THE "SOCCER" CODE

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 20, 19 October 1920, Page 8

THE "SOCCER" CODE

NEW ZEALAND FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING A special general meeting of the governing body of the "Soccer" code was held in the Accountants' Chambers for the purpose of discussing the promotion ■of the game throughout the Dominiou. Mr. F. J. Courtney (vice-presidoni) occupied the chair, and there were also present: Messrs. H. G. Mayer (vice-presi-dent). H. J. Buck (trustee), T. M'Larcn (Auckland), C. F. Ward, and A. Williams (Wellington), 11. Rhodes and W. O. Brvce (Canterbury), J. C. Cameron and C. E. Fordham (Otago), H. I. Graves (lion, treasurer), and B. L. Salmon (hon. secretary). Brown Shield. Resolutions favouring alterations to the rules governing challenges for the Brown Shield were submitted. It was agreed that the time had arrived for the playing of shield game.? on grounds other than those of the holders of tho shield, also that under the present rules thfl home association receive three-fifths ot the net irate, and the visitiing team twofifths. Tho rules are also to be altered so that extra time of thirty .minutes shall be played, if the game is a draw at call of time., Appeals Board. It was ngreed to alter the rule concerning appeals from affiliated associations or clubs, so that appeals concerning the laws of the game shall be dealt with by a special committee consisting-of holders .of the New Zealand badge. On the suggestion of the Otago lootball Association, a new-association, consisting of eight clubs, is to be formed in South Otago. , , „., f „. A .proposal to move the hendqtiartetfl of the council from Wellington received no support, and a suggestion to enable associations to send spec al delegates lapsed for want of a seconder. Schools Football. The important subject of school football was discussed at considerable length, great stress being laid on the fact that boys who have learnt and favour the game in the primary schools are prohibited from playing the game, in the secondary schools. The chairman suggested that a letter should be sent to all schools interested, pointing out the difficulties which are being experienced, and suggesting how they can be overcome. This was agreed to. Visits of Overseas Teams. It was decided to extend a definite invitation to the New South AVales Football Association to fend u team to tour New Zealand, provided sufficient guarantees are forthcoming. The Wellington Association proposed that instead of pooling tho gate moneys as suggested, each association be as"ed to guarantee a slated amount, any niouoys derived over such guarantee to go towards the funds of the association concerned. This resolution gave rise to considerable discussion, nnd was eventually lost by 13 voteß to 5. The original decision of the council of the N.Z.i'.A., that all moneys be pooled, therefore stands It was decided that if the New South Wales tour eventuates, next year a return visit to New South Wales be made as soon as possible afterwards. Tho proposed visit of an English team was considered at length, the chairman . giving full details of all the negotiation? tor a to.ur of New Zealand and Australia in 1022. It was pointed out that the recent heavy increases in steamei fares and expenses incidental to getting the team together in England would probably bring the co3t of such tour to over .£7OOO. It was felt that it might be' advisable to delay the tour until 1923, when there was every prospect of a considerable reduction in expenses, especially tho fares. ; The question of guarantees was raised, and it was, decided that the New South Wales tour be definitely cleared up before associations (lie agaiu called upon for the English visit, The principle of appointing a board to control such tours was approved. Tho Otago Association pointed out that they were floating a small company to arrange their finances for these tours. Negotiations for the English tour will Tie arranged through the board to be set up- by the New South' Wales Eootball Association. Failing a team 'being sent by tho Football Association, the Scottish Football Association is to be approached. North V. South Island Match. The application of the Otago Association to have tho inter-island match played in Dunedin in 1921 was noted, and referred to the council for consideration. It was decided to procure a sufficient number of referees' charts for future Dominion requirements. Tho following recommendations were carried:— That special efforts bo made for competent persons* to take charge of and couch boys' teams. That associations arrange for referees to give weekly lectures to players on the laws of the game That a conference of referees from affiliated associations b» held if possible so as to arrange a more uniform interpretation of the laws of the game. That affiliated associations supply to the Press all football matters of interest. That associations interchange any correspondence likely to be 'of interest and advance the game.