Rugby Refereeing In Northland

Northern Advocate, 21 April 1939, Page 3

Rugby Refereeing In Northland

“The 1938 season saw the introduction and interpretation of the extensive alterations in the laws of the game made during the previous season in England, and adopted in New Zealand last year,” stated Mr W. H. Cliffe, in presenting the annual report to l!~e North Auckland Rugby Referees’ Association, which met on Wednesday night.

These alterations affected mainly.the scrummage, the tackle, and the penally kick.

‘ After last year’s experience, it ran be safely said that the laws, as now more simply framed, have resulted in a better understanding of their , meaning by players and referees alike,” Mr Cliffe added.

This was indicated by the fewer questions received by the executive for interpretation, only three questions having any direct bearing on the rules being received and dealt with.

On three occasions the Appointment Board was called upon to make lastminute appointments because of the inability of the referee chosen to officiate, the report continued. Examination Committee Kept Busy. The Examination Committee has been kept busy during the season. Nineteen candidates sat for the theoretical paper, and 10 were successful in obtaining the required 70 per cent, to pass; of that number two were successful in passing the practical test and were awarded the certificate. One was recommended for a further practical test early, in the coming season.

Some candidates obtained excellent marks, while a number showed that their knowledge of important laws was very limited.

It is therefore essential that referees should make every effort to become efficient in their knowledge and interpretations of the rules, and it is hoped that an even greater number will, during 'the coming season, avail themselves of the opportunity of sitting for the examination, the report continued. Mr Cliffe reminded referees that nominations must be received by the secretary ,on May 15. Good Credit Balance. Dealing with finance, Mr Cliffe stated that the credit balance of the association now stands at nearly £2O. A £ 10 grant had been received from the North Auckland Rugby Football Union to assist with the expenses of the Examination Board, and receipts from affiliation fees were larger during the year than during the previous year.

Mr Cliffe thanked the sub-associa-tions and their delegates for the work done during the season. “It behoves every referee to improve his knowledge of the laws of the game so that, by becoming a first-class referee, he can do his part in assisting clubs and players to improve the standard of Rugby throughout the North,” Mr Cliffe stated in conclusion. “Good football can be marred by poor refereeing, and if referees will make every effort to make themselvs

proficient, they will then play an important part in making the- coming season a successful one in every way.” Officers for New Season.

Election of officers resulted: President, Mr R. Morrison (present J>tf:?ident of the Whangarei Rugby Referees* Association); vice-presidents, presidents of all affiliated sub-associations; secretary and treasurer, Mr E.'A. Harrison; auditor, Mr F. G. Munro; emergency committee, Messrs. Morrison,, Nesbit and the secretary; Referee Appointment Board, Messrs. L. Nesbit, and Mr E. A. Harrison, to co operate with the appointee of the North Auckland Rugby Football Union; delegates to the North Auckland Rugby Football Union, Mr R. Morrison.