Hockey Committee Sent Critical Letter

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30482, 2 July 1964, Page 8

Hockey Committee Sent Critical Letter

A letter from the viceprincipal of the Canterbury Teachers’ College, Dr. J. Mann, accusing the management committee of the Canterbury Hockey Association of losing goodwill over coaches, grounds, umpires, administration and Williamson Park was received at a meeting of the committee. The letter, in reply to a letter sent by the committee expressing regret over the non-entry of the club in this year’s competitions, was first read in committee and then repeated in open meeting. The committee, after a discussion, decided to leave the matter until the next meeting.

Dr. Mann wrote that he was also disappointed that sufficient players were not available; only six had announced their Intention of playing. However, 12 or 13 had turned up at training and a few matches had been played against secondary schools.

Although the college roll had risen this year, interest in sport had not. Several schools were also losing players.

He said the committee would increase its popularity by improving on coaches, grounds, umpires and administration. Goodwill had been lost over the cost of energy and money being spent on Williamson Park. “Unwarranted” Mr I. D. Armstrong said Dr. Mann had no right to make these statements and that the letter warranted a strong reply. . He said that the comments on administration and Williamson Park were especially unwarranted. “He has mentioned every aspect of hockey,” Mr R. Thomson said.

Mr J. Hocking said Dr. Mann could have been referring to the administration at the college and not the management committee. Several voices: Of course he means this committee. The chairman, Mr N. Hocking, then moved that the letter be received and forgotten. Mr Armstrong moved an amendment that the matter be held over until the next meeting. This was carried, with two votes against it. Mat Four Flayers Mr N. Hocking said the judicial sub-committee had met the three players and the captain of the team concerning the players' suspension in a recent match. Mr Hocking said the committee had told one player the association would not condone talking or allow the coaches to go on to the field except in the case of an Injury. The player suspended for throwing a hockey stick on to the ground was reprimanded by the committee, which decided that the suspension was sufficient punishment. The third player was warned that when suspended he should remain behind the posts and that he was still a member of the team and should give his name. The committee decided that this Was simply a case of not understanding the rule. The player apologised The management committee adopted the judiciary committee's report. Ignorant Of Rules Mr B. Lloyd reported that some players, as high as the senior reserve grade, were ignorant of some of the rules After a discussion the management committee decided to send a warning to the clubs In connexion with the poor attitude shown by some players regarding the decisions of an umpire.

Mr Lloyd also expressed concern at the diminishing number of senior players willing to umpire schoolboy matches in the mornings.