ATHLETICS GRADING OF ATHLETES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28183, 23 January 1957, Page 4

ATHLETICS GRADING OF ATHLETES

STANDARDS TO BE INTRODUCED

So that the grading of athletes competing in the Canterbury interclub scratch competitions may be done more effectively, a system of standards will be introduced to define the grades, and the scheme will be administered by a grading This was decided at a half-yearly meeting of track and field delegates to the Canterbury Centre of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association last evening.

“We must come to grips with the problem.” said Mr J. C. Daly, speaking in support of a motion by Mrs D. Jameson that a system of standards should be introduced. “To do it efficiently we must appoint a grading committee, because it is a full-time job. If this is not done and clubs are left to nominate their members for grades as in the past, it is only leaving the system open to the abuse that we have been complaining about for so long.” Mr J. E. Kyle then moved an addition to the motion, “that a grading committee be appointed to administer the scheme." This and Mrs Jameson’s motion were approved.

A recommendation was made to the selectors that provisional teams for the four by 110 yards relays for the national championships should be named so that they could be given baton-changing practice. The details of the selections and coaching arrangements were left for the executive to finalise.

Evening Meetings To ensure the success of evening meetings the possibility of floodlighting Rugby Park will be investigated

The executive felt that evening meetings were the responsibility of clubs, said the president (Mr G. E. Voller) when a remit presented to the last annual meeting on the matter was discussed. Centre officials were already heavily burdened by their duties at the Saturday meetings. and it wag not fair to expect them to give up further time to organise additional meetings. Allegations by Mr L. E. Fox that the marathon was considered as “just a joke” by the executive and did not receive the attention it deserved were denied by Mr Voller.

“I have fought for the marathon on the executive to give it true championship status.” said Mr Voller. "We do not go to special trouble to notify sprinters and other athletes of their individual events at championships. but all clubs had been notified of the marathon race.”

The marathon would be run as efficiently, and he hoped more efficiently than in other centres, said Mr Voller. To run it to full national standards would require about 30 officials—as many as were required for a full programme at Rugby Park. Marathon arrangements were being made by Mr C. C. Gordon and he would do an efficient job, said Mr Voller.

CANTERBURY TEAMS CHOSEN

The following teams have been selected to represent the Canterbury Amateur Athletic Association against Wellington, at Wellington, on February 2:— Senior L. Jones (100 yards, 220 yards, relay); P. Morrison (100 yards, 220 yards, relay); R. Irwin (100 yards, 220 yards, relay); B. Kerr (220 yards, 440 yards, relay); T. Crossen (440 yards. 880 yards); B. Bragg (880 yards, mile): B. Curie (mile, three miles); C. Dillimore (three miles); J. D. Macdonald (880 yards, mile); P. Cates (120 yards, hurdles, 220 yards hurdles, 440 yards hurdles); R. Young (120 yards hurdles, 220 yards hurdles); P. Wells (high jump); A. Harbott (high jump, long jump, discus); D. Leech (captain), (hammer throw). Junior D. Davison (100 yards, 220 yards, relay); B. Masters (100 yards. 440 yards. 220 yards hurdles, high jump, long jump, relay); D. Rogers (100 yards, 220 yards, relay, 220 yards hurdles); B. McKenzie (440 yards); J. Whisker (220 yards. 440 yards, relay): M. Gillies (880 yards); D. Vaughan (880 yards, mile); J. Toohey (880 yards, mile); D. Dixey (mile, two miles); B. Patterson (120 yards, hurdles, 220 yards hurdles); J. Shaw (high jump, shot).

Women J. Nixon (75 yards. 100 yards, 220 yards, relay); M. Hern (75 yards. 100 yards, relay); J. Bennetts (75 yards, 100 yards, relay, shot); M. Chamberlain (220 yards, 440 yards, 80 metres hurdles, relay); F. McBeath (220 yards, 440 yards); R. Hames (440 yards); V. Sloper (80 metres hurdles, shot, discus); E. Maxwell (80 metres hurdles, high jump); G. Harris (high jump, long jump): W. Garrod (long jump, javelin). All those selected must telephone the secretary (88-090) immediately during business hours. —Advt.

LANDY UNABLE TO VISIT N.Z.

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rcc. 8 p.m.) MELBOURNE. Jan. 22 The world mile record-holder, John Landy, said today he would not accept the Otago Amateur Athletic Centre’s invitation to compete at Dunedin in March. Landy, who has been troubled by leg soreness since before the Olympic Games, may also miss the Australian athletic championships on March 9 and 11. This week, for the first time since the Games, he has had light workouts. and lie said today there was "just a possibility” he would be running at the national championships. "If I am able to stride freely by the beginning of February I will consider competing,” he said.