Rayner Trophy 1956 Report

The following is the report for the Western Cape's Rayner Trophy competition of 1956:

Report

The Competition was held at Gilcape (Eerste River) and roundabout on 22nd/23rd September, the Chief Judge being the Commissioner for Scouts, Mr. E. Rutter. The competition was one of the usual camping kind with tests covering most of Scouting activities and produced, as usual, a large amount of competition and fun.

Whilst it is an admitted fact that some disappointment was caused when the conditions were sent out it nevertheless is true that these conditions were published as far back as November ,1955, after they had been decided on by Commissioners Council. There was no complaint from Scouters at that time.

The actual competition was limited to six teams. Rather disappointing from all points of view. The participants themselves were not disappointing. Things which were quite out of the ordinary were tried and were met with cheerfulness and good humour. Scouters may find some food for thought and perhaps some ideas for further programmes from the comments on the various tests. If you are prepared to accept this suggestion, study the tests and remarks and talk with your team to ascertain where they fell down.

The standard was reasonably high, but it is most regrettable that so few Groups could put together a team to enter for this Competition. The conditions were simple. The Competition was for Scouts of 15 & over and a large number of Groups were eliminated straight away because they could not produce 4 scouts of 15 years over and others were eliminated because although they could find 4 scouts, they had not two with the 1st Class badge.

All Teams scored over 50%. Thus, the standard generally was quite good although obviously mediocre. It has always been the case that over 70% has a good chance of winning the "Rayner" or the "Gordons Shield" and this theory has been proved once again.

It is important to keep this thought in mind that unless a scout can become First Class by the time he is 15, or shortly thereafter, he is not likely to remain a Scout. 15 year olds without a 1st Class Badge learn nothing and may soon leave. Those who felt that the demand for two 1st Class Scouts was a hardship had obviously not thought of this point of view and that is what every Scouter should bear in mind, namely, that the Group that can produce fairly easily a Senior Team of four can usually produce quite as easily 1st Class Scouts.

I am grateful to those teams who entered and congratulate them on the cheerfulness they displayed throughout the week-end.

Congratulations to 1st Bellville who did extremely well and to 1st Observatory (2nd) and 1st Mowbray (3).

Chief Judge: E Rutter