Page:Football, the Rugby game.djvu/72

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62
RUGBY UNION FOOTBALL.

a player to charge against or obstruct any opponent, unless such opponent is holding the ball, or such player is himself running at the ball.

42. In the event of a player illegally tackling, charging, or obstructing any opponent, the Referee shall, on a claim from the opposite side, award a free-kick at the spot where the offence took place, such free-kick to be taken in accordance with Law 44.

But if, in the opinion of the Referee, on a claim from the opposite side, a try would undoubtedly have been gained but for unfair play or interference of the defending side, he shall adjudge such try. On the other hand, if, in his opinion, a try would undoubtedly not have been gained but for unfair play or interference of the attacking side, he shall, on a claim by the opposite side adjudge a touch-down. The kick in case of a try shall be taken at any point on the line passing through the spot where the ball was when such unfair play or interference took place, parallel with the touch line.

43. In case of a fair catch, the opposite side may come up to and charge from anywhere on or behind a line drawn through the mark made and parallel to the goal-line. In all cases the kicker's side must be behind the ball when it is kicked, but may not charge until it has been kicked. In case of any infringement the Referee shall, on an a claim by the opposite side, order a scrummage to be formed at the spot where the fair catch was made. If after a fair catch more than one player of the attacking side touch the ball before it is again kicked, the opposite side may charge forthwith.

44. A free-kick awarded by way of penalty shall be taken by either a drop, punt, or place-kick, and by any member of the side to which it has been awarded. In all other respects the kick shall be taken in the manner prescribed for fair catches in Law 26, it being understood that the place whence the kicker is entitled to take his kick shall be regarded as the mark of a player who has made a fair catch.

45. If, in the opinion of the Referee, a player shall have been guilty of rough or foul play, he shall, in his discretion, either caution him for the first offence or warn him off without any caution, but always on a second offence it shall be his duty to warn off the offender, and in every case to forthwith report the occurrence to the Rugby Union Committee, who shall, in their discretion, suspend the offender, and any Club which plays with with or against him during suspension, for such period as they think fit.