ROWING ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 21640, 8 February 1934, Page 15

ROWING ASSOCIATION

UMPIRE'S RULING DISCUSSED DISQUALIFICATION AT PORT REGATTA “ If you aie going to have an umpire, allow him to act, otherwise do not have one at all.” Thus declared Mr E. A. Newman at last night’s meeting of the Otago Rowing Association, when his ruling as umpire regarding the foul occuring in the senior parrs at the Port Chalmers regatta last Saturday was question. After animated discussion, the meeting upheld the umpire’s decision. Present at the meeting were Mr W. G. Glengarry (president) and the following delegates Messrs C. R. Caffin, S. G. Styche (Otago Club), F.' W. Eggers, G. Duncan (North End), W. Robinson, M. T. Budd (Macandrew Bay), S. Whitburn, W. H. Eysaght (Port Chalmers), P. J. Priest, E. A. Newman, K. W. Bickford (Oamaru). Fred. Foster (University), and J. P. Vallis (secreta O’). Mr N ewman wrote confirming his verbal ruling given immediately after the race, stating that in the senior pairs the Port Chalmers No. 1 crew, leaving its proper course, fouled the Otago. No. 1 crew twice during the race, and was therefore disqualified. Thq race was to be rerowed by the following crews:—North End No. 1, Port Chalmers No. 2, Queen’s Drive No. 1, and Otago No. 1. Mr Caffin asked if the umpire had power to say which crews would compete in a race after a disqualification. He also asked if the umpire could rule when such a race would be rowed. After consulting the association’s rules the Chairman said that the umpire was not called upon to give a ruling in either instance. Mr Caffin said that four crews had been ordered to compete in the rerowing of the race The rules of boat racing did not stipulate how many crews should compete. Mr Duncan said that Mr Newman’s ruling was not at fault, because the most prominent crews in the race had been ordered to compete again. The crews tailing the field' had not boon considered, as their chances of success in a rerow were slight. He moved that the association approve of Mr New man’s ruling. The motion lapsed, ns there was no seconder Mr Newman: Either have one umpire or none at all: Mr Caffin; It is not a case of the umpire’s opinion being opposed. We. have to conform to the rules of boat racing, and they say that all crews but those disqualified for a breach of racing are entitled to row' again. i Mr Foster asked if the umpires decision were not final. In other sports it was. lie said, and it could not be overruled .Several delcca tes affirmed this stale inent. after which Mr Priest moved that Mr Newman’s letter he received. —Mr Eysaght seconded. Mi Caffin moved as an amendment that all crews but the one disqualified he allowed to compete again. Mr Bickford seconded. The motion was carried. Complaints were made regarding the growing tendency of certain crews to “break ” at the start of regatta races. It was stated that the position was becoming so serious that consider ation should he given to the prevention of. the, .practice. It w'as decided that in future an umpire he appointed (in addition to the :usual umpire) to see that every was-'fair. It-, was felt' Hint -'a starter’ required some assistance in this respect. INTERCEDE EIGHTS. The draw' for the interclub eight-oar races to be held at Port Chalmers on Saturday afternoon resulted: Pirsi heat, Otago v. North End; second beat. Port Chalmers v. Queen’s Drive It was decided that the first heat lie commenced as soon as possible after the rc-rowing of the senior pair-oar event (mentioned above), which was timed to start at 2 o’clock, and that in the event of that race being held over tiro heat bo commenced at 2 o'clock. ft was decided that the course he one of two miles, starting at Pulling Point and finishing between the George street and Bowen street wharves. M cssrs Robinson. Styche, and Foster were appointed as judges for the racing, and it was decided that one of the three selectors (Messrs W. J. Wilson, T. F. Mackie, and Glengarry) be requested to start the races and another to act as umpire. PROPOSED OAMARU REGATTA. A programme for a rowing carnival to be held in Oamaru in the near future was submitted by the Oamaru Boating Club. The proposed date was March 17. If help wore forthcoming from the Otago clubs, stated the letter, a series of races would be held over a course of 750yds. No prize-money could be offered, but freight on the Otago boats, if loaded on one truck, would ho borne by the club. If the fixture wt"’e a success it was intended to make it an annual one. The programme could he started at 3 p.m. to meet the convenience of Otago oarsmen. and it would comprise pair-oar and double-sculling events only. Oamaru could cuter two crews in each of the youths’, maiden, and junior pairs and in the youths’ and maiden double sculls. One other race was desired, and the choice was among junior sculls, light-weight maiden pairs, and senior pairs. It was decided that clubs be advised of Oamaru’s request, stating that it was live association’s wish For them to support the regatta if possible. Mr Styche said that replies should be sent to the association, which would later forward Oninaru the decision. Some years ago crews from Otago had competed at a regatta at Oamaru. and since the Oamaru Club was affiliated to the association the club should bo assisted, GENERAL. The following officials wore appointed for the association's regatta at Dunedin on February 24:- -Starter, Mr Eysaght; umpire, Mr Newman; judges —Messrs Robinson, Foster, Caffin, and Budd; N.Z.A.R.A. representative, Mr Glengarry.—lt was decided that entries close for the regatta at noon on February 17. Officials for the Burkes-St. Leonards regatta on March 3 were elected as follow:—Starter, Mr Eysaght: umpire, Mr Newman; judges—-Messrs Priest, Budd, Foster, and Colthorpe; N.Z.A.R.A. representative, Mr Glengarry. Thy Secretary reported that Otago and Oamaru were the only clubs that had paid their capitation fees, due on November 1. 1933.—1 t was decided that clubs bo reminded to make an early payment of the fees. The Macandrew Ray Regatta Committee conveyed thanks to the association for the support it had rendered at the committee’s regatta on Boxing Day. —Received. An invitation was extended to members of the association to attend the Otago Rowing Club’s function at the opening of its new boathouse on February 17.—Received.