Referee’s Opinion Accepted By Club

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 14

Referee’s Opinion Accepted By Club

After first pressing for “a pool of six top referees to control first division matches,” the Christchurch City club last evening bowed to the opinion of Mr T. C. Gottermeyer, the referees’ delegate, at the annual general meeting of the Canterbury Football Association.

Mr A. W. Wilson, who put forward the recommendation, said: “We expect to have the top players in the first division: it is our purpose to have the top referees controlling them.” Mr Gottermeyer, for many years the referees’ delegate on the C.F.A. management committee said the system proposed had been tried last year—and his association had lost on it. The referees had lost a New Zealand badge-holder because of this distinguishing of referees’ he said. Mr Gottermeyer added that in almost all cases, National badge-holders will be appointed to the top grade. The exceptions would be when a referee was sitting for his badge, or was being “tried out" in the higher grade. The system of a pool of leading referees last year had caused more dissension in the referees’ association than anything else in the last 20 years, said Mr Gottermeyer. Mr Wilson replied: “After I hearing Mr Gottermeyer’s explanation, we are prepared to abide by the appointments.” A second recommendation from City—that all provincial selections be notified personally by postcard—was noted, but a third was defeated. This

asked for teams and officials appearing at paying grounds to be supplied with passes Three amendments and alterations to by-laws were adop ted unanimously. The meeting supported a Rangers move to increase the mid-season transfer fee from 5s to £5. Proposing the motion. Mr E. Adam (Rangers) said it would eliminate work and cut down on transfers during the season. Changes of dates for the annual general meeting and the end of the financial year were agreed. The annual meeting will now be held no later than the second Wednesday of December and the year will close on October 31. The association secretary will be appointed by the management committee. No nominations were received for the position, vacated by Mr N. R, Dixon, who. however, will remain as treasurer. Officers elected were:— Patron, Mr G. Manning, president, Mr J. Smith; vice president*, Messrx W. W. Carruthers. W. F. C. Cook. R. Fullen, 1 > Jackson. G. Smith, V. R. Smith, and P Storer: solicitor. Mr .’ G. Leggat; auditor. Mr B. Frank land; treasurer Mr N. R Dixon management committee. Mesar* P W. L. George, H. Koster. M. W McKenzie, M. Pahl, O. N R< en R. Storer, J Thomson, R van der Monde, and R. J. Palmer