The Washington times., 1909-11-25
Unique Step In Athletic His
tory Taken to Save
Game.
EXPERTS DISCUSS
NEEDS OF SPORT
Gridiron Authorities of Washing
ton, AT Municipal Building,
Suggest Changes.
By THOMAS S. RICE.

Macfarlaud has taken step which
is probably unique in American athletic
history in appointing semi-official
representative OF the District govern
ment TO attend the next meeting of
the football rules committee and advO-
cate changes having for their object the
preservation of the game.
The man appointed is Thomas Kirby,
OF the editorial staff OF The Times. Mr..
Kirby was coach Of the University of
Georgia team I'm 1898. and this season
coached the Washington Central High
School team. He also was assistant
coach at Georgetown this year.
The action of the Commissioner was
in response 10 the public clamor for
the adjustment of football as a result
OF the widespread horror caused by the
death Of Cadet Byrne, of West Point;
the death Of Archer Christian, the Uni
.ersity of Virginia halfback killed in
the game with Georgetown on Novem-
bcr Is, and the injuries 10 Midshipman
Wilson, Of tho Naval Academy.
Approve Procedure.
Wher pressure was brought to bear
on the Commissioners they did not fly
OFF the handle and adopt drastic police
regulations aimed at the game. but gave
the matter careful consideration from
all sides. They stopped TO think there
were thousands Of sincere admirers Of
the sport and that the almost unani-
NOUS testimony Of hundreds OF men
who played football was distinctly in its
favor. Hence they decided there must
be merit IN football worth considerinE
despite the activity and persistence Of
us opponents Commissioner MaCfar-
lands informal meeting yesterday OF
the best known football authorities in
the District was called in order that
the experts might have their saw as
well as the aEitators against the game
The prevailing sentiment; even among
the most ardent Washington supporters
OF football, as displayed IN Mr. Mac
farland' s gathering was: The game has
many points which make It invaluable
Tor schools and colleges, hut il needs
notifications which will tend 10 reduce
its dangerous features. Representatives
Of Georgetown and George Washington
universities, Gallaudet College, the high
schools. professional football officials
and the sporting writer's were a unit in
this decision. although some CT them
approached 1t from unexpected angles.
To Explain Sentiment.
This will ne carried to the rules com
mittee by Nr. Kirby. While his mes
sage viii be technically unofficial, he
will be none the less tacitly empowered
20 tell the committee that the sentiment
OF the District government and educa-
tional institutions is, that If the present
rules are not so amended that football
will be no more dangerous than base
ball, lacrosse, and other admittedly
rough sports. the District Commission
ers viii put it under the ban. And, IL
Is also far more than probable that
high schools and others may forbid it
next year.
Mr.. Kirby's mission Is by no means to
attempt the ridiculous task Of intimi-
dating the committee or TO put the Dis
trfct IN the light of wishing to dom
mate national affair, bet merely TO
show the wishes Of the people IN this
section and impress upon the commit
tee the seriousness of the widespread
and growing popular movement for the
entire suppression Of the game II IL Is
not made safer. In this respect Mr..
Kirby's appointment is decidedly I'M
usual. II rSG entirely unique, in athletic
In addition 20 his statement 20 the
committee on the attitude Of the Wash
iueton powers that be, Mr.. Kirby will
fions which were practically decided
upon at the meeting These are, that
the playing time when 1t is to be more
than thirty minutes be divided into
thirds instead of halves; that the flying
taclSIe be abolished. and that the Of
fetal In charge Of the contest be en-
powered TO order off the field Deremp-
torily and at any moment, man who.
in his opinion, has been so weakened
bv the stress OF the game that he b.
not sufficiently strong TO defend him
self and so OPen 20 serious injury.
Wants Suggestions.
II was also requested that all foot
ball men in Washington having practi-
cal suggestions for changing the rules
communicate with AR. Kirby by letter.
The three ideas 30 Tar advanced ana
accepted by the meeting are eminently
worthy Of consideration, and f. would
not be surprising to see them all adopt
ed.
The value Of football was most ur-
gently insisted upon by ali present, and
Commissioner MaCiaTland was greatly
impressed with this side Of the subject
~he keynote was struck by Prof. How
ard J.. McBaln, dean OF the depart
rueut Of political sciences. Of George
washington University. who said
81 consider football the most import
ant cenualiziue aan inspiring sport in
American college lfe There is abso-
luteIy nothing like. "a Tor encouraging
au esprit de corps among tie students.
u brings together with ono firm bond
au the men IN sll departments. m "a
manner equaled by nothing else. ~ We
abolish football ] DO not know what
viii take its place. and the colleges will
suffer a distinct loss.
IT, same stand was made by Prof
rflorv wilson principal OF the Central
- ch school MI Wilson Is firm sup
rorter Of t., game. and stuck by % in
ifs darkee. hours basiug his position
lpon the fact that no high school boy
lao been seriously hurt in Washington
FOR years. but me Us one or those VINO
freely admit that changes are impcra-
tive III the game rs 10 Withstand the at
facks Il is now enduring. Mr. Wilson
evnreSsed tho opinion that football has
q most beneficial effect on both player
and school
Georgetown's Position.
Mr. KirSy, as the representative OF
Georgetown. frankly stated that n
somethi Il were not done 10 improve the
game Georgetown would not have a
football team next year
DR. W. S. Small. principal OF Eastern
High School. proposed that the foot
ball fatalities and other serious acct
dents Of the past three years since the
modern style has been possible, he
carefully analysed by The rules com
n,itteC TO determine the exact rOndi-
tons under which the accidents Oc-
cured The object would be 10 find nut
go tho first place WheJnoT tho pla N.srs
were hurt directly as iu Football or IS
tho result Of some UutoUarl side inct-
dent such Us collision Win a spectator