ON HOCKEY REFEREES

Northern Advocate, 28 July 1934, Page 2

ON HOCKEY REFEREES

WELLINGTON DISSATISFACTION, “ATTITUDE OF CAESAR’S WIFE.” Refereeing in hockey matches in Wellington does not. seem to be meetiri,g with Hie approval of many supporters of the game. A correspondent writing to the Wellington “Evening Rost” has the following to say on the matter: — The Wellington hockey umpires, like Caesar’s wife, are “above suspicion.” They evidently set themselves upon a pedestal and a pretty high one at that. H is very noticeable that when criticism of them has been made, they ride the high horse immediately and ironically invite the critics to join their association and show them how things should be done. Evidently these hockey infallible:; do not read the Press reports of other sports. Vonr correspondent of last week expresses* the opinion that in the event of penalty bullies if is better to be too strict than too lenient. Evi-

j floutly the writer has never been a hockey player. The rule distinctly says that a penalty bully is to bo or- | dered when the scoring of a goal is prevented by any breach of rule 10. There is no “probably” about this. The elimination of this word surely limits considerably the application of the penalty bully. Further, the rule slates that a player who falls on or behind the ball in the circle is almost certain to be impeding an attacker in which case a penalty bully should be awarded. It was very evident, in one match on Saturday last that tho referee had no knowledge of this rule, for a certain goal-keeper on more than one occasion fell over the ball when in difficulties, and he got away with it. That hockey refereeing at present: is not. what it ought to be no one can dispute; ami as long as the Referees’ Association takes up the attitude of Caesar’s wife there *is not likely to be any progress made. From observations made tho referees need reminding of the following rules which still remain in the Hockey Manual;— L Barging and wild hitting should be penalised, 2. Having penalised a player tell him tho reason, X Both players ami spectators like to hear the whistle when it is necessary, but. the enjoyment of the game all disappears when too frequent, use is made of it. 4. In eases whore a small unintentional offence gains no advantage, it may be allowed to pass. <*• Undercutting must bn penalised immediately. It is by far the most dangerous stroke, especially when shooting at the goal. From a free hit it is unpardonable. fi. The foot or leg shall not lie used to support the stick In order to resist an opponent. 7. Don’t allow a player to place his foot against the ball to revent an opponent getting away with it. 5. A player who is in an offside position shall not bo penalised for offside unless ho is by his position gaining some advantage. 9. It is distinctly laid down that a penalty bully is to bo ordered when the scoring of a goal is prevented by any breach of rule 10. 10. A. player who falls on or behind the ball in the circle should have a penalty bully awarded against him.