Games-rule change might allow tour

Press, 1 September 1982, Page 6

Games-rule change might allow tour

From

G. G. SHAND

London Commonwealth Games Federation officials are believed to have reached an important ' compromise on the proposed amendment to the constitution, which federation sources say might allow an. All Black tour of South Africa in 1985. A draft of the amendment, to be discussed at a special meeting of the federation in Brisbane on September 27. was circulated .to members last week. Federation sources in London say it is much less harsh than was earlier feared and should be more acceptable to New Zealand officials. Although the exact wording is not known, it is believed that' the draft basi-

cally calls on member nations to "take active steps" to discourage sports contacts with South Africa. The amendment, as expected. also provides for the suspension of members failing to carry out this requirement. Although this still appears vague, federation sources say it represents a big compromise between black Africa and white Commonwealth countries. It is also said to have the tentative support of Mr Abraham Ordia, president of. the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa. The sources said that under their interpretation of the draft, another New Zealand tour by a South African team would lead to New

Zealand's automatic suspension.

But, importantly, thgy believe it might allow an All Black team to visit South Africa.

New Zealand would probably avoid suspension; they said, as long as the Government and the local federations strongly condemned it and "actively tried to stop it."

The prospect of a black African boycott of the Games should the draft prove unacceptable is virtually ruled out in London.

The same sources said that whatever was agreed to at the pre-Games meeting, it would not apply to Brisbane. It would take effect for the next Games at Edinburgh in 1986.