Sport in ‘Canada is in trouble. This trouble extends even beyond the political take-over of our International sport and extends to the fantasy realm of the professionals. Look at Canadian Football. What was once a fine Canadian game is being altered to a very second rate American facsimilie. The rules committee of the C.F.L, is trying to force the time out situation into the Canadian game, as well as spending an unhealthy amount of time establishing relatively severe penalties on players and teams whose socks droop. While many might think this is a small item hardly deserving of note it should be pointed out that if this is the way our Canadian game is to be improved then this game is certainly on the way down. LITTLE NFL Let’s face it. The Canadian game is fast becoming nothing but a reservoir for the Americans. The coaches are Americans, the so-called key players are American, and the rules are becoming more American all the time. We should also remember that in the majority of cases we are getting Americans who can’t make it in their own game. The farce over the legs rule which will, if approved, give yardage penalties for continued abuse as well as fines, should be seen for what it is — a complete inability on the part of the people who control the sport to improve the calibre of the game on the field — a silly little exercise to justify their existence. And we mustn't forget hockey. The ‘czars’ of the league are beginning to talk about expansion into Canada and a restructuring of the league for only one reason; to try and take people’s minds away from the inadequate and _ feeble exhibitions being per- petrated nightly in front of what could soon be diminishing thousands. Any league which allows the farcial and = inane posturings of Harold Ballard to go by unchecked is ob- viously not concerned about what they are feeding the public. NHL NOT REAL WORLD The man, and the league by their inability to act, is playing games with the lives of employees to a degree that would not be tolerated for one minute out in the ‘real world.’ But owners rank supreme. Put Some Excitement in Your Day by Andy Fraser Learn to Dive! Feb. 11th Points West Diving POINTS WEST DIVING. 1073 Roosevelt Cres. North Vancouver 980-6501 _B3-Wednesday, January 30, 1980 - North Shore News le in sport And the violence con- tinues to be a problem in the league. As long as_ the fighting and ineptness on the ice continue to take the place of skill, the sport will continue to deteriorate. HAM-HANDED POLITICS Then we come back to the Amateurs. Suffice it to say that the politicians have shown their true stripes by attempting by ham handed threats, to take over not only the sport, but also to alter the thoughts of the athletes themselves. And all in the name of...what? They haven't really said have they? At least not to any satisfactory degree. What they are doing is attempting to use the athletes as weapons in their elections wars. And it is only because of . elections both here and in the United States that this particular action is taking place. How can anyone who is making the least attempt to be sincere, try and say we can't compete with the Soviets in Moscow, but we will welcome them to Lake Placid? It is solely because of tne U.S. elections and _ the millions of dollars spent in New York State that it is OK for the Soviets to come over here. Special Daytime Course Starts call It is also the ultimate in - cheap hypocricy. And the Clark government dances to the American tune without seeming to know why the dance is being held. It is not a vintage year for sport. - | We have honest interest in your future. When you choose from the Registered Retirement Savings Plans at your Credit Union, there are no strings attached. No hidden costs that can seriously affect the earning power of your RRSP. Talk to us today about the plan that best suits your needs. Whichever plan you choose, you can rest assured that it’s “Catch-Free,” from “The People with the Plans of a Lifetime.” 1. No entry fees. No sales commissions. No termination fee at maturity. No transfer fees. No hidden costs. No strings attached. Lan Insurance available *NORCU INSURANCE SERVICES LTD. 101 - 1112 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 986-4321 * A subsidiary of North Shore Community Credit Unton North Shore Community Credit Union Ae Valley Brench 4? Hose Raat QND-os Se onadele Banh ry PHD Lesnndale Ae ' nab alt Manne Dene Branch 1080. Marine Dr amo fhib The Village Branch 3031 Falgomom Aiva on9-022 The Dollar Branch J Dollanoo Highway North in the Dollar Shopping ( cate OTO-B18 The people with the plans of a lifetime. _ TRUSTEED BY CO-OPERATIVE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA