RECENT CHANGES IN RUGBY LAWS

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 131, 30 July 1954, Page 8

RECENT CHANGES IN RUGBY LAWS

THEIR INTENTION AND EFFECTS

(By

J. w.

Woodward)

When considering the recent changes in the laws of Rugby Football it is essential to determine the reasons for making the altera- | tions. A study of the new rules soon makes it clear that when the representatives of the rugby-play- I ing countries met some months ago, in Great Britain, they had in mind, during their deliberations on the rules, the speetacle of more open, and hence brighter, football. This was expect^d to make the game more enjoyable for those taking part and more pleasing to that most important body of people, the spectators who pay to watch.

It is yet too early to state whether the new laws will accomplish in full what was intended, but those who framed the rules should at least be entitled to expect that referees, players and coaches will do all in their power to achieve j that object. Referees can assist by working together towards a more uniform interpretation of the laws, always bearing in mind that interpretations should be broad enough not to destroy the nature of the game. Wilful breaches of the rules, to gain an advantage over an opponent, should be watched elosely r 7 and penalised to the full — too often these are inclined to be missed by the referee who is constantly "blowing" for minor technical points.

Players have only to play the game for the game's sake. To i strive to defeat their opponents by superior skill, speed and strength. Coaches can do more than anyone else for the good of the game by instructing their teams only in the methods of play mentioned I above. All too often do we find the coach who has in view only one object — the winning oi matches. His players are instructed in all sorts of ruses in order to defeat their opponents by first defeating the rules, and usually in his obsession for victories he completely loses sight of the game itself. Methods adopted by the referee or players not in harmony with the spirit of the rules and with good sportsmanship can have but one ending, and for the sake of the game of Rugby should be forgotten.

The Line-oul It can be said that the change having the most effect on the game is that of the off-side rule as it applies to hte line-out, if only for the reason that so much of the eighty minutes duration of a match is taken up with this play. While the laws governing most points remain unchanged the offside rule now reads:— "Law 18. (3). While a line-out is taking place . a player is off-side if

(a) before the ball has touched , a player or the ground he wilfully remains or advances with either foot in front of the line along which the ball must be thrown in, unless he advances solely in the act of jumping for the ball, or (b) after the ball has touched a player or the ground he, not being in possession of the ball, advances with either foot in front of the ball, unless he is lawfully tackling or attempting to tackle an opponent who is participating in the line-out." The penalty for a breach of this Law is a penalty kick at the place of infringement or ten yards infield, whichever is the further from the touch line. The importance oi the word . "unless" in each ciause should be

noted. On it hinges the whole meaning of the rule. The obvious intention of this change is first to eliminate the obstruction that ha£ so often been directed against the good line-out forward. Until the ball has alighted a forward not jumping for the ball must keep away from an opponent who is. The second part is designed to prevent the menacing of the inside backs by their opposite numbers or by the notorious No. 8 forward — they will not now be able j to arrive ahead of the ball and keep within the law. It is not likeI ly, nor is it intended, that a minor inadvertant breach of this rule will be penalised, but the deliberate "spoiler" who offends can expect no mercy. This is as it should be.

The "quich throw in," a great help in speeding up play and a wonderful opportunity for the alert player to gain an advantage, is provided for in a "note" to Law 18, which states "It is not intended that a player before throwing in the ball should be obliged to wait until players of his own team have returned to or behind the line-out and a player is not to be deemed as wilfully remaining under Law 18 (3) (a) provided he so returns or is returning without delay. (Next week we will deal with some of the Laws applying to the scrummage).