Athletes Want More Say

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31004, 9 March 1966, Page 15

Athletes Want More Say

"The Press" Special Service

WELLINGTON. New Zealand's athletes are seeking more say in the conduct of their sport. At a special meeting called during the national track and field championships moves were made to form a special body for this cause. It will probably be known as the Association of New Zealand Athletes and stems from a move supported first by a number of northern athletes. Leaders in the movement include international competi-

tors such as L. R. Mills. R. A. Williams, D. S. Norris, and J. L Davies Some athletes claim that such widely-travelled men as these could well have many helpful suggestions to make to the officialdom of sport. Though the proceedings of the meeting have been kept quiet, it is obvious that the

promoters are seeking to have a louder voice on a cooperative basis with administrators rather than forming a kind of union. After the meeting, it was announced that the avowed aim of the group was to give competitors a more direct say than they have at the moment, but not a demanding one. Local And National It is envisaged that representation will be sought on both local and national controlling bodies. Moves along these lines have been taken in several other countries over the last few years.

A member from North Auckland. Mr I. Salmon, was named as the liaison officer for the new association, but it is not yet clear what his duties will be. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association has not made any decision on what say the athletes’ group may be granted, but a meeting between the two bodies may be held.

Constitutional and organisational rules could have to be changed to permit direct representation.