OLYMPIC SELECTION Quota System “Guess Work”

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31230, 30 November 1966, Page 6

OLYMPIC SELECTION Quota System “Guess Work”

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON.

The selection of games teams on a quota system would involve too much “guess work” to be effective, said the chairman of the Olympic and Empire Games Association, Mr C. L. S. Cross, vesterdav.

Mr Cross, also chairman of the selection committee, was commenting on the recent recommendation by the Amateur Athletic Association that the quota system replace the present form of selection. He said he failed to see how the quota system would be an improvement. Under it the number of performers to be selected in the various sports was pre-determined. It could be decided that 20 athletes be sent to the games. Mr Cross said that this would mean that a certain number would be chosen irrespective of whether they were up to the necessary standard. “Chosen On Merit’’ “In any selection system, it must be on merit in relation to standards,” he said. Mr Cross said that the N.Z.A.A.A. had suggested the quota should be produced 11 months before the actual games. “This involves a certain amount of guess work, as the standard of performances overseas and even in New Zealand are not known at the time. “Any selection system must give consideration to the competitors, but a quota system does not give this.”

The present system of selection was for various sports to make nominations to the national association which selected and rejected as it saw fit. Reasonable Chance Mr Cross said that with the quota system the situation eould arise when the number selected was inadequate or too generous. He said that the Olympic Games should not be used for experience. A person selected should have a reasonable chance of reaching the final. “At the Tokyo Olympics, particularly in the 5000 and 10,000 metres, many competitors~were far below standard. “In ’’fact, there were so many in the 10,000 metres that it was dangerous.” For Or Against He said that the quota system could work for or against the individual, depending on the circumstances. Under it athletes who would have been certain finalists had missed selection. “Australia had four girls who have jumped more than 20 feet who would have been placed in the final at Jamaica. But only one made the team,” he said. Competitors who wore the silver fern should be of a certain standard. Mr Cross felt this was achieved under the present selection system.