WOMEN ATHLETES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 190, 13 August 1938, Page 3

WOMEN ATHLETES

SEPARATE COMPETITION N.Z.A.A A. QUESTIONNAIRE In an endeavour to arrive at the views held by the centres in New Zealand on the question of participation by women athletes in international meetings also open to men, and other aspects of athletics for women, the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Council has sent out a questionnaire, a copy of which was received by the Wellington Amateur Athletic Centre at its meeting on Tuesday night. As an indication of some aspects deserving consideration, the council submitted the following points:— “(a) Whether or not it is advisable that women should have separate control of their own branch of the sport; if not immediately practicable, then as soon as possible. “(b) It is understood that at least one country has decided not to send mixed teams to the games in future. “(c) So long as women athletes are under the control of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association are they not entitled to representation the same as male- athletes? “(d) J. E. Lovelock has expressed himself as being opposed to women competing in international competitions such as the Olympic Games. “(e) Whether or not high-class international competition is harmful to women.” Report From Lady Officer. The centre also had before it a report from Mrs. A. D. Rowes, lady officer to the centre. In this report Mrs. Rowes expressed the view that she diet not think the time was opportune for separate control of women’s athletics, but she believed that something should be done to give the women an active voice in the management of the sport by setting up a women’s sub-commit-tee to make recommendations to the centre. Mrs. Rowes said she did not think mixed teams should be sent to the games, but that there should be two teams under separate control. If the control of the women’s team was fairly strict and members were advised before confirmation of their selection of the conditions under which they would be placed while away, she thought that much unpleasantness could be avoided. Replying to the third point, Mrs. Rowes considers that it is indisputable that under the present system of control the women athletes are entitled to the same representation as men, provided, she added, that they come up to the standard required. Mrs. Rowes said she would like to know whether Dr. Lovelock made hU statement opposing the participation of women in international competitions from observation as a male participant or from his knowledge as a medical student. Dealing with the final question Mrs. Rowes said she felt that this was one rather for medical men after a careful study of the subject. She said, however, that she did not think athletics, as indulged in at present, were more harmful to women than games such as hockey, basketball, tennis, etc. To enable delegates to give the matter careful consideration, discussion, at the suggestion of the president, Mr. A. C. Kitto, was deferred until the next meeting.