AMATEUR ATHLETICS

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 205, 25 May 1921, Page 9

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

A COACH WANTED /, - - WELLINGTON CENTRE MOVES A special meeting called by the Weiling ton Centre of the Amateur Athletic Association was held last evening in the Y.M.C.A. Air. A. AV. 0, Travers presided. The object of the meeting .was to (jliscuss the desirability of obtaining a coach for the Amateur Athletic

Association, and the question of providing ways and means in furtherance of the scheme.

The chairman explained the object of the meeting, and Baid that their great-

est difficulty would be in respect to finance. They had gone into the matter tentatively, and it was thought that at least .£5OO would be required during the first year. Whether they had a man in New Zealand capable of coaching the athletes of Wellington waa a question they would have to consider. Some of them thought that they would have to go abroad for a competent coach, probably to America, in which case their ' initial expenses would be large, for the coach’s expenses out to Now Zealand ■would have to be provided. He called upon the secretary to explain what the actual proposals were. Air. J. O’Sullivan, the secretary, said that the Athletic Association had not gone forward, and they had done nothing to bring on the young athletes. The

majority of the younger members needed proper professional attention to bring them on. Indeed, it was their desire to go further, and have a coach to attend at the schools and teach the boys. Then he could visit the secondary, schools and give coaching there, and in the evening ha oould attend at the Basin Reserve or at any other place and coach the J’ounger athlotes, and he could also give eoturas on massage, etc. With respect to finance, it was calculated that it would cost at least 411000 to secure the services of a coach for a period of three years. It was thought that before the expiry of the period, the Government or the Education Board would see the necessity of assisting the scheme.

Mr. W(. H. Bennett, in supporting the scheme, said it would be quite feasible for the Education Board to subscribe towards the salary of the coach on condition that part of his time was devoted to coaching in the schools. It was part of the duty of the State to •ee that the physical culture of the children was properly attended to. Physical culture was a part of the education of the children, and a good coach was necessary to develop the physical •ide of school life. Perhaps proper representation made to the Government or the Education Board might result in some assistance being given in the matter.

Mr. H, Davies, president of the N.Z.A.A.A., said the sclieme was a courageous one; and two thihgs were necessary for its success: (1) Sufficient finance to see it through, and (2) to secure the services of a thoroughly competent man. Personally he did not think they could get such a coaoh in New Zealand, for ths man to fill the position must have a knowledge of anatomy, and must know all about the muscles. Some ten years ago they tried to got a coach in Australia, and found that there waa not a competent man to be obtained in the whole of Australasia. The question of finance was the main trouble; unless they oould obtain a subsidy from the Government or obtained, guarantors. He would have considerable difficulty. Ho thought it would be a very difficult matter to get the Government to assist in tlio matter.

It was generally agreed that the scheme of securing a coach was a very good one, but the financial side of the problem was admitted to be a very serious one. f

It was ewntunlly decided to hold another meeting in a. fortnight’s time to further discuss the matter.