A conference of delegates from the various Referees’ Associations was opened yesterday in the Exchange buildings, with the object of securing a uni.'orm reading of the rules of football in New Zealand. 'J he following delegates were present:—Messrs J. P. Firth (Wellington), G. Syme (Taranaki), D. Tor r nee (Otago), W. G. Garrard (Canterbury), E. Batchelor (West Coast), N. McLean (Auck land). Mr Firth was elected chairman of the Con ference, and Mr A. M. De Costa acted as hon secretary. The rules were considered at great length, and readings agreed upon, but before being adopted by unions they will have to be con firmed by the Appeal Committee. The following readings, amongst others, were agreed upon:— In-goal or Touch-in-goal—lf the ball be touched down between the toucb-in-tjoal and in-goal, the ball shall be considered in touch in-goal. Touch—lf the ball cross the touch-Une, and is blown back in touch before pitching, it is in touch.
Kick —If the referee is satisfied that the player intended to propel the ball by the action of bia leg, he shall consider such action to be a kick. (Bounding the ball on the knee is not a kick.) Tackle—A player shall be considered to be tackled when an opposing player has a fair hold of him.
