WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23505, 20 May 1938, Page 6

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

10 THE EDITOR Sir,—As an enthusiast for the sport, I read with interest the report of the meeting of the Otago Women’s Hockey Association in your issue of to-day. I would like to congratulate the executive on its decision to admit a representative of the Umpires’ Association to its meetings. As an old referee, I remember very well the numerous requests made by our association that this might be allowed, for it is, and always has been, most necessary that any sports executive should be in the closest possible touch with its umpires, and it is most desirable that a representative of the Umpires’ Association should attend meetings of the executive. I cannot, however, congratulate the executive on its decision not to send a team to the annual tournament; As we all know the sport depends on the players. They put everything aside week after week for the sake of their team, do their best at all times to raise the money which the executive requires and play with the ambition to gain representative honours at a “K ’ Cup tournament. lam sure the executive has taken a wrong view of the position. A plebiscite of our players would soon show the ruling body that its decision is most unpopular and, already, I imagine. I hear murmurings of discontent. Why raise money if it cannot be used for the benefit of our players who have a great deal more to learn by a week’s tournament play than by one day’s exhibition by a touring side? Last year I understand the players themselves raised the funds to go to Invercargill and they would, 1 am sure, do so this year if given the opportunity. Unfortunately, the newspaper report gave us no indication of the discussion on this most important matter and it is difficult to believe that those members of the executive who actually represent the players would agree without argument to the decision reached. Should an indication be given that the players wish to take part in the tournament and are prepared to work towards that end, the executive should lose no time in reversing its decision. The executive of any sports body is the servant of the players.—l am. etc., Ex-Referee. Green Island, May 18.