ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 189, 9 May 1934, Page 2

ASSOCIATION

Postponement of Games A SENSIBLE POLICY Proposed Schoolboys’ Tour

(By

“Flag-kick.”)

The postponement of all Association football games on account of rain on Saturday has given rise to criticism by some, players, who consider that, as Rugby and hockey matches were played, the Soccer authorities should have followsuit. It is their contention that, as it is a winter sport, bad weather conditions must be expected, and that the players are hardly enough. to stand up to the element. Furthermore, the opinion lias been expressed to the writer, that the calling-off of games because of the rain ie a reflection on those who play Soccer, as well as on the controlling body, and it leaves them open, to ridicule from devotees of the other codes. That last argument was brought up lust season also, when one or two clubs forwardel complaints to the management committee. However, in the opinion of the writer, the postponement committee of the Association adopted a wise move in calling off the games. It mi»t be remembered that an early start was made, in opening the weapon, «o that there is not much fear of congestion later, and that the grounds were almost unplayable through the boisterous conditions. The fact that Rugby and hockey matches z were played should not enter into the question. Soccerites are not to be guided by wbat those eodee do, and who is to say that they did not make a mistake in playing their games? Let it be remembered also, that so far as Rugby is concerned, the bad weather does not mar their games to the same extent as it does Soccer. As well as that, it should not be overlooked that, if Rugby matches are put off, a heavy financial lows results. And as it is proposed to send the All Blacks on tour shortly, the financial aspect enters largely-into the question. Soccer is no milk and water sport, and it is not very often that rain causes it to be postponed. But when the conditions are. as bad as they were on Saturday. there i«. every justification for abandoning play. Those who are wont to criticise should bear in mind that the Association is looking after the players’ own interests, and that the decision it made in this case might save them the bother of wearing a leg in splints or something of the nature. General Notes.

The opening of the Basin Reserve will take place next Saturday, when the two unbeaten teams—Hospital and Petoue—will provide the encounter on No. 1 ground. This should be one of the best games seen for some time. ’The president of ’the association has extended to officials of the association a hearty invitation to meet him at halftime in the Pavilion, and it is hoped that all will avail themselves of the opportunity. Invitations have been extended to the Canterbury and Wairarapa Associations to scud representative teams to Wellington on June 4. In addition, there is every prospect of the first round matches for the Chatham Cup being played. The likelihood of more than the four leading First Division teams taking part in the Chatham Cup is very remote, in view of the increased charge levied by the New Zealand Council. When the entrance fee was £l/1/-, many clubs desired’to enter so that they would not be standing on the bank when the games were being played, but now. with increased entrance fee, there is not the same incentive.

A proposal that.should be given serious consideration by the Council, now that they haye guaranteed the steamer and train fares for the North and South Island finals, ng well as the final, is whether or not the Auckland finalists should not play the Wellington finalists in Wellington. thereby ensuring at least a loci! team ,in one of the matches played in Wellington. The playing of the Wellington team in Auckland in the North Island, final on every occasion is a big handicap on the team having to play on Blandford Park, and very often it is the ground that is the factor in the winning of the game. Schoolboys’ Tour.

With the proposal once again before Associations for the sending of a schoolboys’ team to Australia, there is every reason to believe that this will be taken up enthusiastically by.those who are vitally interested in the welfare of the boys. By these means of sending youthful teams to other countries, the Association can help to break down the prejudice tlidt is rampant here. There is no doubt that the matter is in the hands of the youth of the land, but no amount of commonsense will convince secondary schoolmasters of the value of the game, from all points of view. An added incentive this year is the Centenary celebrations to be held in Melbourne, and if the visit could be made toward the end of this season, or at the coihinencement of next season, to include the holiday period, there is no doubt that the trip would be widely sought after by every aspirant for honours in the school? in New Zealand. Might it be a suggestion to the New Zealand Council, that an official who has the knowledge of boys’ footiball, and the.leisure, be appointed to visit the four major associations and confer with: them on the matter at the earliest possible moment, and then widen the scope of the visit to include the smaller associations who are interestrtl in the game among the boys. It is absolutely necessary for someone with authority from the council to be specifically entrusted with the arrangements for the tour. The material is available, and with the quotas allotted to the different associations there is no reason why the best available team should not be got together by the end of July for departure early in August. Another suggestion is that the North Island Secondary Schools tournament is to be held in Wellington this year, anti there will be seen in action the best of the younger players of the North Island, who will be eligible under the ngc limit for inclusion, and as the North Island primary schools will be holding their tournament in Napier, there is tio reason why at its conclusion a North Island primary school team could not be seen in action against boys of similar age from the secondary schools. This would give the selectors an opportunity of judging the standard of t lie players to be selected for the trip. Organisation and Training.

The value of intensive organisation and training at least two or three weeks before the opening of the season is amply borne out by the positions of the first four teams in the senior championship. There is no doubt that the training and the practice methods indulged in by the four leading chibs before the opening ot the season was a big factor in their placement on the league table at the present time. In view of the position of the four lower teams in the First A Division serious consideration will have to be given by the management committee as to Whether or not there are just two too many First A Division teams. However, this need not be gone into until later in the season when the second round is half way completed, and the teams have had a chance of settling down. I’ersoiKil.

Mr. J. Byrne, hon. secretary of the Marist Club, has been transferred to Christchurch, Mr. Byrne was an energetic secretary, and much of the success of his club is due to hint. This was ackknowlcdgcd by members of tbe manageinent committee recently. Mr. R. Austin, another keen follower of the club, 'has taken over the secretarial duties.