FOOTBALL FOR GIRLS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume 49, Issue 7754, 25 July 1921, Page 4

FOOTBALL FOR GIRLS

RUGBY LEAGUE NOT IN FAVOUR."

The Auckland Rugby League management commitu cm Wednesday evening heard a deputation from the Parnell Girls’ Club asking to be allowed to play a modified form of the League code at Carlaw Park, and after discussion, in which arguments from both sides were tendered, the request was declined. The deputation consisted of i- matron and two girls, together with male members of the Parnell Club, and a premliminary interview was held with members of the Auckland Referees’ Association, after which the president of the referees (Mr. A. Ferguson) accompanied the Parnell enthusiasts into the League meeting and explained the modifications of the game that were suggestcl for the girls. He said tackling, charging, scrum work and playing the ball rules had beeu altered so as to prevent the rough-and-tumble of tli© game. One of the deputation said practices had already been held, the girls were under the charge of three matrons, two of whom were trained nurses, and after the practice game last Saturday they were convinced that the game, with the suggested modifications, would not be harmful for ladies. The club now had 65 members. It had been decided to adopt as a uniform socks, shorts and long jerseys. It was said by another member that since women had successfully undertaken heavy work in the war they could play the League game under the modified rules. If it were condemned, all games, such as basketball and hockey, should be likewise barred to girls. There were girls at present playing “Soccer who were l anxious to change to League. When the deputation withdrew the matter was discussed in committee.

Medical opinion, said Mr. J. Or.r--law (chairman), was in opposition to football for girls. Mr. G. Hunt was opposed to granting, permission to girls to play under the jurisdiction of the League, and therefore moved that the request of the deputation be declined: A falling off in public support would also result from enabling girls to play the game. Mr. E. Stallworthy said that in the opinion of one doctor no great harm could result from girls playing against others of their own sex. Mr. T. Feilding advanced another medical opinion in support of Mr. Stallwortjhyt’s statement, and moved as an amendment that a trial game be arranged at Carlaw Park under the modified rules, and that doctors be invited to witness the game with a view to getting medical opinion on the suitability of the : game for grls. The amendment was lost on the 1 votes, and the motion that the request of the deputation be declined ~ was carried .