SOCCER FOOTBALL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 193, 30 July 1932, Page 2

SOCCER FOOTBALL

RE-PLAYED CUP- TIE A FURTHER COMPLICATION. THE TWO-REFEREES SYSTEM.

(By

“Sideliner.”)

Last Saturday’s replayed Cup tie between Y.M.O. and Wanderers ended in a draw. Wanderers scored in the first few minutes, a rather lucky point, u Thompson was badly handicapped by the glare of the sun.

Until half-time the game was fairly even, but in the second forty-five Y.M. completely outplayed their opponents, only Hawthorn's great goat-keeping preventing a score lime aud again. This drawn game further complicates affairs, as it necessitates yet another game, with the remaining earns having a further day off. Our contemporary on Monday commented on what was designated “A Black Day,” but in regard to the game arranged tor Cornwall Park they are somewhat iu error. The United Club did not object to the referee appointed ror that particular game. An objection was lodged against a referee but, having perused a copy of the letter, nothing objectionable or insulting is contained in the epistleThe association has the power to administer penalties for various offences, but this suspension of a etab seemed to be unwarranted under the circumstances. It is to be expected, after last Saturday 's drawn game, that other clubs will begin to complain about the paucity of fixtures and games. It seems certain that United will not take any further part in the Association competitions this season, but it is understood that they are arranging games outside the jurisdiction of the H.B.F.A. It appears as though it will be a repetition of the Auckland Thistle affair of some years ago.

About Refereeing. Seeing that there have been several controversies over referees, both this sesaon and in the past, the following article may prove of interest to followers of Soccer: — It is important to note that in official football as a whole—among legislators and club leaders—opinion is consolidating that something must now- be done to reduce goal dispites in Cup and League games (writes Ivan Sharpe in an English exchange). I have held this view for two years. The effect of mistakes is too far-reach-ing to be tolerated. The number of goal errors (not necessarily through faulty control by referees and linesmen, but because of changed conditions) is also excessive. As I have prevoiusly explained, I prefer the two-referees system because the trial of this procedure has satisfied me that it promises so well to solve the game’s troubles. Ono referee takes each half of the field (without interfering with the other) and I have been surprised to find how simply, smoothly and efficiently it works. There are other important advantages in this system, and these joint reasons caused me to vote for two-referees experiments in preference to ”oal judges. One advantage is this: The two-re-ferees plan has shown that it provides very satisfactorily against penalty-area and goal-area disputes. More, only four officials are needed against five in the goal-judges system. Nor will the goal-judges idea do away with off-side arguments, as men beside the net cannot help the one referee to say whether a player is off-side. In the two-referees system, too, dub linesmen can be introduced. Their duties can be limited to saying when the ball crosses the touchline and which side shall throw in. And no more For the referee, having only one half of the field to survey, can cover all off-sides and foul throws. ' So there need be no quibbling about ' a club linesman being a partisan. He can do little or no damage, at worst. And the referee can always overrule, and, if necessary, report him. 1 One more advantage is that two re- ; ferees and two such linesmen will in- ' volve the clubs in little more expense—,if any at all—than the present out-of- ’ date procedure. These advantages outweigh emphatically any arguments I have heard against the two-referees system.