ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22205, 7 March 1934, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

REFEREES' ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the Otago Association Referees' Club was held last evening, the president (Mr W. P. Smith) presiding over a fair attendance. The report stated that the season had been a long and strenuous one, but the interest of members had been well maintained, with an average of 16 for the fortnightly meetings. During the year eight referees were examined in the oral and theory test, Messrs A. Paterson, G. I. Latimer, and the Rev. J. Ferry being successful. Four condidates were put to the practical test, but none of them passed., It was explained that the percentage for a pass in this test, had been considerably increased on instructions from Wellington. Local referees officiated in all the English Trophy matches played in Dunedin. and were complimented by the visiting teams on the high standard of their refereeing. Attention was drawn to the' growing tendency of'players to misconduct themselves on the field, and referees are asked to take up a firm stand and help to keep the game clean. The departure of Mr S. Wilson, a New Zealand badge holder, to Tasmania was a distinct loss to the club. In conclusion, the report extended thanks for assistance received from the 0.F.A., and also to the members of the Examination Board and Appointments Board for the, able manner in which their onerous duties had been carried out.

On the motion of the chairman, the report and balance sheet, showing a credit balance of 10s 6d, were adopted. The following officers were elected: — Patron, Mr J. B. M'Callum; president, Mr W. P. Smith; vice-presidents—Messrs J. Morwood and H. Bunn; secretary and treasurer, Mr E. V. Begbie; delegates to O.F.A.—Messrs J. Morwood and W. P. .Smith; delegate to N.Z.R.A., Mr G. Graham; Appointments Board—Messrs J. Morwood and H. T. Knight; Examination Board—Messrs W; Fleming, F. G. Smith, J. B. M'Callum, W. P. Smith, and A. Riach The secretary of the New Zealand Referees' Association advised that the annual meeting would be held at Wellington on April 10, and it was, decided to nominate Messrs W. Fleming, J. B. M'Callum, W. P. Smith, and F. G. Smith as vice-presidents.