ASSOCIATION CODE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 218, 14 August 1937, Page 7

ASSOCIATION CODE

NOTES AND COMMENTS. NATIONAL COUNCIL OE SPORT. (By “Centre-Half.”) The value of Association football as a developer of personal initiative and team spirit was the note struck at tlie last meeting of the council of the New Zealand Football Association, when the following report, which is to be presented to the Minister of Internal Affairs (Hon. AV. E. Parry), who proposes to form a National Council of Sport, was approved:—“After a careful perusal of the address given by tlio Minister, the New Zealand Football Association desires to heartily endorse the aims of the Minister and to commend him for his interest in the physical development of the people of the Dominion. Now that the five-day week is an established fact, we feel that some part of this time should be spent in recreation which would be beneficial in assisting to build up physique. “As a sports body we have endeavoured to provide this recreation by means of organised games of ■Association football ill the schools and through district associations and clubs in New Zealand. “To-day Association football is catering for all sections of our youth in providing a means of recreation to the less robust type who, being unable to take u]i the more robust game of Rugby, would become spectators. Association football calls for quick thinking, co-ordination of mind and body, and a skill which develops personal initiative and team spirit—valuable essentials for physical development.”

Tlie following suggestions were also forwarded lor consideration to Mr Parry 1. “The foundation and basis should be in tlie schools, a'nd it should be a recommendation to head teachers to see that one hour per week is set aside for organised games in each school. 2. “That pupils bo allowed to choose any sport or game they prefer and not be forced into playing any particular game. Note: Opposition has been encountered in certain schools, both primary and secondary, to Association l'ootbali, and many scholars are debarred from playing our game. 3. “There is sufficient demand to warrant the introduction of the code into tlie teachers’ training colleges so that a supply of teachers capable of supervising the scholars in Association football would be available.

4. “Suitable grounds should be made available and sports bodies should secure exemption from payment ol ground rents, amusement tax, etc. 5. “Tlie provision of suitable gymnasiums and halls for physical training, together with suitable equipment. 6. “Manufacturers and retail bouses should encourage their employees in the formation of clubs so that' they may participate in open competition.” Wave of Enthusiasm, A wave of enthusiasm for the code has been caused all over Australia by the visit of the English amateur team and officials in all the States are intent upon consolidating the position. Steps have already been taken to meet the increasing demand for international football by making the necessary move to obtain a. South African visit next season.

Duties and Powers of Referees. This week we take Rule L 3. “The Duties and Powers of the Referee,”

and tlio football public will sec that even a referee lias to conform to the rules just as a player is obliged to. The rule says: “A referee shall be appointed whose duties shall be to enforce the laws and decide all disputed points; and his decision on points of fact connected with the play shall be final so far as the result of the game is concerned. He shall also keep a. record of the game and .act as timekeeper. In the event of any ungcntlemanly behaviour on the part of any players, the offender or offenders shall be cautioned. If the play has been stopped in consequence of ungentlemanly behaviour by a player, it must be resumed by a free kick in favour of the opposite side. If a.ny further offence is committed, or in case of violent conduct without any previous caution, . the referee shall order the offending player or players off the field of play, find shall transmit the name or names of such player or players to his or their association, who shall deal with the matter. The referee shall allow for time wasted, lost through accident, or other cause, .suspend dr terminate the game whenever by reason of darkness, interference by spectators or other cause, he may deem necessary. The referee shall award a free kick in any case in which he thinks the conduct of a player is dangerous, hut not sufficiently so a.'? to justify him in putting in force the greater power vested in him. The power of the referee extends to offences committed when the play ha." been temporarily suspended and when the ball is out of play.”

That is tiie rule, and to explain everything that it covers would take up a full column, so 1 will give a few points that occur pretty frequently. A player leaving the field of play during the progress of a game (except through accident) without the consent of the referee will he deemed guilty of misconduct and will render himself liable to be penalised ; also, a player returning to the field of play must wait until the play is “dead” and must inform the referee before taking up his position or taking any part in the game, otherwise he is likely to be penalised. This also applies to a player coming on the field after play has commenced. A player is not entitled by word or action to show dissent from auv decision' of the referee. A referee is required to treat the breach of this

instruction as migentlcnianly behaviour. Ungentlemanly behaviour consists of many things; say, unnecessary talking and persistently shouting, offensive or foul language, arguing with anyone, or anything that would bring the game into disrepute. Persistent infringement of any of the laws of the game is ungentlemanly conduct within the meaning of this law, and the punishment for dangerous or ungentlemanly conduct is a “free kick from which a goal cannot be scored direct,” and don’t forget, .although the punishment is light in itself, the offender or offenders may be sent off the field.

The referee must see that all free kicks, kicks from goal and corner kicks are properly taken. As regards rough play, the referee has absolute discretion. Where lie considers the conduct of player dangerous, or likely to cause injury, lie must aw.ard a free kick. In doing so lie must caution the offender, and if the offence is repeated order the player off the field of play. The caution must be specific and personal. In the case of violent conduct, a previous caution is not needed, and a referee must never accept an anology. must not discuss or argue with players or officials on the field of play, must not argue points with players. officials or pressmen off the field of play, and must not point at. or pbt.ee a hand on a player when cautioning him. and he must check all foul or rough play at the outset.

The referee must he careful in deducting time for' stoppages, etc., and must blow his whist'e for half-time ,"ud full-time at the exact moment, whether the ball is in play or not. The only caso in which time can be extended is that of a penalty kick. 80 one will see that the referee himself is governed by rules, even by the rules he is applying to the play and players. The Manawatu Fixtures.

Although there are only two more games left in the last round of the Manaw.atu senior eha.mpions hip, the season lias by no means come to an end for the Manawatu exponents. Not only are there several games-to be played by the other grades, but also visits are being arranged from the AVatersklers, Wellington, and .a Wanganui representative team. Scottish

Wanderers (Wellington) have invited a Manawatu representative team to travel to Wellington for the purpose of playing a return game; also, it has been decided by the local association to enter a secondary school representative team in the soccer tournament which is this year to be held at Wanganui. It is expected that the season will not terminate until about the end of September.