The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-01-29
GOSSIP OF THE
AMATEUR ATHLETES
Important Changes in A. A.
L. Rules.
Local Indoor Meet Among the Pos
sibilitieS of the Near Future.
c. A. c. BowIers Stin Third-Corco-
ran Players sick-W. A. c. smoker.
Eastcrps Elect New Officers.

The most important action taken by the
Amateur Athletic Union at the meeting
held last week was the abolition of the
central registration committee. which dur
ing the past year had charge OF the regis
tration of all organizations. The rule
which gave that committee such a duty
and the enforcement of which in many
instances worked hardship, was a most
unpopular one. and its adoption was one
of the most costly the A. A. L. has ever
fathered, for it drove out many clubs. II
required club fee, an individual fee, and
q sanction for every meet or game.
The rule adopted in its stead is more
liberal, and permits each association rep
resenting the several sections OF the cOun-
try TO do its registering through its own
committee. II brings the club members
Of each association in closer touch with
such association, and appeals and protests
receive much more prompt attention, and
the amateur status OF individual members,
which is the real purpose OF the rule, is
more easily defined and established. IL
gives greater protection 10 the real, bona
fide amateur against the rowing performer
who has no established standing.
The rule which allowed a registered
ing was done away with and instead an in
dividual membership In the A. 4. L. was
established, and this is obtained by paying
81, which entities the member to enter any
championship games, local or otherwise.
The sanction fee for holding athletic meets
was fixed at SO, 10 be equally divided be-
tween the A. A. u. and the Provincial AS
sociation, in which the club seeking its
sanction holds its membership
Tka of linz fFtgs no
tinuance of handicapping, under the pres
ent system was not presented for action at
the meeting. as the cracks most interested
threatened to do after the big X. i. G
meet fortnight ago. II was allowed &c
go over 10 another meeting. by which time
those interested will have matters in bet
fer shape to present.
Local Indoor Meet.
The local indoor meet spoken OF in this
column several weeks ago as a probabili-
ty, may now be put down among the pos
fibilities. AS stated then. the affair will
be held, if held at all. under the auspices
OF the athletic Association of Georgetown
University. Convention Hall will be the
scene of the big athletic gathering and
the first week Of March, has in a measure.
been decided upon. BY many il is feared
that the month decided upon is too late
or too early 10 bring big entry list Of
outsiders. Too late" because nearly all
the Cracks will have gone out Of train
ing for indoor competitions and too ear
1y' because the athletes who are preparing
for outdoor work viii not al that time
have more than taken up preliminary work
for that kind Of competition.
However, the local varsity has had as
surances from many colleges and yarsi
ties that they viii send large representa-
lions, and il may be possible that the nov.
city OF an indoor meet here and the man,
attractions offered visitors here during tn,
closed season may induce many athlete.
who have broken training for the indoor
season TO take up the work again ant
come down and help us make a big sue.
cess Of an undertaking certainly novel Il
this city. II ought TO be d big success