Soccer Assn. May Pay Referees

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30725, 14 April 1965, Page 18

Soccer Assn. May Pay Referees

A suggestion that the Canterbury Football Association should consider paying referees—if only a “token” sum of ss—was made at last evening’s meeting of the management committee. The president of the referees’ association, Mr T .C. Gottermeyer, said the fact that only about 30 referees were on the active list—with illness and unavailability this could be reduced to 22 or 23 —meant that third, fourth, and first reserve division matches would be without official referees. "Some of our top referees may be finishing in two or three years’ time, and we just do not have enough young referees coming on," said Mr Gottermeyer. “I just don’t know what we’ll do.” “Do as they’re talking about in Rugby League,” said Mr P. W. L. George. “Pay them!” “Paying them is all right if you have the finances,” said Mr Gottermeyer. “Possibly the teams could pay the referee as, I think, is done in Western Australia. In junior games, each captain gives the referee 2s 6d before the game.” Mr George: Yes, but over there they’re getting smacked with umbrellas. Need Referees Mr Gottermeyer said it was his view that fourth and fifth grade players needed referees more than higher grade players because they would learn the game quicker if their mistakes were pointed out. "If old players feel they're

not. capable of taking the whistle, they could be linesmen annd perhaps get a certificate when they reach a certain standard," said Mr Gottermeyer. It was decided to advise the clubs of the position with regard to the referees and ask for their views on paid officials. First Suspension A second division player, W. Doornenbal, of Hornby, was suspended until, and includ ing, April 24. The judicial committee reported Doornenbal had made “ungentlemanly remarks to the referee (Mr G H. Royce) after leaving the field of play.” The match, played last Saturday, was between Hornby and Riccarton.