The Washington times., 1908-01-09
EWryCaSe
Creates a
Sensation
Athletic Circles in Tur-
MOL Over A. A. u
Decision.

NEW YORK. Jan. s.-Amateur athletic
circles were in a turmoil yesterday over
the action Of the Metropolitan Associa-
ton registration committee OF the ANA
teur Athletic Union reserving decision
in regard to the cases Of Ray Ewry and
Howard Valentine, charged with viola
lions OF the ethics OF amateur sports.
Comment was freely made that there
Is special legislation for champions and
athletes who are members or leading
clubs, while athletes members OF
smaller clubs receive short shrift for
any infrection of a rule as laid down
IN the Official code.
Sullivan Cites Precedent.
When asked yesterday IN regard TO the
attitude or the registration committee in
allowing Ewry to appear before the
committee and make admission that he
competed In or gave exhibitions at un-
sanctioned meets, and still allow him "a
remain in good amateur stand .ns, James
i. Sullivan, president OF the Amateur
Athletic Union, stated that three years
ago the Middle Atlantic Association OF
the Amateur Athletic Union had been
elected from the parent body for con-
duct which was very similar.
LAS we are situated today" he said,
"a great deal OF the responsibility for
the successful carrying on Of pure,
wholesome amateur sport rests with our
registration committees as elected
throughout the different districts, and ]
must impress upon them the Importance
OF being impartial, fearless, and prompt
Registration Committees Tardy.
'In many cases the Amateur Athletic
Union has been blamed un1ustIy; in nine
cases out OF ten because its registration
committees have TO q certain extent
been somewhat tardy. The Amateur
Athletic Union laws are clear. and one
Who accepts the craftsmanship or mem,
bership on a registration comnitte,
must be one who knows the law thor
oughly- The committees are there tc
enforce the laws. When in doubt Their,
is always an authority to whom to ap.
peal An honest decision Will Away.
receive the support OF the Amateur Ath
letic Union
when an athlete breaks an estab
hshed law a trial IS not necessary. II,
has disqualified himself, and It f. tn
duty Of the registration committee I,
see that II Is announced at once"
Without the Pale.
II was Mr.. SuIHvan's firm conytc+io,
that from the moment Ewry was dis
covered to have competed at unsanc
toned meets ne was without the paL
OF the Amateur Athletic Union. Tber
has been no precedent for a trial prev
tOus to disqualification, for 4 has aIvvs.v
been customary 10 bar the athlete frs
for his shortcomings and let the bt1rde
Of proof rest with him TO clear hinsel.
It appears, however, that discrinina
ton has been made IN the cases O
prominent athletes. and the cases G
both Ewry and Valentine remain fl
statu quo
Barred Without Trial.
Air- Sullivan cited an instance Of tn
prompt action taken by this same com
mittee IN the case OF two athletes Of tn
Mohawk Athletic Club who competed re
Gently in the cross-country run agains
an unregistered runner, They were i'm
mediately thrown out Of the A. A. I
without a trial and forced TO appear Z
state their cases before they could b
Teinstated-
1t has never been the policy OF sh
Amateur Athleuc Union" said Mr.. SUI
livan, TO allow an athlete sXorbf. an
expenses. Some years ago Sam Idet
gold a champion walker, was disouaI
fed because ne could not account For
over his legitimate expenses and re
manned out Of amateur circles for r.lan,
has a very similar repetition in thu cas-
Of Valentine"