New-York tribune., 1909-12-29
A FOOTBALL CLINIC
DEMAND FOR REVI-
SION OF RULES.
Captain Pierce Reelected
President of GrOscing
association.

More than one hundred duly accredited
and visiting delegates from eighty-odd uni
versities and colleges from all parts of the
country held clinic on football at the
Murray Iiill Hotel. in this city, yesterday
and discussed ways and means TO sat
isfy the more or less general demand for
revision Of the rules, which will make the
game less dangerous. Some demanded rad
zeal changes. and those at once; some
favored a stringent recommendation TO the
football rules committee for revision along
certain specified lines. while some coun-
selled moderation and urged against any
hasty action.
After a long discussion the question as TO
the revision Of the rules to bring about the
desired result referred TO the football
rules committee by a practically unan-
imous vote the following resolution:
Resolved That the football rules commit
tee Of this association be instructed TO use
every possible endeavor to bring about
such modification of the rules as shali
In their judgment tend to reduce 10
minimum the dangers of physical injuries
10 the players and at the same time retain
far as may be feasible, the most de-
sirable and wholesome features OF the
game
In this way a discussion which promised
90 last for hours was brought to an emo
and the all-important question Of saving
the game by making ii less hazardous was
turned over TO men who are qualihed' De-
cause OF their technical knowledge, TO
bring about. if possible, the much desired
result.
The football clinic. so called, was held IN
connection with the annual meeting OF the
intercollegiate Athletic Association Of the
United States, which was largely attended
by faculty representatives from the sixty
eight educational institutions on the roll
of membership and a number of visiting
delegates from various other colleges
Many interesting questions, aside from
football, were discussed and much routine
business transacted. but the gridlron game
against which a crusade has been started
because of the unfortunate fatalities OF
last season. attracted chief attention ana
aroused the delegates TO many forceful, II
not ardent. speeches.
This subject was brought up by the re-
port of DR.. Harry L. Williams. chairman
of the football rules committee, as ap-
pointed by the association. After review
ing the agitation which led up TO radical
revision in the rules in 1895, DR.. Williams
said in part:
Again we have reached a critical situa-
tion In football-the style of play and the
rules governing the game are in the lime
light before the public.
There have been this year few SAD ac-
cidents, resulting in the death or serious
injury Of several players on teams very
prominent in the eyes of the public. Fol-
lowing this MANY of the newspapers, ever
ready TO pounce upon the sensational. nave
greatly diated and misrepresented the &C
cident and casualty list until now again i
portion Of the general public and rHa..y OF
the college faculties have become a2ltated
over the dangers Of the game and are IN
slsi4n5 vn radical changes - the fuIeS oi
play.
tion il must be net. Many college facul-
ties and a lderable part of the inter
ested pubic ale as firmly convinced that
the dangers of football excessive, and
that the rules must be changed if the game
il 10 be preserved, as they were a few
months ago convinced that Dr. Cook dis
l.nUared The North Pole. and those who
doubted il We're his calumniators and de-
!. am nrmly persuaded that
; ana tne rules changed, both because OF
The public stampede, which demands il, and
because l honestly believe that by changes
in the rules. as they now stand, it will be
possible to diminish present danger and
ssI. ound The players with greater safety
This can be done, and must be done. But,
gentlemen, ] should be doing my duty
If ] failed to include a few statements of
iacts that bear vitality on the present Sit
Cation.
During and following the season that is
Just past the papers reported thirty-tWo
deaths as a result of injuries in football
games. These reports together with the
great prominence that was given to the
from a fatal accident 10 one of the West
Point cadets in the game with Harvard
and almost coincidentally a serious acci-
dent at Annapolis, which al first II was
thought would prove fatal, most naturally
caused widespread anxiety and alarm. and
have resulted in the faculty demand that
football must be made safer IL il is TO sur
Nive very careful analysis of the thir-
ry-tWo deaths reported shows a gross mis-
representation of facts. Many cases were
included which could in no way be hon
esiiy charged up 20 football, while only
four men on the reputed list would be
clsssed as college players These accidents
were not inevitable. ii is possible 10 safe
guard against such fatalities IN large de de
gree: j. Is however, Impossible a absolutely
TO safeguard all accidents, serious and
even sometimes fatal, in football. The sit
uat.on should be honestly ana squarey
faced and not lodged
/ believe myself that the dangers of phys
ioaI injuries in football are somewhat
greater than those in other sports, though
not so much greater as is commonly sup
posed But i firmly believe that a wise
modification of the rules they now
exist. coupled with a strict and impartial
enforcement OF them hy competent Off
cials, and a cooperation from faculties
school boards and parents. 70 insure a reg
ulation Of the personnel of PLAYERS to those
who have been pronounced physically
round after careful medical examination.
and OF sufficient ge and maturity of de-
velopment 10 warrant their engaging in a
rough sport viii give a game that no col
lese faculty or parent who believes in
manly sport should object TO. when the
participants have been properly trained and
yass was suggested 1t was recommended
Following this letters We're read and sug-
gestions offered TO bring about the needed
reforms. and the executive committee of
the association recommended for adoption
with some changes. the resolution offered
by West Point. which was published in
full in yesterdays Tribune The abolition
OF the neutral zone and the recommended
ton that the quarterback be allowed TO
run with the ball We're not approved. while
g substitute for the use Of the forward
further that efficient medical supervision
be exercised over players and that coaches
and trainers should remove from the field
any PLAYER showing signs Of exhaustion.
The suggestions offered by representa-
tives Of different colleges were so varied
and so diametrlcally opposed in many
cases that the delegates were soon more
or less at sea. 4 communication from
Cornell. not member of the association,
declared against mass plays and the flying
tackle and favored fifteen yards instead of