HOCKEY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 July 1911, Page 4

HOCKEY.

THE QUESTION OF REFEREES

lb would appear (savs the Obi hi Mail) that the whole matter of referees for hockey matches requires some different treatment from what obtains wilder the Ho row henna Hockey Association. The cry .all .along has been, "what are (ve to do for referees?" and considerable difficulty has 'been experienced in 'providing efficient persons to control ■championship fixtures ever since the Same was started in the district. Tn our opinion, the Association has not gone the right way about improving matters. Take this season, for instance. Already, wo understand., that in ,110 less than three instances —there may have been more—individual clubs have objected to certain referees officiating in matches in which they were participating; ■and in each case the 'Management Committee 'has weakly given way, and appointed other persons to the, positions, even alter appointments ■had been, made. Ts it right that the clubs should dictate to the Union as to who should referee? Surely not! We admit the Management Committee lias much trouble in filling appointments, owing to the dearth of qualified persons willing to act, but let them do the ltest they can do with tlie material at hand, and not be dictated to by the playera, as they have been, in the past. We maintain flint- when the fixture* are drawn up, the referees should be appointed, and: no alteration should be made unless absolutely necessary, or some very good reason is adduced. Is it any wander that difficulty is experienced in securing referees when they are subjected to such treatment as above mentioned. The wonder is that anyone will consent to act under such circumstances If these referees are not fit to act in the matches w.liere objected to. thy should not be allowed to referee at all.