Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1906. FOXTON FOOTBALL. OUR REFEREES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3629, 27 March 1906, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 1906. FOXTON FOOTBALL. OUR REFEREES.

As we shortly venture on our winter pastime, Rugby, time seems opportune to deal with the matter of referees. This difficulty may be overcome this season if players generally realise the position and support the proposal of their Executive to form, a local reterees’ association. \Ve see no reason why capable men should not be found in our midst, and it .only needs players to take in the situation, and wc shall he saved the expense entailed of importing arbitrators —many of whom have not given entire satisfaction in the past. We venture to saj- that not a single game was played last year at which the referee was not found fault with by someone or the other. This should, not be. Those who generally find fault have, as a rule, but a meagre idea of the rules of the game itself, and hence it is that trouble always ensues-. Personally, we would urge upon players to give local referees their confidence and support, and thus try and help to rid football circles of much of the ill feeling which has existed in the past two seasons. We understand the subscription fee of the association will be a nominal one and it behoves all players to avail themselves of the opportunity to further educate themselves on the fine points of the game. It is proposed to hold weekly meetings, and there to discuss the actual meaning of all rules, besides which explanations and opinions of rulings on each match played in Foxton should be both interesting and educating. If players can thus be brought into contact with referees, we venture to assert there will be little argument over the 1906 matches, as players will become more acquainted with the rules than at present, and naturally will learn to treat referees’ rulings with more respect. Of course, any enthusiast may join the Association, though it.should be understood no pla} r er can officiate with the whistle. We are pleased to note that the Awahou Club intend to foster the interests of the Association, and trust other clubs mav lend their

a ipport. By the way, Oroua Bridge and Porotawhoa speak of entering teams for the Austin Banner, and these clubs should meet immediately, and get into working order. Another Club is said to be on the more (or Foxton, while Awahou may possiby run an A and B team. Moutoa also speak of entering a 11 item. If sufficient ind,. : ':,.:nent offers, a Wednesday competition for juniors may be arranged.