Why it is essential to safeguard Spirit of the Game

The much argued-over concept has relevance in the context of a long and rich history that informs the game, argues Robert Griffiths, QC, in the Times.

The word “spirit” is key. It connotes more than a formalistic application of laws. It conjures up more than the playing of a game in accordance with its rules. It extends to not only how a game is played, but the context of the game itself.