SPIRIT OF THE GAME

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20481, 28 July 1936, Page 8

SPIRIT OF THE GAME

NEW COMPETITION AT AUCKLAND PROPOSALS OUTLINED The Auckland Rugby Football Union recently considered the suggested constitution of the subsidiary competition which it is proposed to run among senior clubs during the series of representative games from August 1 to August 22. This was drawn up by the special committee appointed after the recent conference between the union and then senior club delegates. It is proposed that the competition shall extend over four Saturdays in August, and that, in addition a match be played on September 19 if necessary. The ordinary rules and regulations relating to grade competition matches shall apply, except that points shall be scored as follows: (a) Loyalty to captain and conduct on and off the field, 10 points; (b) Punctuality at kick-off and at half-time, 10 points; (c) adherence to rules and spirit of game, 10 points; (d) for a win, 10 points, for a draw, 5 points. In the event of two or more teams being level at the end of the competition the deciding factor in arriving at the winners shall be the points scored for and against. The sub-committee suggested that the winning team in this competition be given a game at the end of the season with one of the sub-unions, travelling at the expense of the union; that the majority of games be played on the home grounds of the teams participating, the home side to provide refreshments after the game for the visiting officials and players; and that during the course of the competition a combined smoke concert among the competing clubs be arranged. Spirit of the Game In explaining the proposals, Mr R. F. Galbraith, a member of the special committee, said it was felt that senior players just as much as juniors could benefit by observing the spirit as well as the letter of the rules. The special rules governing the competition would mean that the identity of the winning side would not be known until it had been finalised. The idea of entertaining for visiting teams, and of the smoke concert, was to promote a spirit of friendship between clubs and players, and he suggested that if a smoke concert were held it might be held on August 22, when the Australian team could be present, thus giving the rank and the file of senior footballers, as well as the representatives, an opportunity to meet the visitors. The proposals were adopted, details to be sent to the clubs by circular. Handling a Greasy Ball: Although the two New Zealand selectors did not see the candidates for the South Island team under the best conditions on Saturday, they must have at least noticed the remarkably fine handling of the greasy ball by some of the backs. It was a day when more than the usual number of dropped passes could have been excused.