RECENT CHANGES IN RUGBY LAWS

Taupo Times, Volume III, Issue 135, 27 August 1954, Page 2

RECENT CHANGES IN RUGBY LAWS

THE OFF-SIDE RULE

(By

J. W.

Woodward)

The object of these Rugby notes has been to explain to football followers some of the changes that were made in the Laws of the game and that came into operation in May of this year. This has not been strictly followed, as in some cases it has been necessary to tie up loose ends by introducing rules, or parts of them, not affected by the changes. Much of the ground has now been covered, though there are quite a few smaller points not yet dealt with. In this article I am departing frorh the "new rule" angle completely, by offering some explanations and comments on part of the game that remains the same, viz. the "off-side" law applicable to general play. It's clauses are concise and straight-forward, it governs the actions of some (and at times up to fourteen) of the players on one side or the other for most of the time the ball is in play (except in scrums and lineouts) yet, surprisingly, it is the most misunderstood and most ignored rule of the game. How often do we hear ihe cry "off>side!" from spectators who are convinced that the referee has allowed a player to "get away with it," when in point of fact that player is quite legally taking part in the play and is not off-side. How often do we see the law-abiding players, in the belief that he is off-side, holding back in fear of a penalty when he is quite often within the law (not often, you may say, but it does happen). / On the other hand there is the one who is genuinely astonished at the penalty given against him and continues in the beliefi that he is right. A player (except in a scrummage or line-out) is "off-side" when the ball has been or is being played by one of his own team behind him. This is simple fare and hardly needs recording, but I will add now that no player is ever penalised for being off-side — it is what he does while in this position that matters. In this respect the Law tells us that it is illegal for him to "(a) play the ball, or (b) obstruct an opponent in any way, or (c) approach or wilfully remain within ten yards of an opponent waiting for the ball." Clauses (a) and (c) are well enough understood, but in the latter the words "wilfully remain" are important. In clause (b) however the interpretation of "obstruct" is vital and covers a wide range of circumstances, as I will explain later. An "off-side" player may be put "on-side" by a team-mate who last played or is in possession of the ball running in front of him, or by himself retiring behind a similar player of his own team. He may be put "on-side" by an opponent "(a) in possession of the ball running five yards in any direction, or (b) kicking the ball, or (c) intentionally touching the ball, providing he does not catch it." However, it must be clearly understood that noi off-side player is entitled to wait for one of these things to happen — he himself must, without delay, make a genuine attempt to get on-side, otherwise he will be penalised under the obstruction clause. An off-side player standing still commits an offence if he in any way hinders an opponent— and "hindering" can mean affecting the play of the opponent merely by his presence. The rules as to being put on-side by a team-mate, or by one's own action, are straight-forward, and do not call for special comment. Not so the clauses relating to being put on-side by an opponent. In

each case the "off-side" player cannot play the ball if he was within ten yards of the player waiting to receive it—he can only get on-side by his own efforts. A lot depends on whether the, player waiting for the ball catches or drops it — in the latter event all his opponents more than ten yards away are immediately on-side. Again, the ball must be played "intentionally" — you cannot be put on-side by the ball accidentally hitting an opponent who does not attempt to play it. Note that the "off-side" rules do apply to the "in-goal" areas, as well as the "field of play" — there is a mistaken opinion held by many on this point. The penalty is a kick at the place of infringement, or a scrum where the ball was last played by the offending team, if "in-goal" a touch-down or five-yards scrum, depending upon whether the breach was by the attacking or defending team. Also note that if an "off-side" player prevent a try that otherwise would "undoubtedly" have been scored, the referee should award a penalty try, and as all penalty tries are awarded under the posts this could prove costly for the offenders. To repeat briefly, you must of necessity constantly be "off-side" in a game of Rugby. Make an honest attempt to get "on-side" immediately, but don't hesitate to play the ball when put> on-side by an opponent. It is intended that you should play the rules and the penalties are only for offenders.