LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 73, 28 March 1933, Page 13

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

WORK OF AUCKLAND REFEREES. OFFICERS FOR NEW SEASON. Opening the annual meeting of the Auckland Rugby League Referees' Association last evening, Mr. A. Ball extended a hearty welcome to members, and predicted that the approaching season of the game would show continued progress in which the referees would be proud to play a whole-hearted part. The twenty-fourth annual report, which was adopted with applause on the motion of Mr. J. Gedye, seconded by Mr. A. Chapman, traversed at considerable length the successful activities of last year. It was felt that by more intensive organisation and selection, a marked improvement had been shown in refereeing, and this was piw ed by less criticism, and by the appreciatsd co-operation of officials, clubs, and players. It was urged, however, that the association was embarrassed by a surplus of referees, and a policy of restricted membership would have to be adopted. The report expressed regret at the uncompromising attitude taken up by the British team officials with regard to Test match appointments, and urged, through the New Zealand Referees' Association, Council of the League should take.hteps to have a better understanding with the English League on the subject for future tours. The. election of officers resulted as

follows:—President, Mr. A. Ball; deputychairman, Mr. L. Bull; executive, Meesrs. Fisher, Chapman, and W. Simpson; grading and appointments board, Messrs. G. McCowatt (referees' representative) and A. Sanders (association nominee), A.RXi. to appoint its representative; hon. eecretary, Mr. V. Simpson; treasurer, Mr. A. Sanders; Auckland League, Mr. W. Mincham; junior management, Mr. F. Thompson; delegate to New Zealand Referees' Association, Mr. L. Bull; auditor, Mr. L. Bull; executive, Messrs. S. Fisher, Chapman, and W. Simpson, • and other officers ex officio; social committee, Messrs. W. Mincham, J. Stormont; and A. Sanders. The appointment of vice-presi-dents was held over until next meetifig. Attention was drawn by Mr. S. Billman to the fact that the English League had been trying out the playing rule providing for a drop-out from the_ goal-line after a touch-down, previously in force in New Zealand. Mr. Bull said the New Zealand Referees' Association was awaiting, advice from the English authorities on the point. It was decided to hold the first general meeting on April 24.