a way they are penalised on the ground that the ball is not out of the scrum. “When there is an imaginary line, it is time to stop amending the laws. TWO SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT “Regarding the no-charge rule. 1 think that every kick except a freekick should be entitled to be charged. This rule has had Auckland kickers in representative matches often in difficulty.” There are two schools of thought in Auckland on the subject, and it is anticipated that the final decision by the Rugby Union wall be made after much thought and discussion.