FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11718, 7 June 1916, Page 2

FOOTBALL.

CANTERBURY RUGBY UNION. DISCUSSION ON AGE LIMIT OF SENIOR PLAYERS. The Management Committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union met last evening; present—Messrs I'. T. Evans (in tho cha-ir), C. Buchanan, C. S. M'Cully, S. T7. Wilson. A. Dev.- AV. B. Fuller. A. Evans, L. Corbett, A. 7?, Blank. A. M'Phail and F. D. Kestnveu. Mr C. E. Bevan Brown, head master of the Boys' High School, wrote statins that the school had teen asked 'to take part in n 3enior competition for players under twenty | years. It agreed to play at Lancaster Park. under the impression that "under twenty'' I meant under that age at the beginning oi the season or on tho <lato of tho match. It learnt that it meant under twenty on the preceding January 1. The committee had decided that a player should be allowed to play against, the school when he was 21J years. The limit should have been IS> years on January 1. Under the present arrangement, boys of sixteen, seventeen and eighteen wero meeting men over twenty-one years of age. Mr P. Harvey, coach of the Christ's Collego team wrote protesting against the action of tho committee in raising tho aso limit. Ho said that he viewed the committee's decision with apprehension. It was unfair to certain players to add another year to the age limit. Tho committee would receive support from tho public if it reconsidered its decision. . Tho chairman said that ho had ascertainetj. that many players ware strongly opposed t6 the committee's decision, which placed tha school teams at a decided disadvantaged Tlio union was playinjr its Raines under exceptional circumstances, and ho thought that as there were no standing orders, tho motion m favour Of tho change should havo been refused, and the question should have been referred to the delegates. Ho was chairman at tho time, and ho felt that he stioula havo declared the motion to bis ultra vires. The school teams had entered under certain conditions, and then the committee had altered these conditions. 'IIo doubted if- tho committee reallv had the power to do that. Mr M'Ctilly moved that the committee s decision should bo rescinded. Mr Fuller seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr Buchanan. Mr Blank said that tho school teams were important, but football generally had to bo considered. He had moved the motion at tho previous meeting, because ho thought that the change was in the interests of the game. Ho hold that opinion still. Mr Kesteven said that ho agreed with Mr Blank. It certainly would not bo i progrcsI sivo to rescind the previous decision. _ _ Mr Dey supported tho previous decision, and said that, although the military question had been brought in, it was merely u side issue. Mr M'Phail moved, and Mr Blank- seconded. an amendment that a meeting -of delegates should be hold to the committee's action in altering the nee limit in senior competitions and also to consider the ago limit in junior competitions. The amendment was carried by seven votes to four, and it was decided that the meeting of delegates should bo held cn Saturday nest at 7.30 p.m. Mr Kestcven said that Dr Jennings had agreed to do anything for players in the union, without fees. Dr Jennings was appointed honorary doctor to the union, ana a voto of thank 3 was passed to him. A voto of sympathy was passed with Mr CTohn Harvey, who was injured in a recent tramway accident. Tho Public Schools' Association wrote thanking the committee for generous assistance during the season.

RUGBY REFEREES' ASSOCIATION. Tho monthly meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Referees' Association was held on Monday ovening, Mr C. Buchanan presiding over p, fair attendance. It was announced that Mr H. B. Gray had been appointed the association's delegate to the New Zealand Rcierc-os' Association. Mr T. Bond wrote, resigning his membership, as he intended to coaoli the Merivalo junior team. It was agreed that the resignation was unnecessary, and that tho secretary (Mr C. W. Hcrvey) should interview Mr Bond on the subject. Messrs R. T. Dunnett, H. T. Fuller and R. F. Piercy were, elected members. Applications wero received from several members for sweaters, and it was agreed to ask tho Kuirbv Union to provide these. Mr Hervev directed attention to the pt of teams supplied by clubs, and urged that the Teferoes should not accept theso lists, unless written in proper form. He had written to tho various clubs. A delegate directed attention to the practice of members of a, club playing m a match wearing different coloured jer-ova. Ho asked what would bo it referees position it the opposing club raised a protest. Tho chairman saicV that greater latitude must, bo allowed this year._ but referees should trv to check clubs playing except m uniform sweaters. It ws a matter for a referee's decision if a. prates* raised. SATURDAY'S MATCHES. Tho following is th® draw for the Canterbury Kugby Union's fixtures on oaairdav:Senior.—Christchurch v. Albion. C.ims.church ground. North lark. Mi TV. f_:irm:m: Lincoln College v. Mcnvalc A. Lancaster Park (south tr round), \\ atkins; 'Va.rs.itv v. Old Bow. Lancaster Park (west ground). Mr R. Cockayne ;Eoys Hiah School v. Belfast. Boys' llisii School eround North Park. Mr F. 0. Schmidt; Merivalo B v. Christ's College. Christ's College ground, Rev V 7 B. Scott: Linwcod v. Marists, Lancaster Park (ova!) Mr TV. BuKgan. Junior?.— Teleyranh Messengers v. Christ's Col Wo A, South Park (Albicn eround). Mr Ij. Selwood; Sydenham A v. Lvtteiton Hich School, Sydenham Par*. Mr li.. C&mubetl; Sydenham B v. "West Christchurch, Sydenham Park. Mr K. T. Dunnett; Technical College v. 1.-.-trelton Scouts, Linwood Park. Mr 11. M'lniosh: Bovs' Hich School A v. Beys' llic-h School 1> Nortn Park (Merivuio ground), Mr 11. Piercy; Marists v. Christ's College P». North Park (Marists' jrroundj Mr A. Martin. ASIIBURTON COUNTY RUGBY UNION, rinmini mot-tins- of the AoMnrtor

night. Mr F. Robilliard presiding over 5 {rood attendance. The report stated-that owing to the war or.lv two competition? were- held lest season, the President's and the Third Grade. Both grades wero won bv teams representing tho Southern Cross Club.» The School Cup was won by the Hitrh School team find the Banner wes won by the Hampsiead School team. A large number:cf members of the various clubs had enlisted, and tho union, while regretting the weakened condition of the clubs, had \nothing but admiration for the spirit of loyalty and sacrinco which prompted the membsrs to plav the greater came. Tllo balance-sheet showed a io?s of £lO 2s 2d on last year's working. Tho report and balance-sheet were 'adopted. It was decided to write to tho affiliated clubs aEkir.tr what tean:3 (consisting only of players under military age) will be entered in this year's competition. The election of officers was held over till nest meeting.