RUGBY FOOTBALL.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 295, 24 September 1938, Page 2

RUGBY FOOTBALL.

PROPOSAL FOR EXTRA GRADE. FINDINGS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE. AGE ANI) WEIGHT LIMITS CONSIDERED. The possibility of the inauguration of a fifth grade in the Ashburton Rugby Union’s competitions .next season, was considered by a committee set up by the Union, recently. Suggestions of alterations "to the third and fourth grade were also discussed and recommendations drawn up will bo received at the meeting of the Management Committee of the Union next Monday evening. The special committee comprised— Messrs j. M. Willoughby, E. J. Wood and C. Fautham, and the principal points in the recommendations for next season are given below: — “That tho Union establish grades of competitions amongst affiliated clubs, senior, junior, third, fourth and fifth. Clubs shall l>e allowed to compete for any of these grades, but the following ago and weight limits as on the fijrst day of May, in each year shall apply:— Senior —Open. Junior —Open. Third,; —Under 19. Fourth —Under 17. Fifth —Under 15 and under Sst 71 bs. Third Grade. —It was unanimous that 20 years was too high an age for a third grade player. At that age his standard of play should be of such calibre as to warrant his being in junior or senior football, that is, if lie is ever to have prospects of being first class. Therefore 19 was the age decided upon with no weight limit at all. Most other unions from whom replies were received imposed, no' weight restrictions. Fourth Grade. —It was unanimous that 17 was the age for a fourth girade player, and as there is a decided correlation between the age and weight of a hoy of this age, it was decided to drop the weight stipulation. South Canterbury, Greymontli, and Marlborough Unions adopt this stipulation. Filth Oracle. Fifth Grade. —This was given very earnest consideration and it was felt that the inclusion of a fifth grade competition , was necessary. Considering the strength of three local clubs and the number that could be obtained from tho senior primary schoolboys it was decided that there was a possibility of this grade being inaugurated. There is certainly a double restriction imposed, that of ago and weight, but the committee looked at the matter from this point of Anew —the age of 15 and the weight of Sst 71bs are necessary in this grade, as an attempt to interest the young and light players —even to attract the heavier and sturdier secondary school players from playing fifth grade, and so may Irenefit the fourth grade. Recommendations. That steps lie taken to provide an opportunity for primary school players to enter this new fifth grade competition . That tho fifth grade competition teams be not asked to travel. That the Management Committee discuss this report and then call a general meeting of the Rugby Union before the close of this season so that this matter of classification may be finalised, before the annual general meeting of next football season. Should recommendation 3 be not feasible, then an .endeavour be made to ascertain the opinion of all clubs on this proposed classification before the next annual general meeting.