New-York tribune., 1909-12-19
FOR HIGH TACKLING
BOWYER ON FOOTBAL
Natal Acadeny's Head You'd
Abolish On-Side KICK.

Annapolis, Dec fs.-Reports 10 the con-
trary Notwithstanding, the naval ofhcials
are not even considering the abandonment
of football
1t had been reported that owing 10 the
accidents which caused the death of Cadet
Byrne, OF West Point, and the serious in-
jury of Midshipman Wilson. those In su-
thority at the Naval Academy might re-
fuse TO countenance the game in future.
but such is by no means the case. II seems
to be generally felt here. however, that
rules tending 10 prevent accidents such as
those of the last season should be framed.
Captain John NJ. Bewyer superintendent
Of the Naval Academy. is an ardent sup
porter of tho game, and he has expressed
the opinion that il should be retained on
account of the training it gives in self
reliance. self-control. self-sUbservience to
team work, physical development, slertness
and loyalty 10 a common cause
In giving his view on the game. Captain
Bowyer suggests four changes. which he
believes would lessen the danger of serious
accident. The first of which is the abolition
of tacking below the waist
In this connection, he SAYS, the present
low tackling causes many head and neck
injuries. but If there was a rule enforced
providing for higher tackhng, there would
probably be more long runs and more scor-
ing, at the same time lessening the danger
OF accident.
II Will he recalled that II was Low
flying tackle that fractured the neck Of
Midshipman Wilson. causing the paralys sis.
Captain Bowyer would also abolish the
on-side kick He points out that in this
play the ball strikes the ground. and often
for it, thus giving rise to injuries of
serious nature.
He also thinks that player receiving a
forward pass should be protected. A play
er, he says. watching for the bail TO de-
scend is at the mercy of his opponents. and
many injuries come from being struck by
shoulders or body Of an opponent while
in such a defeneeiess attitude. As a rem
edy for this he would prohibit an oppo-
nsnt interfering with a player receiving
the forward pass in any way except by
pushing him with outstretched arms.
Captain Bowyer also thinks it advisable
to prohibit the players dragging one of
their team mates while carrying the
ball. He says that this manner of play
too often results in two or three men
striking a single opponent, whose first in
stinct is 10 dive under and trip the on
coming pass, at great risk or injury to
himself
Lieutenant Frank =. Berrien. head coach
Of the Navy eleven, also rs an advocate of
some reform in the game that would
lessen the liability TO injuries. Lieuten-
ant Berrien witnessed the game of Cana
dian Rugby football in New York last
Saturday. While not particularly i'm
pressed with this style of playing the
game, Lieutenant Berrisn thinks that
there is one thing deserving of serious
consideration by the rules committee. and
that is the prevention of interference with
& player receiving the ball after a kick.
Under the Canadian rule. a player is
not allowed TO approach within a range
Of three yards of player OF the opposing
team while receiving the ball from punt,
and he holds this to be a good one Lieu
tenant Berrien's suggestion along this
line is something similar 10 that advanced
by Captain Bewyer in reference TO the
interference with a player receiving for
ward pass.