REPLACEMENT OF INJURED PLAYERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LII, Issue 4794, 11 August 1932, Page 2

REPLACEMENT OF INJURED PLAYERS.

FOXTON’,S PROTEST AGAINST ATHLETICS WIN. DISAIISSED ON A AIIXOR POINT,

Acting as chairman at the meeting of (lie management committee of the Ilorowhenua Rugby District Council on Tuesday, Air. F. Robinson took a stand against departure from the rules of the International Board pending the Dominion Conference which is? to consider them this month. However, the protest by the Foxton club against Athletic’s win in the junior competition on Saturday last, on the ground of replacement of injured players, was not successful, as the losers had not complied with the district rule No. 21, which' requires that a. club making a protest shall give notice of the same to the opposing club. In forwarding the protest to the Council, the secretary of the Foxton club, Air. K. Hirini, wrote that it was on the ground that replacement of injured players was contrary to the rules as laid down by the International Board and eonfirmed by the Nev Zealand Rugby Union. During the first spell (he continued), two Athletic players were injured and had to retire. The captain of the Athletic team asked the Foxton captain if he could replace them, and was told he could do so, but at his team’s own risk. “Failing this protest being upheld by your Council,” the writer added, “we would request that a ruling from the N.Z. Rugby Union be obtained.”

Air. J. W. Bishop said he had evidence that the Foxton captain had agreed to replacements not at Athlo’tie’s risk. The’ secretary ot the Athletic club had'not been notified in writing that this protest was being lodged. Air. J. Ale Gill (Otaki) called the attention of members to the fact that, at the previous meeting of the Council, a circular from the Alanawheuua Union was received in which the desire of the N.Z.R.U. was conveyed that the international rules (be complied with; but the Council had decided to make no change in the existing system. “I am here to-night,” said the Chairman, “to uphold the international laws, though I am a delegate to fight against them on Aug-

ust 18th. In the meantime I have to support the preseirt international laws, which provide that no replacements shall he allowed and that the players shall not leave the field.” He thought that the only course open to the Council was to uphold the Foxton protest. If Athletic thought that the protest was not in order, theyl c-ould appeal to the N.Z.R.U. or the Alanawtieima Union.

Air. .J. Ale Gill (Otaki) mentioned that replacements had been made at the Alanawatu-Horowheniia match in Palmerston North.

Air. Bishop asked the Chairman if Hirini, of Foxton, was not replaced in the match against Shannon juniors when he was hurt. The Chairman replied that he was not present at tlte time. Air. AI. G. AlcLcan (Paraparaumu) moved that the protest be dismissed. Air. D. Richards seconded the motion, “as the protest was out of order.”

The secretary (Air. J. Casey) said he had no doubt, that, if everything was in order, Foxton could win on their protest if they approached the N.Z.R.U. Air. Bishop: If there were only a point or two of difference, Foxton might haggle. It is - the most unsporting protest I have ever listened to.

Air. Elliott: We must adhere to the rule that the club must be rioti-

Mr. Casey stated that on Saturday night he advised the acting secretary of the Foxton Club, Mr. Neville, that it would be just as well to send a note to the secretary of the Athletic Club.

The Chairman: We haven’t any proof whether it was sent or received ; (but Mr. Bishop has witnesses to defend his ease, and I think that on that the ease should go on. He has evidently been notified. ,

Mr. Bishop: I am quite willing to take the vote of this meeting.

The secretary stated that he had informed Dir. Bishop of the protest. Mr. S. Elliott (Otaki) considered that the players should abide hv the Council’s decision to adhere to the old rules.

The motion that the protest be dismissed, on the ground that Athletic had not been notified, was carried.

Mr. Bishop subsequently explained that the information thav Foxton were protesting had come to his knowledge through the- “ Chronicle.”