New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-10
FOR A NEW FOOTBALL.
H4RV4RD'S RADICAL PLAN
Crimson Committee Recommends
Some Startling innovations.

Cambridge Mass, JAN 9--Recon1InenoalioIls
regarding changes in the game of football were
completed to-day by the special football COM
naittee appointed by the athletic association Of
Harvard graduates. and will be submitted To-
morrow TO the athletic committee OF the univer-
sity. It is expected that the committee Will
authorize William T. Reid. jrr the coach to pre-
sent the views as those which Harvard holds
officially regarding football at the meeting OF
the football rules committee. which VIII De heio
in New-York Friday night
The recommendations are the more interesting
in view Of the statement of Professor III ..
White. chairman of the Harvard athletic COM
rnittee last week. He said: If the action OF
the other universities is not radical enough, We
VIII be forced TO go it alone. no matter what
happens
The recommendations are radical, and show
much earnest thought and study on the part OF
those who drafted them.
The report is divided into two parts the first
presenting the committees idea of the necessary
ethical reforms, and the second the suggestions
regarding the changes thought necessary 10
bring these reforms about.
The principal ethical reforms suggested pro-
vide for three officials the field; for linesmen
to watch off-sde play; for instant disqualiflca-
ton for rough play; a team 10 play five minutes
without q substitute: player disqualified twice
by body; no interference with a punter, ana
standing committee TO select officials.
The noteworthy changes suggested to bring
about sueh reforms are: The ball to be placed
with the points toward the goals, and no players
to stand ahead OF the points; increasing the dis
lance to be gained in three downs from hve 10
ten yards; permitting the bail to be passed III
any direction when the play is between the y
ward Tires. provided the player has not advanced
beyond the line of scriInmage; no punt out for
try at gaal: increasing the distance between the
goal posts TO twenty-five feet; no interference
with free kick: fair catch TO be indicated by
the holding I'D of one hand; no movement by
plavers until the ball is put in play, except by
one man. and. finally, that not more than three
men besides the man receiving the ball, shall De
less than five yards behind the line unless out
side the position occupied by the outside man IN
the line.
The report embodying these recommended
lions is signed by W. I. Reid, jT.. chairman; l.
p r. Briggs Edward H Nichols, William n
Lewis, I,orin T. DeIand and Robert D. Wrenn
An additional report is appended by Lorin +:
ne1and in which advocates the abolition of
gate receipts. Mr. Deland believing that com
rnercialisrn has found good soil for propagat-
ing serious evils
william T Reid,jr. the Harvard head coach
reviewed tonight after the report had been
made public many Of the changes suggested by
the committee. MI Reid said:
Entirely aside from the suggestions made by
the committee for more strict enforcement Of
the rules and making brutality too expensive a
risk TO be profitable, there are a number Of I'M
portant changes suggested in the technical part
Of the game.
1.-The formation of a neutral zone between the
two teams, as wide as the ball is long. Will tend
to keep the teams far enough apart to enable
the officials to see distinctly every motion in a
line and the fact that the minute player puts
any part of his body into this neutral zone he
may be penalfzed will do away with much OF
the rough contact now possible in the line OF
scrinnlages-
Every football man will realize that the per-
hitting Of the forward pass is a radical de-
parture and will open up possibilities that are
difficult for any one forecast until they have
been tried IN actual play. 1t viii have tenden-
ev TO prevent men in the line from crouchng, as
IT will be necessary for a player to get quickly
TO any spot to which the ball may have been
passed
I'm the clause opening the offence the coaches
and captains are given free hand 20 develop any
kind of q fast running attack the only limit
being TO guard against mass plays by requiring
additional players TO be at least five yards back
and by increasing the distance to gain from fiVe
70 tan yards.
"Aboiishing the punt-out will place premium
on touchdogns made near the centre of the goal
line and a premium on skill in kicking goals at
difficult angles. Widening the distance between
the goal posts will increase the tendency to try
for goals from the field and make goal kicking
80 difficult angles q little easier.