SUB-UNION STATEMENT “No Reflection On Referees”

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32295, 13 May 1970, Page 19

SUB-UNION STATEMENT “No Reflection On Referees”

After a 40-minute discussion in committee yesterday, the executive of the Canterbury Rugby Sub-Unions’ Association released through its chairman (Mr M. R. Barnett) the following statement:

“The North Canterbury Rugby Referees’ Association has made representations to the Canterbury Rugby Referees’ Association and the Canterbury Rugby Union in connection with the handling of an ordering off of a senior player by the North Canterbury sub-union. “The matter has been referred to this association for action, and following consultation with the sub-union and its referees’ association and full consideration of the matter, this association’s executive and its components would reaffirm their support for all referees and acknowledge again the fine contribution they make to Rugby. “We feel that the North Canterbury sub-union acted with these thoughts in mind and that the penalty it imposed on the player was not to be taken as any reflection on the referees. “So that in the future these matters can be discussed at their proper source before publicity takes them out of all proportions, we recom-

mend to the North Canterbury sub-union that it gives consideration to the referees’ delegate on its management committee being given full voting powers. “This we feel would lead to a greater understanding between both bodies. “With this statement, all connected with this matter consider it now closed.”

By invitation, the president of the North Canterbury Rugby Referees’ Association (Mr A. G. Mehrtens) was present for part of the discussion and was asked to speak. Only One Player

The only player to appear before the North Canterbury sub-union this season is the South Island representative. A. J. Wyllie. He was ordered from the field for striking an opposing player in a club game on April 18. Wyllie appeared before the sub-union on April 22, and because it was felt he had been penalised sufficiently through being unable to play in an invitation match between Cantabrians and Barbarians on April 19, no suspension was imposed.