MEMBERSHIP OF FOOTBALL CLUBS

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 15, 3 October 1929, Page 4

MEMBERSHIP OF FOOTBALL CLUBS

A KNOTTY POINT I f THE CASE OF HAMILTON. . , ‘ i bast night the Rugby Union coin sidereq the case stated by the Celtic (Sub, as regards the playing of J. Hamilton by the Stratford Club against Inglewood. The allegation was that Hamilton at the time was a member of the Celtic Club, his resignation having been accepted conditional on the payment of two years’ subscription which had not been done. It was decided, after consideration, to advise the Celtic Club that Stratford had played Hamilton in conformity to the Union's iider. and that in the case of non-incorporated clubs each season’s membership was complete in itself.' STRATFORD’S CASE. Mr I). J. Malone attended the meeting to explain the position of the Stratford club. He said that, asi selector for the club, he took full responsibility for playing Hamilton,, who was a good type of player, but was really a soccer player. Before the match the speaker consulted with the Inglewood team, mentioning that there might be a <Jonbt as to how the Union might rule regarding Hamilton, but Inglewood said they had no objection to him being played. Hamilton was one of the most promising players the speaker had seen in the district; having tremendous speed and plenty of head. In a statement Hamilton said he had! played three games for Celtic juniors right at the end of last season. These games were played at the request of Celtic Club officials. During the summer he had injured a leg and he did not expect to be able to play football, but his leg improved and it was suggested that he should play for the Stratford Club to give his leg a try-oui. Ho saw the Celtic secretary a.ndl denied that he was a Celtic Club menu her for the present season. As a- matter oT fact, said Mr Malone, Hamilton had merely applied to the Celtic Club for a clearance. M r V r . H. Moyes asked if Celtic was right by playing Hamilton m the previous year, seeing that h e was unfinaneial.

RULES BROKEN. Th© chairman (Mr J- McLeod): That is where the clubs break their own rules and the. rules of the Union. Mr J. Goodwin asked! about the case of O’Keefe. The “chairman said that was a case of a transfer during the playing season. At th© end of a season a play er ceased to be a member of hi® club and could* join any dub he liked at the beginning of the next season. Whether or not he was financial, ff his club failed to notify the Union that is nnfiiiancial. In reply to Mr Goodwin, Mr Malone s-ml iie had been decided: to play Hamilton against Okato as a try-out in view of“ selection to play against Star tffcato forfeited, and Hamilton was not played against Star, not liecause of «• to If f tus but because lie had a try "° * . Decision on the matter was as t - ©di above. _