"SOCCER."'

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 544, 26 June 1909, Page 3

"SOCCER."'

; Sir,—Haying picked up Tire Dominion of May 22, I was delighted.to read an articlo by "Contre-Half". on tho progress of Association football. -It is encouraging to , seo "soccor". progress in New Zealand, as it is' doing in other.;countries, and tho Rugbvltes beginning to tremble ' at the -youths taking a fancy to it. It is more scientific, and there is loss risk of injury attached to it. When bx-Prosdent Roosevelt first saw the game of "6occer" ho was.so delighted at it that he advised all the schools and colleges to tiike.it up, and told has son to take no tho game nlso. There\was one tiling "that "Centre-Half" omitted. That was .the progress of the Referees'.Association, but perhaps there is' not a body formed yet. If not, ono - should be formed at' ouoa, u »

ferees are benefited by it greatly, not on the rules of the gamo, but on lots of different points that crop up. Moreover,.they are altering clauses every year at, tho International Association at Home. It keeps the refereo well posted up, hearing the different lectures at those' meetings, and ho knows what to do.on the field. There is one thing in which I don't agree with Mr. Holmes, that is the duties of secretary, and employing his business hours in doing his correspondence. In my,experience it is impossible during tho cup tie season to do without a little of it, for it is a very responsible job notifying visiting clubs and referees, and attending to playing ground.' It rests on his shoulders to cancel ; tho match within the time laid down on the' rules., I have had a'fair experience of official duties of a' club in the Old Country, "including trainer, and I consider the secretaryship is the worst position to hold. "Soccer" is:not very much in Nelson, because they are at a disadvantage for playing ground, suitable for spectators, and cannot get matches arranged outside owing to the. boat service, and the public don't'know much about the game. But they are all looking forward to the visit of the ."Springboks.''- Nelson would willingly affiliate with Wellington if they would take them under their wing and send across a'representative team before'the visit of the "Springboks" to got them thoroughly set going, and raiso the enthusiasm. —-I: am, etc., '■■'■ : -< J.C- GLAEK, •.Nelson. - -'-'■■;' '-■ Ex-referee.