FREEDOM OF SPORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 36, 11 August 1937, Page 8

FREEDOM OF SPORT

URGED BY N.Z.F.A,

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

CLAIMS

Freedom of sport in the schools is advocated by the council of the New Zealand Football Association in a report upon the proposal of the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. W. J';. Parry) to form a National-Council of Sport, with which the football council expressed itself as being in complete agreement. "After a careful perusal of the address given by the Minister, the New Zealand: Football Association desires to heartily endorse the aims 'of the Minister and to commend him for his interest in the physical development of the people of this Dominion," said the report. "Now that the five-day week is an established fact, we feel that some part of this time should be spent in recreation which would be beneficial in assisting' to build up physique. " "As a sports body we have endeavoured to provide this recreation by means of organised games of Association football in the schools and through district associations and clubs in New Zealand. VALUABLE TRAINING. "Today Association football is catering for all sections of our youth in providing a means of recreation to the less robust type who, being unable to take up the more robust game of Rugby, would become spectators. Association football calls for quick thinking co-ordination of mind and body; and a skill whicb develops personal initiative and team spirit—valuable essentials for physical development. "We would respectfully beg to submit the following suggestions for consideration: — . , , "1 The foundation and basis should be in the schools and it should be a, recommendation to head teachers to see that one hour per week is set aside for organised games in each

"2 That pupils be allowed to choose any'sport or game they prefer and not be forced into playing any particular game. ' (Note: Opposition has been encountered in certain schools, both primary and secondary, to Association football and many scholars are debaired from playing-our game.) "3 There is sufficient demand to warrant the introduction of.-the code into the teachers' training colleges so that a supply-of teachers capable of supervising *c scholars in Association football would be available. ' "4. Suitable grounds, should be made available and sports bodies should secure exemption from payment of ground rents, amusement tax, etc. "5 The" provision of suitable gymnasiums and . halls for Physical traming, together with suitable equipment. "6 Manufacturers and. retail houses should encourage their employees in the formation of clubs so that they may participate in open competition.