New Referees’ Association Formed

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 187, 9 August 1940, Page 8

New Referees’ Association Formed

SEVERAL OLD HANDS OFFER TO HELP OUT

A new Rugby Referees’ Association was formed in Palmerston North last evening, thus overcoming the difficulty that has arisen as a result of the Manawatu Referees’ Association going into recess after its differences of opinion with the management committee of the Manawatu Rugoy Union over penalties imposed on players stood down during games by referees. Eight members of the old Referees’ Association were present at a meeting held earlier in the evening when it was decided that as the representation was a minority one (there were 18 active members), no action be taken. Mr. E. Low was chairman. Mr. K. W. Eglinton was in the chair at the subsequent meeting when there were 14 present, including the eight from the referees’ meeting. Mr. T. Doherty moved and Mr. P. O. Skoglund seconded that a new Referees’ Association bo formed. Mr. Doherty argued that none of the members of the old association were entitled to join the new association, but tho chairman said he would not allow any dissension over such a matter. All were present by invitation to form a new association and the old association members could join if they so desired. Mr. Doherty: They are the ones who let us down. Mr. G. Brown explained that there was a section of the old Referees ’ Association desirous of being loyal to that body yet would join a new association if formed. The motion was carried. Mr. Skoglund proposed that there should bo non-active members as well as active ones. The advice of old referees in a non-active capacity would be welcome. Mr. Foster seconded the motion which was carried. The following present at tho meeting signified willingness to join: Messrs. P. O. Skoglund, C. Eglinton, 11. Shearman, L. Heatley, R. Foster, T. Doherty and B. Trow. The other seven present declined nomination. Of the seven who offered their services, two were members of tho old association. The chairman said he knew of other men capable of refereeing who would bo joining, but he would like to see more members of the old association offering their services. Ho appealed to them to do Mr. Skoglund made a similar plea and the effect of both appeals was that Messrs, L. Jamieson, E. Jackson and R. York offered to carry on for the remainder of the year. A temporary appointments board, consisting of Messrs. P. O. Skoglund, C. Eglinton and B. Trow, was set up to appoint referees for next Saturday. A further meeting of those willing to act as referees is to be held next Thursday night,