Re: Dummy Runners Rules
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 1:46 am
We agree! Clearly Silverwood was in an "obstruction" mood...robjoenz posted::baaa:GeoffN posted:
Knew you'd bite, Rob!
Remember earlier in the season, when Klein & Ganson went "penalty-mad" over obstructions? OK, I was teasing a bit by saying it was the mood they were in, but it's still changed a lot, yet the rule remains the same, just the interpretation has changed.
There's always a little bit of interference, if only (for example) affecting the ball carrier deciding which side to pass the ball out.
One example that springs to mind is when the hooker "scoots" into a marker who wasn't square (Newton & Cunningham being experts at that) trying to get a penalty: the marker tries to look like he's just getting back onside but still affects play, yet sometimes it's penalised, other times it isn't.
I was out this afternoon so I didn't realise the reason behind this thread, but I've just watched the Saints game. I thought Silverwood was much too keen on the obstruction penalties. On one of them the tackle was made, I always argue; how is it obstruction if it doesn't cause an interference.
But he's still interfering with play, in an offside position.
Regarding the Cunningham/Newton trick; a player has the right to stand anywhere on the field. You cannot exploit that player in order to win a penalty. It's the dummy half's choice whether he follows the retreating player. These don't get punished unless the retreating player effects a tackle.