BADMINTON COMMENTS

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1935, Page 12

BADMINTON COMMENTS

SPALDING SHIELD EVENT llll / SUGGESTION OF, DIVISION (By “Shuttle.") One important feature of the badminton in Taranaki this season has been the Spalding Shield for interclub competition, won by Hawera after close matches. In making provision for doubles play only, the competition served a useful purpose and there is no question of its value to the game in Taranaki, where doubles play is deplorably weak. ? One matter in connection with, the competition that must occupy attention pf the associatioA next year is the ques- t tion of division of the clubs into A and B grades, or alternatively, the introduction of a handicapping system. * # « « At present the competition is conducted on zoning principles, the 20 clubs of Taranaki being divided into four zones for geographical purposes. The winners of the zone meet in elimination contests for the shield. # # e * The system is a splendid one in determining the winner, but it has the weakness of giving the older clubs of the province a distinct advantage. \ Hawera, for example, is one of the oldest clubs in the province, and having played the game consistently for several seasons, its members have acquired the experience which only comes with prolonged practice. New Plymouth, too, is in the same category.

What does seem obvious is the institution of A and B grading. Handicapped by low ceilings, poor lights and lack of rup-baCk, country clubs in Taranaki have no chance of competing on an even basis with clubs like New Plymouth where the amenities are so good. Individually, the country players may—and some have already done so—rprogressed to great things, but as a club the members will always lack the experience of playipg on first-class courts. If clubs with two years and more experience were placed in the A grade and the remainder in the B; the result would be improvement of play, considerably keener competition, and a general benefit. in the playing standards in the province.

It could even be conducted ®n the Davjs Cup principle, with the holders standing but from the ordinary competition, but that method would probably have shortcomings. * # # • The handicapping of clubs has obvious difficulties which would make careful and accurate checking more a maker of good fortune than skill. It could be * discarded, after, reflection, as not' the trouble involved. » * • * The present method of playing competition is undoubtedly the best. What should be insisted on, however, is that a team should comprise four men and four women, for it is only by giving both sexes opportunity for play that improvement can be expected.