BASKETBALL

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 27

BASKETBALL

RULES OF GAME

UNIFORMITY NEEDED

AUSTRALIAN CARNIVAL

The Australian inter-State carnival which is to be held in Melbourne this year has been tentatively arranged for August 15 to August 20, inclusive. The invitation to New Zealand to send over a team to meet the State teams in friendly matches played according to Australian rules and to meet- an Australian team in a game under New Zealand rules was accepted by the New Zealand Council last year. During the tournament, officials from both the New Zealand and Australian associations will confer on the possibilities of uniform rules—as a commencement of obtaining inter-Empire rules. With both associations anxious to assist this attempt at uniformity, and with an assurance of support from the English body, the conference should see the initial efforts successful.

With the prospect of a visit from an Australian team to the centennial tournament, no time should be lost in setting up the rules, should satisfactory arrangements be made at the conference, as teams both here and in Australia would require the whole of next season to get used to the change-over.

The essential parts of both games are similar, and the differences are either such minor ones, or where important," directly opposing, that it should not be difficult for teams from either code to adjust themselves to any

composite rules. One of the main differences in the Australian game, and one to which the majority of the Dominion associations have expressed opposition, is that of the bounce to start the game. In New Zealand for years past efforts have been made to eliminate the bounce from the game, and the general feeling is averse to this part of the Australian game. On the other hand, the Australian rule which prohibits the defending 'of a player in possession of the ball is viewed with favour generally, as the absence of defence tends to make the game more open, speedier, and cleaner. Less risk of accident is present also.

In New Zealand, a player is allowed as many successive shots at goal as she pleases, but in the other game, the forward has only one attempt, and if unsuccessful, the opposing side takes a throw-in from behind the end line. Certainly the fact that the forward has no opposition in her attempt should make shooting easier, but with only one opportunity at goal, a far greater degree of accuracy is demanded of forwards. Australia plays a seven-a-side game as against New Zealand's nine-a-side, but uses a slightly smaller court. Altogether, with both parties prepared to compromise for what would be best for the whole, there is every likelihood of uniform rules for Australia and New Zealand at least. REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. Mr. W. E. Ilowe presided over the April meeting of the Wellington Referees' Association, at which were present Mesdames A. Muir, I. Tonks, Misses E. Ruddell, J. Mitchell, M. E. Armstrong, Laughlin, Messrs. Budden and Morris.

Mrs. Tonks and Miss Larsen were elected members of the association.

Misses Worboys, Lomas, Press, and Clark were nominated for membership.

It was decided to instruct all referees that when a goal is scored the referee must announce publicly the name of the scoring team, arid must see that the scorer records it. Attention was drawn to the position of the centre players at the throw-off. Players must not have a foot on or over the line, but must only toe it. Discussion on the amendments to rules made at the 1937 council was lengthy. Following are the amendments: — Section IV, rule 3 (d), page B.— Arftend as follows: The opposing centre shall take up her position immediately her opponent has possession of the ball. She shall stand with her arms at her sides and shall not move from this position until the blowing of the whistle. Section IV, rule 13 (a), page 11 — Amend as follows: When the ball goes out of bounds it shall be put into play by an opponent of the player who was actively responsible for it going out of bounds. It was decided to write to the W.B.A, for a ruling on what action a referee may take in the following cases:—(l) A team is not ready to take the field at the correct time for the second half of a game. (2) Neither team is ready to take the field at the commencement of the second half. The W.B.A. was asked to give instructions on- these points before the commencement of the season. NEW ZEALAND EXAMINATIONS. Notification that the 1938 theoretical examinations for those referees who wish to gain Dominion ranking will be held not later than the first week in July has been received. Those local referees who desire to sit for this examination should notify the secretary of the Wellington Referees' Association as early as possible.