AFFILIATION REFUSED

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29179, 13 April 1960, Page 26

AFFILIATION REFUSED

Shirley Old Boys’ Club

Because the proposed Shirley Boys’ High School Old Boys’ Rugby Club could not enter a team in an open grade—a necessary requirement under the union’s rules—the Canterbury Rugby Union’s management committee decided last evening not to accept an application for the affiliation of the club. The club applied for affiliation last week, but its application was referred back to it because it did not have the necessary sponsors. The application was returned in its correct form for last evening’s meeting, but it was then pointed out that the club’s highest team would be in the under--17 grade. The union’s rules state that a club seeking affiliation must enter a team in a grade not below junior and two other teams in grades below the highest grade.

“We have to view these new high school clubs starting up around the district with some concern,” said Mr J. Storey. “The open clubs are quite capable of providing these boys with foot.ball,” he said. It was pointed out that in the cases of the Hornby and Burnside clubs, affiliation had been granted when the highest teams entered in each case were below the junior grade. Each club, however, entered an open grade team.

To a question from the Rev. Father B. J. O’Brien, the president (Mr H. C. Blazey) said that a fourth grade team at the most would be necessary before affiliation could be granted. On the motion of Mr J. O. Hattersley it was decided not to grant the application because it did not comply with the union’s rules.

Lighted Training Grounds,—He had made inquiries while in Wellington last week from the Otago and Southland delegates attending the annual meeting of the New Zealand union, on the lighted training facilities provided for clubs in each union, Mr Hattersley reported. In each case the clubs supplied their own facilities, and in the case of Otago, financial assistance was given to clubs by the union, he said.

He considered the time was now opportune for the Canterbury union to adopt a similar policy, said Mr R. W. Thomas, but it was decided not to discuss the matter further until the next meeting with the City Council reserves department was held. Newsletter,—On behalf of the sub-committee appointed to investigate the best means of acquainting clubs with the work done by the committee, Mr Hattersley reported that the subcommittee favoured a precis of the minutes over a four-weekly period for circulation to clubs. His recommendation was approved. High School Colours.— The Bumside High School was granted permission to wear a jersey of similar pattern and colours to the Marist jersey for this year only, provided that in matches against Marist teams, black shorts should be worn. The club will also be asked to submit a new colour pattern before the end of the season. The school, it was reported, would enter teams in the under Bst 71b and 7s 71b grades, and these would only meet Marist teams on four occasions in the season. The school’s letter said that 120 of the jerseys were in stock and would be used for all winter sports teams. Ground Allocations.— The Merivale club protested at the use of their alloted ground at North Park 1 and 2 for training by the Christchurch and Linwood clubs at time when the club also wished to use them. During the discussion. Mr J. O. Hattersley said that no club had the rights to any ground for evening training, and that the allocation of grounds to clubs applied only to their use m Saturdays. “In the interests jf club harmony.” it was decided io request the Christchurch and Linwood clubs to practise on the grounds alloted to them. Gate Charges.— The same gate charges as last year for club and representative games, were ap-

proved Selectors.— Nominations for selectors of the Canterbury B team will close on April 26, and for .ill other grades on May 10.