RUGBY REFEREES.

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19545, 6 April 1935, Page 3

RUGBY REFEREES.

WAIKATO ASSOCIATION. IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD. SUOCESS’FUL SEASON REVIEWED. There was a large and.r.epresentative attendance of delegates at the annual meeting last evening of the Waikato Rugny Referees’ Association. The president, Mr B. Chapman (Morrinsvillej, presided. In his report the psesident reviewed a fairly successful season generally. The active strength of the association had been well up to standard and the quality of refereeing had been well maintained with a pleasing uniformity In the interpretation of* the rules throughout the district. Ail four meetings held throughout the year had been well attended and at these interesting lectures had (been given. Several members of the Hamilton and Taupiri Associations sat for the examination set by the New Zealand Association and the results were very good, considering that the majority of the candidates were first and second-year referees. Congratulations were due to Messrs. G W. Nicholas (Taupiri) and F. Burgess (Hamilton) In obtaining the 80 .per cent necessary for a pass. No certificates from the New Zealand Association were awarded during the year, But Mr A. 'C. Watkins (Hamilton), was to be congratulated on qualifying for the honour, which would be presented in due course. No • alterations were made to 'the rules, but all subassociations were kept well posted respecting ruling and interpretations.

Scrum Infringements.

The association was represented by the honorary secretary at the annual conference of the New Zeaand Association, where it was decided to deal drastically with scrum infringements during 'the season. While there appeared to be a decided improvement in this respect during last season there was still considerable room for further improvement.

“During the season the association provided referees for several representative matches and also Peace and Findlay Cup and other_ union and interunion matches,” the report added. “ In all cases our referees gave satisfaction to the various unions and teams concerned. Auckland again accepted a Waikato referee to control the Auckland v. Waikato fixture in Hamilton. Previous trouble respecting this match has been amicably settled and local referees will receive greater consideration In future." The president concluded by expressing appreciation to all who had assisted "the association during the season. The balanco-sheet’ disclosed an excess of income over expenditure of £9 Ts 6d,

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet Mr 'Chapman expressed the opinion that the standard of refereeing had considerably Improved in recent years largely as a result of referees attending lectures and keeping themselves fully informed regarding the rules. The speaker emphasised the value of sending a delegate to the annual conference of referees.

The Rotorua association wrote asking for a clearance as it Intended affiliating with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.—A clearance was 1 accordingly granted. New Offloer3. The following officers were elected: President, Mr D. E. Scott (Cambridge); vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Hollis (Matamala), '’J’. IF. Kerr (’Cambridge), Rev. P. Sergei ('Hamilton), W. Moxson (Morrinsville), and presidents of Taupiri, Putaruru and Walpa Associations to be elected; secretary, Mr E. Thorpe; delegate to management committee of Waikato Rugby Union, Mr Kerr; delegate to Referees’ Appointment Board, Mr B. 'Chapman; rules committee, Messrs. S. E. Senior, B. S. Marshall and E. Thorpe; auditor, Mr A. C. Watkins; delegate to annual conference, Mr B. S. Marshall. Question of Appointments.

Considerable criticism was voiced concerning (lie appointments for representative matches made during the season by the Appointments Board. It was asserted that certain referees had received more than one important fixture, while others had been totally ignored.

After a full discussion, during which various suggestions were made for overcoming Ihc difficulty, Mr Chapman was re-appointed as delegate to the Appointments Board. Mr B. S. Marshall, who retired from the secretaryship after a long period of service, was elected a life member. Warm tributes were paid to the work accomplished for Ihc association by Mr Marshall, who was presented by Hie president with a life member’s badge. In reluming thanks Mr Marshall mentioned that although lie was relinquishing Hie position of honorary secretary he would ronliiuie lo lake a lively interest in Ihc affairs of Ihc association. A Tier |lie installation of Hie new president Ihc meeting conekuliiia with the usual votes of thanks.