BUSY SEASON AHEAD

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 81, 6 April 1933, Page 18

BUSY SEASON AHEAD

TEAMS PRACTISING

TOPICS OF INTEREST

Judging from the keen interest players are taking in an early start, this season bids fair to be a busy one for basketball enthusiasts in Wellington. Teams have been practising steadily for the past few weeks and the first round should show the benefit of this in a higher standard of play than is usual at the commencement of the competitions. One or two of last year's clubs have disbanded, but already at least seven new clubs have been formed, and by the time applications close on April 14, it is expected that the number of teams affiliated will equal that of last year. The seven new clubs so far are Thorndon, Adams Bruce, St. Francis 0.G., Weelwool, "United, Eovers, and Nevada Balcliabh. The last name, we are told, means "Nevada Basketball Club." The second name being Gaelic for basketball Club. It is expected that there will be a slight drop in the number of teams in the senior A grade, the removal of the Training College from Wellington being responsible for the resignation of the T-raining College teams. Gilby's, one of the oldest clubs in Wellington, have withdrawn this year. The accession from senior B of the Haerem'ai team will add new blood to the A competition, and with the champion team, Wellington East 0.G., fielding practically the same team as last year, the high standard of play should, be maintained. University report many changes in the perionnel of their team, but it is expected that the actual strength of this team willbe about the same. Wesley, Kia Ora, and Tech. O.G. have all acquired new members and the early games will be watched with interest -in an effort to determine the strength of the different teams. Executive Meeting. The first, meeting of the newly appointed Executive of the W.B.A. was held, this week, the president, Miss M. E. Armstrong, being in the chair. Also present were Mesdames R. M. Smith, H. D. Muir, A. Muir, Misses M. Cheeseman, J. Wilson, O. Wharton, L. Sturrock, M. Line, 0. Lawlor, Q. Hall-McLean, and Mr. Moller. During the meeting, Miss Armstrong expressed pleasure that Mrs. E. S. Mclnnes (Southland), a life member of the Wellington-association, Was able to attend, and reminded members that Mrs. Mclnnes was an ex-president of the association, and held that office when the New Zealand Association was formed. Correspondence regarding courts was discussed, final arrangements being left in the hands of the management committee. • Application for regrading of players were dealt with, as follows: —Brymay's request for the transfer of 0. Dawson, B. Lawlor, I. and R. McCarrison, and D. Martin from senior A. to third grade was refused, but permission was given for their transfer to senior B grade. A Newtown O.G. application for regrading for S. Adams, R. Cooze, and A. Millar from senior B to third grade was granted. A letter was received from the Plimmerton Club regretting their inability to enter a team this year. It was decided to inquire about the possibilities of forming a section comprising teams

from Plimmerton, Paekakarild, Porirua, and district. The following committees were elected:—Management committee, Mrs. H. D. Muir and Misses B. Bell and L. Sturrock were appointed to act with the president, Miss Armstrong, and assistant secretaries, Misses Cheeseman and Wilson. Funds committee (executive members), Mrs.' H. D. Muir, Misses E. Bel), and 0. Wharton. Blazer committee: Mesdames E. H. Smith, A. Muir, and H. D. Muir. Miss M. E. Armstrong was appointed the executives' representative on the Referees' Association Executive.; Correspondence from the New Zealand Association was received. New Rules. The new rule-book is greatly in demand, the general opinion being that the new arrangement of the. rules is an improvement. With the exception of two rules, the actual rulings are the same, the difference being in the compiling of rules under their correct headings. ■ The exceptions are in connection with the method of gaining the' ball from a throw-in from behind the end line, and in the time allowed a player who falls when in possession of the ball to get rid of the ball. With regard to the first, this means a change, for, whereas players were allowed to jump in over the 12ft line and catch the ball, now they must wait behind the line. The former practice meant a decided advantage to forwards, and players who were accustom- i ed to use this method will now find it more difficult to get possession. Pre- j viously, a player who fell while in J possession of the ball was allowed three seconds after regaining her feet, but now a player must-play the ball within three seconds of gaining possession. Representative. Teams. The decision of the delegates to the annual meeting of the W.B.A. that a team should be sent to the New Zealand tournament at Gisborne in August means that once- again keen supporters will be asked to help to raise funds for this purpose. As Wellington is the largest association in the Dominion, it would be a pity if it were not represented at the most important basketball fixture, but this can only be done if all players, from the lowest grade to the highest, do their little bit towards raising the necessary money. The suggestion adopted by the delegates, that each club appoint one representative to act on a committee to raise funds, should mean that each club, providing it appoints a suitable member, should be able to help the association. As there are over fifty clubs in Wellington, the committee will be divided into three groups, each group in charge of an executive member. In this way it is tyoped to get directly into touch with all members, and with three energetic groups working, and with the enthusiastic support of all players, there should not be any great difficulty in raising the required amount. Referees. The Wellington Basketball Referees' Association appears to be in a flourishing condition, the annual meeting being well attended. The officers elected for the coming season were:—-President, Mr. W. E. Howe; vice-president, Mr. V. Boyce; secretary, Air. J. Moller, executive members, Mrs. Clelland, Miss Walker, and Mr. Austin. Mr. Moller was appointed delegate to the Wellington Basketball Association. Mr. Howe stated the system of examination of referees was proving satisfactory and undoubtedly had brought about a general improvement in the game. Mrs. Clelland, retiring secretary, was thanked for her valuable services to the association in the past three years. I Mrs. H. D. Muir, Miss M. E. Armstrong, and Mr. Howitt were re-appoint-ed members of the classification committee.