Dalton Appeals Against Disqualification

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31238, 9 December 1966, Page 20

Dalton Appeals Against Disqualification

The former New Zealand surf life-saving representative, D. Dalton (North Beach), has appealed against the ruling of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association’s council which makes him ineligible for surf competition.

Dalton became a declared professional in August when he began teaching swimming in his father’s private pool at North Beach.

The council at its meeting on Tuesday ruled that a declared professional could not take part in surf competition. The same law was invoked when G. Dann, a former Canterbury belt and surf race champion and New Zealand team-mate of Dalton, became a professional swimming coach at the Sockburn Park swimming pool earlier this year. Queensland Decision In his own defence, Dalton has given the council the following minutes of the Queensland Surf Life-saving Association: “As a result of certain negotiations with the Federation Internationale Natation Amateur, Mr Berge Phillips (president of F.1.N.A.) obtained for our association special dispensation so as to enable all surf life-savers to contest all events—with the exception of declared professional swimmers who are not permitted to participate in surf races or surf teams* races. These members, however, can take part in any event where surf lifesaving equipment is utilised.” Dalton believes that the dispensation should also be applied to New Zealand. Mr A. J. Donaldson, chairman of N.Z.A.S.A. council, said yesterday that the New Zealand rules, which had always been applied, allowed for no dispensation. “We have our interpretation and we have always stood by it. To Seek Information

“But In view of the Queensland minutes and rather than do an injustice to Dalton, we have written to Mr Phillips seeking confirmation or otherwise of New Zealand’s present law. If it comes back that we are wrong, a lot of people are going to be affected. “The reply will go to the New Zealand council which will adjudicate accordingly. It would have to be a very strong ruling from F.I.NA before our position would be altered,” he said. Mr Donaldson said the council had refused a request by Dalton to continue in surf

competition until the reply was received. The council had allowed Dalton to compete in the New Zealand surf trials in Wellington last week-end “uijder protest.” Dalton was riot selected. Had he been, said Mr Donaldson, he would have remained in the team, at least until the reply was received from Australia.

Insurance Cricket.—The Christchurch district of the Insurance Institute beat its Wellington counterpart by six wickets in the annual cricket match at Wellington. Scores: Christchurch 222/4 (I. Dempsey 100 not out, W. Ripley 34), Wellington 221 (D. Medhurst 54 not out, B. Poole 33; J. Rodden 4/34).