SWIMMING SPORTS DECISIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18631, 12 February 1924, Page 11

SWIMMING SPORTS DECISIONS.

Sir,—Prompted by feelings of good sportsmanship, alter long and careful consideration, and without desiring _to cast any slur on honest and well-meaning men, I wish to make reference to the per s functory manner in which decision.? have recently been made at swimming sports. Most flagrant was a decision given recently in a ladies' race. In this case, if in doubt at all, the judge should have declared the result a " dead-heat." As a matter of fact, the la/iy who was placed second was (according to my judgment, shared by all others around me) firft to touch, having a lead at the finish of quite six inches. My position was right in a line with the rope which served as the finishing point, and I was thus able to gauge rather accurately. When the decision was made known, the suiprise of those near me was quite evident. However, this is but one case of many. My point is that more care should be taken, and, perhaps, better facilities provided to assist judges. As an ex-swimmer, I can say that I know of nothing more heartbreaking than to be deprived of a win by an erroneous decision. Worse than that is the fact that wrongful decisions are not conducive to the best interests of any sport. It is said that to err is human, but the several swimming clubs ; should take heed and avail themselves of only the most careful and capable to perform the responsible duties of judge. I hope the foregoing will be accepted in the right spirit, and as being distinctly imjjersonal, being prompted by my love and concern for fh" "lorious and healthy sport of swimming. Old Times.