"SOCCER” REFEREES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19531, 14 July 1925, Page 12

"SOCCER” REFEREES.

RELATIONS WITH THE O.F.A. A SUGGESTION OF FRICTION. Some evidence of friction between the executive of the Otago Football Association and the Referees’ Club was apparent at last night’s meeting of the executive, following a remark by AD 11. Brown, who staled that a number of referees wore resigning from the club. Mr E. Anderson commented on the number of resignations from the Referees’ Club. There seemed to bo some suspicion, ho said, that there was a want of confidence in the club towards the executive, or perhaps the boot was on the other foot. They should investigate and find out what the trouble was. “I, for one,” Mr Andersen continued, “would like to hear what they have to say, and I would also like an opportunity of telling them what I think. We must come to an understanding, and if we take the lino of least resistance wo are going to have trouble. There is only one way to fix things up, and that ie by meeting them face to face.” The Chairman: Vou had better appoint a sub-committee, gentlemen, Mr Andersen: I don’t think it’s a matter for a sub-committee at all, but for the referees and the executive. Mr G. Stanley agreed with the first speaker’s remarks, saying that his suggestion was a very good one. Mr MTnnes proposed that they should communicate with the referees by letter saying that it was understood that they felt some dissatisfaction with the 0.F.A., and asking them to state their grievance. Mr James: I would like to know what the bono of contention is, anyway. Mr Deuchrass: And so would I. Mr Brown said that the trouble ..rose from a letter in connection with two referees from Kaitangata. The letter was going to be considered 'by the referees the following night, and it was going to be a very serious case. Mr Deuchrass: Who for? The referees? Mr Brown: No, for the game in general. Mr Deuchrass: Question. Mr MTnnes: Let’s hear the letter again. Mr M’Gillivray wanted to know if the executive were in committee. Tho Chairman: No. Mr Deuchrass thereupon moved that they should go into committee. The motion was seconded by Mr M’Gillivmy, who said that they did not want tho press to make mountains out. of molehills. There was some dissension, one delegate remarking that it was a public meeting, and all their business should be in the open. The motion was carried by seven votes to six. It was reported, when tho executive resumed in open meeting, that on the motion of Mr Andersen, seconded by Mr M’Lean, the following resolution had been carried: “That the executive of the • Referees’ Club be invited to attend the next meeting of :ho O.F.A. for a round-table conference.”