I.S.F. suspends Philippines and Mexico

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34065, 31 January 1976, Page 48

I.S. F. suspends Philippines and Mexico

Z Press. Association/ WELLINGTON. The International Softball Federation has temporarily suspended both .Mexico and the Philippines from membership following t heir refusal to play in the world softball championships which begin today in Lower Hull. The .suspension wall continue until the full I.S.F Congress has the chance to consider the matter. The executive committee of the I.S.F. met in Lower Hutt yesterday and follow’tng the meeting the Secretary-General. Mr Don Porter, announced the suspension. A statement issued by Mr Porter said: "At the present time the South African Softball Association is an affiliated member of the I.S.F and ' th< test information and belief has not violated ant I.S.F. rules or regulations. “To censure or expel South Africa from the world championships or I.S.F. affiliation is paramount to leaving sport in the hands of government, manv of whom do not have clean hands themselves

“Since the decisions not to: compete because of South Africa’s participation w’ere made by governments, this was a direct violation of the: I.S.F constitution. which provides that political inter-: ference by any government; into the interna! operation or function of a national governing body does not meet the spirit or objectives of the federation. ‘•While the I.S.F. strongly opposes discrimination of any kind, especially on the basis of race or religion, it also strongly opposes involvement! of governments in the internal affairs of member associations or federations.” Mr Porter said. “The I.S.F believes that sport is for sportsmen and sportswomen to enjoy the freedom of association and not for governments to use to manipulate their designs on philosophical and political grounds. “The I.S.F. committee therefore censures the Philippines Softball Association and the .Mexican Softball Federation for withdrawing from the world championships in New Zealand and temporarily suspends both organisations from I.S.F. membership until such time that a formal hearing of the matter can be considered by the 1.5. F..” Mr Porter said.