The Laws of Rugby

Radio Record, Volume IV, Issue 51, 3 July 1931, Page 8

The Laws of Rugby

b E were given a very clear exposition of some of the rules. governing our national’ sport by Mr. Dan McKenzie, speaking from 2YA on Friday. Dealing principally with the present international interpretation of the rule governing play by a man on the ground, the speaker made it quite clear that while the rule showed plainly that a player may rarely be penalised for playing the ball (or, if opportunity offers, for tackling an opposing player) while on the ground, still he personally could see neither rhyme nor reason in affording the added license. Mr. McKenzie’s digressions on the subject of play of the past were most entertaining. Players of the past century must have been made of very stern material and’ to those of the present generation, the fact that a law had to be introduced protecting a player lying on the ball from hacking must come as something of a shock. On one occasion, before the law was enforced, such a player had to have his clothes cut from him at the close of the match, so badly hacked about was he! _Nor was the care in providing adequate and suitable headgear prompted by custom or fashion-the idea behind the use of caps, mufflers and helmets was purely one of protection. Apparently the hair provided a very useful, medium by which to collar an opponent! Followers of Rugby must find these’ talks by such a well known: authority on the game as Mr. McKenzie of tremendous benefit. I particularly liked the speaker’s reminder that a referee is absolutely within his rights in making use of the "Advantage Rule." Thus, to save unnecessary stoppages in play and to guard: against the enforcement of ‘a penalty reacting against the nonoffenders, referees should not be over hasty in blowing the whistle .when an infringement takes place. As Mr. McKenzie showed, froin an instance quoted in a’recent senior club match, a team may easily be robbed of the chance of a try by being compelled to take a penalty kick when a continuation of, say,-a perfect passing movement among the backs would have « been ° infinitely more valuable. Would it not be a good suggestion to circularise members of the Referees’ Association ‘ with copies of valuable talks like this one?