BASKETBALL

Southland Times, Issue 22008, 6 May 1933, Page 15

BASKETBALL

(By

“Defence.”)

If to-day is wet, matches will be postponed at midday. The general meeting to consider finance is called for Thursday at 7.30 p.m. Clubs should see that they are well represented. Matches against Makarewa (first, second and fourth) and against Bluff will be played on the home courts; all the other games are in town. Makarewa and Collegiate both registered four wins—a very good beginning for this season. In spite of the weather Kennington looked very smart in their new uniforms. Waianiwa were out for the first time and have some knowledge of the game. When using the courts at night, players must pay when they get the keys. The keys will not be handed over otherwise. Mrs E. Mortimer has been elected a referee. The next executive meeting wMI be held on Thursday. The Collegiate tournament is on May 24; entries close on May 17. All fees are due by May 15. Postponements. I am always stating here that the decision of where to play the match is made definitely at 12 noon. If the weather changes after that no alteration can be made. Last Saturday it commenced to rain at 12.30 and therefore matches had to go on as first arranged—at Duke Street. One team had to default their game because some members decided that as it was raining at 2 p.m. matches must be inside. Players should take very special note of that. The postponement committee keeps quite definitely to that arrangement. Also when players ring 1283 for information they should not ask for anyone; but simply ask where the games will be played. On a day like last Saturday, the telephone goes continuously and players can help by being as expeditious as possible. Cafeteria. Afternoon tea is provided for referees and scorers between matches and others can obtain the same for the small charge of threepence. At present there is no one in charge of this department and the executive would be most grateful to receive assistance here from ex-players or any interested person. In the same way the executive has very‘few scorers this season and would again be pleased to receive help. Last Saturday in all the bad weather at least one scorer was on the courts continuously from 2.30 to 5 p.m., even to having to miss her cup of tea. This makes things very strenuous indeed. Referees’ Association. The first meeting of the Referees’ Association for the year was held on Saturday, weather notwithstanding. Two junior members were elected and it is hoped that others will offer their services also.' The matter of “blocking” and “personal contact” was discussed in all aspects, and it was de-

cided that in matches where it was at all marked, the referee should stop the match, warn both teams, and then immediately penalize the next player who was guilty. Referees were also reminded of the new rule pertaining to the 12ft line. Players cannot jump over that line into the ball, as has been done in the past. The one other point, raised, was the fact that it is illegal to throw or bat a ball in any way and catch it again before it has been touched by another player. This is most prevalent amongst junior players—due sometimes to the fact that it is badly passed and that the player to receive it is too slow. It is extremely poor play that causes the infringement and if the practice were penalized more often it would tend to speed up the game of the lower grades. The next meeting will be held at 2 p.m. to-day and those referees who are in town are asked to be present. Costume. There is a very definite rule that players must be in correct costume and that the referee has authority to order off a player who does not conform to this rule. Therefore no jewellery, watches, rings, bracelets, etc. must be worn. Several complaints were received last week concerning girls who were injured by sharp pins. It is not the duty of the referee to remind players of this restriction; therefore do not be surprised if the next time you are playing with these extras you are requested to leave the field. The matter is quite serious, so players should please take note. Registrations. Some teams played girls whom they had failed to register. If it happens again, they will forfeit their match if they win and be fined if they lose. They may register up to 14 girls for any one team, and are particularly asked to remove from the register any girls who have left the club. The association does not want the register loaded with names of non-players. This last week there were no team slips from Makarewa first grade and St. Mary’s, Kiwi and Rata fourths. Please see that the grade of the match is entered on the team slip. Teams who play in the country must see that the team slips (not scraps of paper) are handed to the referee before the game commences. The onus is on the captain to remember to do this. If each captain will remember these duties, it will lessen the work of the Match Committee considerably. The Games. It was very sad that after such a mild morning, last Saturday afternoon should have been wet. Still, although the courts were very wet and the balls correspondingly heavy and greasy, the rain was not bad enough for the games to be postponed. The postponement committee does not intend to put matches indoors this year when at all preventable, as it means that one grade gets no games on such a day. As for a couple of seasons now, almost .no matches have been played outside if it has been at all damp even, players have not become at all accustomed to handling a wet ball. It was interesting to see those who could manage a ball wet or dry. From that point of view, the day had some value. I am afraid I have got too unaccustomed , to damp weather conditions also and consequently I saw very few of the games. Makarewa firsts had a very good game with Bluff and there was almost nothing to choose between the teams, which speaks volumes for the improvement in the Bluff team. Makarewa are always a difficult team to beat. At one stage the score stood 11—11, but Bluff could never get ahead. The score, Collegiate (9) v. Kiwi (7), was a good indication of the game. Collegiate were just always ahead in play and in scoring. Here and there Kiwi put on an extra spurt and showed some fine play, but they were not able to keep up the pace. It was pleasing to see this club with a first grade team again, and one feels that with more practice, Collegiate will have to fight hard to win in the second round. The best game from the referee’s and spectators’ point of view was that between High School and Rata. J. Lamont, who showed such promise for Rata B last year, is shaping very well in High School’s defence third. High School have other new players this year who show a good knowledge of the game. They handled well last week, but their shooting was weak. They were playing against experienced players and they failed in some passing movements on account of that. All the Rata players were in good form, but the forward line will lose many oportunities if it does not come out to the ball from the centre. And that, I am sorry to have to say, is all I saw of last week’s games.