The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-21
sroRr ron sPoRT's SAKE.
questions for the Colioyo Athletic Az.
thQHltlea To ConSlder. = -


To THE EDITOR OF THE SuN--Sir: In the
discussion Of the problem OF college athletics
and the correction OF It's evils. the point has
been reached where the economic law OF
diminishing returns" begins to apply. The
time for newspaper discussion has passed.
and discussion by the directors OF college
athletics. preliminary to definite and de-
cislve action on their part. Ia what Is needed
The call for "A conference OF athletic au-
thoTities" made by Boston paper stimuli
taneously with your own recent suggestion
OF the same thing In other words-"a con-
gress OF athletic dlrectors"-is a move In the
right direction. But how Ia the congress or
conference to be organized? How Is 1t to be
conducted. and what questions shall It dis
ouss? Although l am not an athlete. as q
university graduate am keenly interested
In college athletics: and I offer these sug-
gestons for the consideration Of those who
are qualified to pass final judgment and In
whose hands rests the power OF settling the
troubled waters.
First. as to the Initiation Of tho reform
movement. This should certainly come from
the highest source OF university authority.
AnalyzinR our way to the bottom OF the
trouble. 1t becomes plain that one primary
cause OF II Ia In the slaokenine Of the reins by
tho governing bodies OF our colleges. Ath-
letics should be controlled by the admins
traitors OF the college just as strictly a. are
any Of the other activities Of the student
community. To-day athletic teams repre-
sent their institutions before the public. when
IN reality the taclt opinion OF professors
and trustees condemns the manner Of their
representation. This condemna ton must be
outspoken-and enforced 1t will then become
the most effective instrument Of correct
government possible. II college presidents
will not initiate the desired and nece ssary
movement. let them at least cooperate heartily
and enereeticaly with those who do,
Then. II any practical result is to be attained,
each one Of the many classes interested must
be represented and have voice in the discus
sion. Besides the college authorities. there are
TO be considered the alumni. the graduate
coaches, the undergraduate athletes and the
the tn interests Of professional athletes also
we most s intellgent professional might
f SanS valuable val sht on the meters II
for amateur athletics oStsde Of tn. fs Colleges
that tn H. the l. c. 4. 4; A: A; is supposed 70 do
as should also the Western Conference and all
important, organizations. Here, TOO, would
be good good Opportunity TO erase the lines Of
body wth the sn proper subdvisenal depar
ments) to harmonic the needlessly conflict
In the second place, what questions shall
be brought before this congress for con-
s.i,deration' Having closely followed the
they possess in themselves will be- augmented
by h tse entse sd .hs Ss Others
which relates to the matter OF PROFESSIONALISM.
the point whether the amateur status is to
allowed to represent q college. There is
latter alternative than is apparent to the
superficial observer. Certain It is that the
deSs asay Of x he and s s one or
This Is where. the middle course" is decidedly
t., i the ,smsteu,, IDEAL cannot be realized
ssset f STsanss snd esSSs
by teams q athletes gathered from every:
fact that honest prof.. Athletics would
be better for our soeses than the present
the aiS ass q .pers
eanvassins Of preparatory schools for ma
terial": the playing Of summer baseball:
the employing Of graduate or professional
rules; brutality" and the instala;;
ton Of rules committees" with genuine and
genera, power t. make rules for the central
have been brought into prominence: Tho !
and recruiting, in preparatory
sSe sohoos The empoymen e
coaches exerts a more or less pernioious |
influence on the undergraduates amateur
athletes; but to prohibit graduate coaching
would leave too great a responsibility resting |
upon the captains Of teams.
Sports purely for the colleRes..on college |
grounds, play ed by college men before crowds |
made up OF the students and alumni OF the>I
colleges and, the friends whom |
will cover the necessary expenses. SO that |
athletics shall be self-supportinR, but will |
render extravaeance In training and travelling |
mpossible--that is what We want.
The final and satisfactory solution OF these |
problems is not an impracticable ideal but an |
actual possibility T. n. Z.
NEW YORK July 10.