League refereeing

Press, 13 July 1984, Page 23

League refereeing

Sir,—As a follower of rugby league, the standard of refereeing appalls me with its inconsistency. Noone can see every mistake, but blatant late and head high tackles and playing the man and not the ball must be stamped out. Fair and consistent decisions are necessary as an example to young and upcoming players. The early game on the No. 2 ground on July 7 makes one wonder if the people officiating have ever read a rule book. The shame is it reflects on the competence of our top referees and frustrates players and supporters alike. Surely there is some method of training and grading to establish uniformity of what is or is not allowable on the field of play. Yours, etc., B. WALSH. July 11, 1984. Soccer ban Sir,—Hopefully the New Zealand Women’s Football Association will see fit to reduce the suspension placed on Mr Lester Brain by the Canterbury W.F.A. (“The Press,” July 10). Ten years is far too severe a penalty for an administrative indiscretion, and the life ban originally recommended by their judicial committee smacks of inexperience, a lack of common sense, and possibly a personality clash. Mr Brain deserved to have been treated more compassionately, considering his past service to women’s soccer in Canterbury. If the C.W.F.A. requires transfer forms to be signed by both clubs, perhaps the executive could explain why, subsequent to their suspension of Mr Brain, I was asked to approve a transfer on the basis of a telephone call from the executive member acting as secretary. No form was later sent for my signature.—Yours, etc., DR A. S. CAMPBELL, Secretary, Lincoln College Soccer Club. July 11, 1984.