Athletics CENTRE’S SCHEME FOR CHILDREN

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28906, 28 May 1959, Page 15

Athletics CENTRE’S SCHEME FOR CHILDREN

Allocation To Clubs Discussed As a member ot the sub-committee asked to investigate the centre's scheme of alloeating primary schools to clubs on s regional basis, he could see many difficulties in the Idea, Mr R. Unton told the Canterbury centre ot the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association. “There- are about SO schools In the Christchurch district and 11 clubs.” Mr Unton said. "Four are closed clubs, and assuming we ere duty-bound to stick to their constitutions. each club would be responsible for dine schools. Thetaak of allocating schools to ground on which children nt primary may all the Boman CatooltaZbeX,thro all the private schools to another. “Basic Maa ffanajr* "I must say that tMbasic ide. is sound, but the difficulties must be overcome before wr.un even think about which schoA will go to.,. whlch Mr Llntcfl said. "I feel, also, that the clubs should be aimrosehed as the responsibilities win be theirs. It the clubs agree, ‘hen in our position of centralised chibs, we must offer them the right of choice. This will bring added difficulties in catering for all clubs and schools.*'

Mr Linton suggested that the centre study the Waikato and Auckland methods of coaching children and adapt them to Canterbury's. needs. Mr J. Cameron said that Mr Union might not have understood the intention ot the centre. It had boon suggested that the club be allocated schools on a regional basis—not so much as to coach children, but simply to provide meetings. He thought that the -approach to the question had been negative, but a lot could still be done. It was not Intended to get the interest ot the schools, but of the children. “The main point Mr Cameron is trying to make Is that the scheme Is not to coach the children, but to run meetings tor them," Mr B. Lunn said.

"That’s all that Is done in Auckland." said Mr M. R. Craighead. "The school children there join the clubs in their own districts and special meetings are held for them." Mr C. K. Voller said that-before the scheme was put Into operation It would be a good Idea to see it the clubs really approved of the idea. "If the clubs are not interested, then we are going about it the wrong way." The scheme had already been discussed, Mr Cameron said. What the centre should .do now was to apply Ita Ideas, rather than discuss the rights and wrongs in the matter. After further discussion It was decided that members ot the executive be asked to attend the elub's annual meetings and explain to them the centre's scheme to promote Interest in athletics among school children.