Coaching Scheme Will Aid Rugby League

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30981, 10 February 1966, Page 15

Coaching Scheme Will Aid Rugby League

Financial support for the coaching of players above schoolboy grades and an accelerated coaching of coaches programme constitute the main uses to which the Canterbury Rugby League will put the financial assistance offered by Rothmans, Ltd.

The scheme will be inaugurated throughout the country under the directorship of the national advisory coach, Mr C. R. Mountford. The Canterbury section will be organised by the four provincial graded coaches — Messrs E. Butts, D. L. Blanchard, C. C. Paskell and H. J. Walter. The assistance offered by Rothmans will also be used to enable the national coaching schools —founded in 1959 and first organised and directed by the former New Zealand selector. Mr T. F. McKenzie —to continue to

function. Such a school will be held in Christchurch on the last week-end in March. No Payment Made The original suggestion | that coaches would be paid on a part-time basis for their services will not be carried lout. j In order to assist the I coaching of coaches scheme I j Messrs Butts, Blanchard,. IPaskell and Walker will I (make themselves available to! i advise and instruct club 'coaches. The scheme is intended to raise the standard iof coaching and, through the coaches, to raise the standard of league football throughout the country. Grading certificates are issued under the national coaching scheme and coaches are promoted through junior, senior, and provincial gradings to the positions of regional coaches. To date only one man. Mr W. L. O’Callaghan (Waikato), holds the position of regional I coach. ' The first coaching school for young Rugby League players in Christchurch will be held ait Hornby on March 5. The sponsors have offered financial assistance to cover the cost of expenses-, and equipment for the schools.