OBJECTION TO REFEREE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 13

OBJECTION TO REFEREE

HOCKEY TEAM DEFAULTS an apology demanded [BT TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday The default of the Wellington senior men's A hockey team, last year's champions, to Hutt, on Saturday, was discussed by the management committee of the association last night in committee. Mr. Browne, who presided, said after the meeting that on behalf of the "Wellington Club it was stated that the default was due to the captain's objection to the appointment of Mr. 11. P. Staples as one of the referees, not on personal grounds, but because it was felt that the team did not get a fast, open and enjoyable game under his rulings. The meeting was unanimous that this action was wrong, but on the question whether there had been misconduct within the definition of the rules there was a division of opinion, as such a case is not specifically provided for. On a vote, by a very narrow margin, it was decided that there had been misconduct, but that as the rules did not cover such cases no guide was available as to the penalty. The "Wellington team was instructed to tender an apology covering the situation to the management committee of the "Wellington association, which would forward it to the management committee of the Beferees' Association, and on to Mr. Staples. It was agreed that the default should stand.