SPORTS REFEREE’S POWERS

Taranaki Daily News, 16 January 1931, Page 7

SPORTS REFEREE’S POWERS

disqualification of cyclists.

UNWIELDY SYSTEM CHANGED.

Powers of a referee at a sports meeting were discussed at ! a meeting of the N.Z.A.A.C.U. at Stratford last night. On behalf bf North Canterbury Mr. Walter moved a remit designed to alter a .clause in the cycling rule. 69 so that a referee shall have power to fine for a race or to disqualify for a race or a whole meeting, any. rider or riders who broke the racing rules. . Mr. Walter said at the present time the referee had no power and-had to call -he committee together. That procedure was unwieldy and often difficult to accomplish. Mr. Fraser thought the proposal was a little drastic as a referee should not have the power to disqualify. He should report to the committee which could take whatever action was necessary. If a man were fit to be a referee be would be qualified to. fine a competitor and to disqualify him too, said Mr. ”irxwood. He favoured the proposed alteration as k would eliminate much controversy and delay at sports. Though he considered a referee should have power to fine or disqualify for a race Mr. Newlands thought, the official should not be empowered to disqualify for a whole meeting. ... He still favoured the remit in its original form, Mr. Walter replied. He had seen riders do the most unsportsmanlike things in races and he was firmly that the referee should be able to adopt the sternest ’ measures and to disqualify for a meeting if necessary. _ An amendment was carried to the effect that a referee Jbe empowered to fine for a race or to disqualify for a race but- not for a whole meeting.