ABIDING BY RULES

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30481, 1 July 1964, Page 17

ABIDING BY RULES

Oarsman Made Professional (N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 30. The chairman of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association (Mr L. E. Brooker) today defended the council’s action in declaring the Waikato oarsman, J. Ruiterman, a professional, . Ruiterman recently lost his amateur status when •he accepted prize money after taking part in a metal shovelling contest. “We have been strongly criticised for our action,” said Mr Brooker, “but we must abide by the rules. It wasn’t the first time he accepted prize money.” He sr.id Ruiterman had previously lost his amateur status for taking part in a shovelling contest. The council had later reconsidered ' the position and reinstated him. There was no alternative but to declare him a professional after the second breach. “If we had not, we ran the risk .of being banned from all overseas competition, including the Olympics,” said Mr Brooker.

He said it was understood Ruiterman had been offered a trip to Australia with a metal shovelling team. “It was a pity, to lose him. He was a good oarsman,” he said.

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