TRIALS FOR OLYMPICS

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30234, 12 September 1963, Page 8

TRIALS FOR OLYMPICS

Delegates Not Unanimous

Discussions on the manner of selecting the national hockey team to play in the Olympic Games at Tokyo in 1964 were held at a special meeting of the New Zealand Hockey Association in Christchurch last evening. The - proposal envisaged coaching schools at Labour week-end and Easter, a tournament from May 27 to 30, trials in July and August, and a series of matches for the final team against major unions in September. Mr E. G. McLeod, the present New Zealand selector, queried the need for coaching schools and a tournament. He said it was unlikely that many new players would come forward next year.

It would be better if a squad was chosen this year and kept in training and match play until the team left for Tokyo. Other delegates suggested that a tournament was not the best basis for selecting a team. Mr D. Goldsmith (Waikato) said the proposal could put a heavy financial burden on leading players. He suggested a tournament of 50 players, which would provide testing games and would be better than a more general and longer preparation. The meeting reached no firm conclusion. The president (Mr S Burnell Browne) said that it had only been intended as a guide for associations, who could discuss the matter and then report back to the management committee. However, he said, whatever was decided could be changed if the proposed tour of New Zealand next year by India became a reality.