ASSOCIATION CODE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 120, 21 April 1932, Page 10

ASSOCIATION CODE

ANOTHER NEW SEASON. (By “Centre-Half.”) Saturday witnessed the first move in the rising of the curtain for the 1932 Association football .competition in the Mariawatu. Practice matches only were played, but they appeared to give an indication of the present comparative strengths of the teams. Tire North Street Park game between Athletic and R.S.A. produced football of a fair standard. Athletic seemed to be sure of a runaway meeting, when R.S.A. brightened up to an unexpected degree. The final minutes contained the brightest football of the day. when the back lines had to defend more assiduously than in the first spell. Both goalkeepers stood the test well and Athletic’s try-out—Tur-ner, from the junior ranks —proved his worth. Graham, who was also new to the R.S.A. ranks, had a hard tussle, and he saved his goal on many occasions before persistent aggression had him beaten. It is too early in the season to comment on the players as they were seen on Saturday for the rather than the “competition” spirit was manifest ; but the matches this season should be of a bright nature. Although no details are available of the match St. Andrew’s had at Flock House, it appears that the Saints proved their superiority in no uncertain way. The scores are stated as not being truly indicative of the run of play, but Flock House have not greatly improved over the vacation. Time can work wonders, however.

There is a bye in the competition this year through the Feilding club again entering the competition without another team to keep it company. Although the team is yet to be seen in action locally there is an impression abroad that they will be good contenders for the honours.

Rangers were apparently unable to resurrect their club after a season’s spell and have split up into the different clubs. After the first few Saturdays they are likely to find their places in the remaining clubs. GROUND IMPROVEMENTS. During the summer months desirable improvements have been effected at North Street Park. The depressions, which caused so much annoyance on No. 1 and No. 2 grounds last season, have been filled and last Saturday were carrying a nice cron of grass. Tn the improvement scheme, the main (No. 1 area) has been moved towards the stand and this action should meet with the approval of patrons. The width has been reduced to 74 yards and this will doubtless create faster football—and perhaps occasion more throwins. ON THE GATE.

When “the' gate” is mentioned one instinctively remembers the late Mr J. B. Cooper, who, as treasurer of the management committee, was a familiar figure on the grounds. Another attempt is to be . made by the clubs to take turns in this direction and it is understood that as from next Saturday, R.S.A. be responsible until the end of May. It was a pity that some provision had not been made for last Saturday. The key was evidently missing and patrons had to scale the fence. SUCCESSFUL REFEREE. Among the visitors to North Street Park on Saturday afternoon was Mr A. H. Hesketh, of Wellington. Mr Hesketh, who has come to Palmerston North to live, holds the New Zealand referees’ badge, having rendered very fine service in Wellington. Mr Hesketh will be a welcome addition to the Palmerston North referees if he remains in the city.

MEETING AT WELLINGTON. ■WELLINGTON, April 20. The oouncil of the New Zealand Football Association last night received a challenge from the Wellington association to play Otago for the F.A. trophy. It was decided to inform Otago that challenges had been received from Wellington and Canterbury, and asking that an early date be fixed to meet the first challenge. The chairman said he thought it might be possible to arrange it for June 3. The chairman mentioned the suggestion made by the Wanganui association that a New Zealand scheme should be inaugurated for the insurance of players, adding that no details had yet been received of the proposed scheme. He thought it would be too expensive, but the council had better wait for

further particulars. • Applications for footballs for primary schools were received from each of the major associations, and also from several minor associations, substantial allocations being made. The chairman said that an order had already been given in New Zealand for 100 footballs, of which 54 had already been allocated. Donations from vice-presidents were received as follow: Mr J. C. Young, Manawatu, £2 2s: Mr W. Robertson, Greymouth, and Dr. N. McDougall, Auckland, £1 each. The affiliation fees of major associations will be £5 5s and minor associations £2 2s for this year only. The major associations last year paid £2O, and the minor associations on the basis of the number of teams averaged about £5. It was agreed to loan £3O to North Auckland association for the furtherance of school football. An allocation of £2O to primary and secondary schools tournaments in the North Island, and a similar amount for the South Island, provided the tournaments are properly organised, will be made. The council will make no grant for travelling expenses. N.Z. REFEREES MEET. Referees expressed satisfaction at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Soccer Referees’ Association when the chairman, Mr C. F. Ward, announced that provision had been made in the revision of the rules that the referees’ delegate to the council of the New Zealand Football Association would have a vote in the doings of the council. Mr Ward said the association had kept within its income, thanks to the generous help of the New Zealand Council. The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr C. F. Ward; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr A. E. Caisley; appointment board and emergency committee, Messrs W. G. Bryce, F. Sanders, and A. E. Caisley; examination board, Messrs C. F. Ward, T. Plant, E. Watts and the hon. secretary; delegate to New Zealand Council, Mr C. F. Ward; hon. auditor, Mr B. Martin. The management committee comprises a. delegate from each centre.. The Wellington association suggested that referees who had failed in the practical test should be informed as to the reason of their failure. Mr Caisley pointed out that under the Football Association no practical examination was held. . If candidates passed in theory and in the oral examinations, they were left to fight their way up in practice. . Their weaknesses were, however, pointed out to them. Mr Ward said several Wellington referees passed the theory and oral examinations with flying colours, but failed in the practical test, and were not told.swhere they had failed. The Wellington Association would not accept the responsibility of doing so without a ruling from the New Zea-

land Referees’ Association. On the motion of Mr W. G. Bryoe it was decided to recommend the examiners to inform candidates of their weaknesses if requested to do so. ,