Selectors to pick Davis Cup squad

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33653, 1 October 1974, Page 18

Selectors to pick Davis Cup squad

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The national tennis selectors will, after al]._ be asked to name a Davis Cup squad of six players for the 1975 competition —but it will be subject to strict terms of reference laid down b\ the national association.

An executive meeting of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association in Wellington decided this tonight.

The meeting reached the decision because much publicity had resulted from the publication of the minutes of an earlier meeting where it was stated that the association intended to name the New Zealand squad for the; first Davis Cup tie this year It included the five players; named in the 1974 team. The chairman of the association (Mr I. D. Wells) said he felt the selectors constructed this as usurping their functions and he said their views were respected.

And to remove misunderstanding, the selectors — Messrs R. B. Brown (Canterbury), J. Lockington (Auckland), and F. Scarlett (Wellington) — are to be asked to name a squad of six players under the following terms of reference: —

All players are to be deemed eligible for selection, regardless of whether they are able to play in specific ties. This applies to Brian Fairlie, Onny

Parun, Jeff and Russell Simpson. and Chris' Lewis. The first four players should be chosen strictly on tennis ability regardless of any other consideration. But any notation the selectors wish to make will receive consideration by the management committee. The next two players can be chosen either on potential and promise or on ability, the squad is to; be submitted as set out above but it will be announced in alphabetical order. If the selectors wish to increase the squad beyond six the matter is to be referred back to the management committee. Once the squad is named the activities of the team and the final selection of the players to appear in the tie will be the responsibility of the non-playing captain. MEETING

A meeting between the selectors and the management committee at which the squad will be named, is to

be held at Wellington on Friday, October 11. The meeting will also be able to discuss any policies which the selectors consider relevant and other general matters of selection. The selectors will also be asked to meet during the season at various tournaments and to submit their recommendations on the following two proposals by January 20:— To nominate men and women players who «' ould receive financial assistance from the N.Z.L.T.A. for overseas travel in 1975

To select a Federation Cup team of three women. However the association cannot at this (tage commit New Zealand to a definite Federation Cup entry as the venue for the event is not yet known.