PROMISING SOCCER OUTLOOK

NZ Truth, Issue 1063, 8 April 1926, Page 12

PROMISING SOCCER OUTLOOK

Introduction of New Off-side Rule During Coming Season WELLINGTON WANTS BRIGHTER GAMES (From "Truth's" Special Wellington Representative.) . The standard of play among Wellington Soccer teams last year was most disappointing. It is hoped that the coming season will see a big improvement. _ •

THERE was too much of the "kick * arid rush", variety last season. f Tripping, swinging arms, elbow work, tapping ankles and other breaches were treated 'top lightly. • J i Perhaps now that the off-side rule has been altered, and is much easier to follow? the referees wijl not.be so lenient.. The balance-sheet of the Wellington Football Association came as a great shock to many followers of the game. „1 There were some very fair "gates".' last season, and the small balance was disappointing. . Over £100 represents outstanding fees. - Some clubs owe big sums :of money, yet they have been allowed to go - on for years. : . At last the W.F.A. has taken a stand m ths matter, but-the qlies* tion is: "Will they have the courage to put their resolution into effect?" The W.F.A. has always been v'a, poverty-stricken body and always will, be »until the day comes when they make senior football more attractive. Several delegates tried to stop clubs from having more than one senior team. A wise move, but it was defeated. '>'■■ • No one suggested doing away with the senior "B" grade, yet this 'would make for better football and ikeen competition for places among the senior teams. Players would take the game ' more seriously than they ,do at effect?" ' A reserve competition should also be run on friendly lines and the transfer system cut right out to enable a player to go frorri the first - team to the reserves at any time. ; The New Zealand Council must now

realize their folly of last 'year m refusing the visit of the English team. South Africa noticed our attitude and must have got the idea that there is no money m the/ game m New Zealand. ■• -, When, asked to send a team to th& Dominion they replied that a visit to. ' New ' Zealand would be "premature." Canada also refused, but seeing' that a strong English; eleven is to ■ tour Canada they could not send a team away. Providing that no .hitch occurs, however the Australians will shortly be with us.- ,-■■■■ ■'_■.. ■; Seeing that the N.Z. Council has consented to pay 10/- a day out-of-pocket expenses to the players* we can surely expect to get Australia's best team over. The Chatham Cup final . will be played, earlier this year, which is a step m the right direction. If the W.F.A. and the Council get the i. use of the Basin Reserve during the season some big "gates" should be seen there, and the new stand should bepacked. : School football was one of the most pleasing features of last season. ' The tournament was a "brilliant, suc^ • cess and the , clever play of the boya was a treat to' watch. The N.Z. Council and the W.P.A. should do more to foster, the game m the schools. ■."■■< » ' The day will come before long 1 when ,i there will be senior teams and Hutt and Johhspnvilte, and so 'much the better ' for the ganie. . t . '. . There are too many senior games played m the. city at present, and it - would be a sound policy to cater for the suburbs. ' ' * _. . t