ASSOCIATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11506, 30 September 1915, Page 7

ASSOCIATION.

i **" TROUBLE AT A MEETING CURIOUS DECISIONS. (NOTES by CENTRE FORWARD.) With these notes, tho column closes for the year. A feature of the season | has been the absence of many of our lending players, due to Tho Call. All of' us hope that our brave boys will be "back on the soccer fields when the ball is sent flying in 101 G. I The Canterbury Football Association met on Monda-v night, when several matters of importance were discussed. ■ Campbell, of Sproydon, who had been notified to show cause why h>\ should not be disqualified for playing while a defaulter, woa advised to procure a book of rules and peruse them. V A decision which has called forth a storm of disapproval was the decision to take the shield away from Spreydon Juniors for minor breaches of the rules. Although this team were presented. with .the Hurley Shield, and still hate possession of it, they are to bo deprived of the trophy which they fought so hard to retain. Tho proper thing for the Canterbury Football Association to havo done if it was certain that the breach warranted the punishment, v»;is to hand the trophy to United, who were .ioint holders. Instead it was decided to present Spreydon's ! share to St Albans. Now how can the latter team hare any claim to the honour? The breach (f) was against United, and yet St Albans are to have a cut in. But the weakest part of the Canterbury Football Association's action is in notifying the United and St Albans teams that tho respective captains are to bo allowed to decide whether they will "fight if out.'' or be brotherly arid share the prize. If St Albans are well advised they will be content with the honour (?) of a. half share, as a glance at the table shows th-e positions of the two teams to be— United 2'2 points, St Albans T2. The financial result of the social last week was not very good. Players did not- support the function as well as was expected. *** At the Oxford Hotel last night tho Linwood Club met to say farewell to two ot ; their players, Alf. Baker and L. Austin, who arc- going to Trontharo. Tho function was a decided success. On behalf of the club, A. Baker was presented with a wristlet: watch, and Austin received a watch and collapsible drinking cup. Mr Baker lias been preceded by his wife, who left last week for Ued Cross work at the front. May the best of luck attend them. Centra-forward has been bombarded with queries as to why Weir, who was supended and warned oil all grounds for two years, should receive such punishment when certain Senior players have been aliened to continue playing, i The only answer which I can sive i& that the dcciiiou was out of all proportion to the breach, but the Canterbury Football Association have given some*.wonderful rulings on matters of importance to the game, and at no time have they shown that firmness which one would expect except when a minor grade player is apprehended.