SENIOR CADETS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 34, 4 November 1920, Page 5

SENIOR CADETS

IMPROVING THEIR PHYSIQUE

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIP TO ./ BEHELD-

NEW FEATURE OF TRAINING SCHEME

That tho general physique of young New Zealanders is not all that it might bo has been proved by tho results' of the Medical examinations of recruits for tho ■JMpeditaonary jr orcoj an( j ayi ofeffecting an improvement in the physical •standard of tho rising generation the Defence authorities have .d'edided to inaugurate what-will bo known as the Dominion Cadet Physical and .Recreational Training Championship. It was hoped that, it would bo possible to start tho chamjaonship this year, but owing to unavoidable delay it ia doubtful whether th.) competition can bo held before next year.

■ Eules for the championship' have been framed by Lieutenant-Colonel J. L. Sleeman (Director of Military Training), and they have been so drawn up that overy cadet company in the Dominion can aspir.i to championship honours. This is mode possible by dividing the championship into two divisions, one for the cadets of secondary schools and the other for ordinary Senior Cadet units. As the cadets, at secondary schools have decided advantages over other cadets in the matter of training, eto., it was considered that this division was necessary if the ordinary cadet -units were to have a chance. Every cadet on the strength of • a unit,' no matte?- what his length of service, will be examined in physical training by officers .commanding districts. I'rom the preliminary, rounds district commanders will select tho most efficient I units in each division, - and these will afterwards bo inspected and tested by the Direotor of Military Training and the Chief Instructor in Physical and Unjißat-ioES-i Training, who will, award marks as under,' tbe marks awarded to tho winning unit tp be carried forward to the championship marks:—Officers and n e.o.'s instructions and orders carried out, 10; smartness of appearance, 10; alacrity of movement, 10; general physical training knowledge, 40; general discipline and good carriage, 10; attendance (on-a mark, will be deducted for every cadet absent during the inspection up to the full total of 20 markß), 20; total, 100. • Up to this stage the competition will bo inter-unit, all members of iinits taking part, but subsequently ' officers commanding the selected units will pick a team of 20 from their companies, and iheso teams will be assembled at one contro for-.the purpose of deciding the championship winners in each division. The championship will bo awarded to the company whose respective team scores, the highest marks in 1 the following events: —Director of Military Training inspection, 100; physical training toa'm competition, including minor games, E0; standjydised athlotics (high and long jump, *Cloydf. sprint,; throwing cricket ball,'and relay race), approximately GO; basket ball, 43; total, 288. Eight, teams will participate in the championship competition, and the 160 competitors, being the most sthletic and efficient cadets in tho Dominion, • should provide a day's sport which to spectators should prove a highly • interesting programme. | Secondary schools cadet contingents will be plated in the "right" division, and the. winners of this divisional competition will hold for pne year a cup donated bv. Mr. Eric F.iddiford,. of Orongorongo, •file "left" division, will consist cf Senior Cadet companies other than those belonging to secondary schools, and the winners of the competition in this division Will compete for a cup- presented by Colonel G. P. C. Campbell, C.Jt.G., V.D, <Coast Defence..Commander, Wellington. Ij addition, certificates will be awarded to each member of representative teams competing in tho championship final, a special design being provided for members of the winning teams. BofA Mi'. Riddiford and) Colonel Campbell are keenly interested in tho welfare of Senior Cadets and their generosity in. providing the two cups, which are beautiful and costly, will undoubtedly stimulate cadet training, and, incidentally, be a great factor in improving the health of tbe youth of tho Dominion.