"Little to Offer"

Many, probably most fresher athletes, are already members of outside athletic clubs, and in order to compete at tournament they are compelled to sell out from them. Their original clubs probably fostered and coached them for some seasons. Several notable New Zealand coaches strongly disapprove of the varsity clubs' rules, for when an unsuspecting fresher athlete is "persuaded" to change clubs his coach loses him, and all his hard work and planning is brought to a disappointing halt. If you have ever tried to coach anyone seriously you will recognise these sentiments.

It is understandable that an athlete who is dissatisfied with one club will join another to improve his or her ability. But this can hardly apply to the varsity clubs, for very little is done in the way of coaching here. Varsity clubs have very little to offer the serious young athlete because:

(1) The university year has ended before the athletic season begins and by the next year the season is almost over.

(2) Many students move away from Wellington during the holidays.

(3) Facilities and coaching are almost non-existent.

(4) The result is a poor club spirit and lack of enthusiasm.