New-York tribune., 1910-02-06
FOOTBALL ON MEND
UTLL BE SAVED By:
RADICAL CHANGES.
SoIons Fail to Com plete Work,
but Indicate Lines for
Reform.


nesn ACCOMPLISHED in the last two days 10
bring about reform in the game so ur-
gently demanded by educators in all parts
Of the country and so greatly desired oy
all those VINO have the interests OF the
sport AT heart The rules committee OF
fourteen continued its labors OF Friday
through two long sessions yesterday at the
Hotel Cumberland. and then adjourned
until March -. AT the same place, with
its work possibly more Than half over
The best part Of two days and one long
night Vas taken UP by the members OF the
committee in sitting the thousand and one
suggestions offered TO make the game safer
snd saner. and. after wedding out the dead
wood. in arranging three combinations OF
suggestions that. in their opinion, would
eventually bring about the desired result
one or two other combinations Will be sub
rnitted to each member of the committee
later. and each man. after further careful
thought and study. will come back 70 the
meeting on March % prepared 10 vote on
Tho questions and frame the rules that will
make up the revised code
The suggestions which have been grouped
into the three combinations indicate clearly
that the rule governing the use Of the for
ward pass will be radically changed; that
the flying tackle and piling up on players
when downed will he abolished; that heavy,
charging mass plays directed at one point
IN the line will disappear: that the en-
side kick and neutral zone are in grave
danger; that the man catching a punt VIII
be properly protected when out of position
against some hurtling end or fast forward;
mat all restrictions will be removed from
TIE quarterback run: that the distance to
he gained by rushing may he lessened to
and hat he 1a1
crashing tandem plays will be abolished by
preventing a runner getting any assist
snce from his fellows until reaching the
line OF scrimmage.
IL may be recommended, also, that the
vIficials be instructed to warn the coach or
trainer If a player, in their opinion. is more
or less exhausted and in no condition 10
continue. The abolition of the use of the
straight arm in warding off opposing tack
lers was not seriously considered
Matter Camp. of Yale. was called back
90 New Haven OF business. SO that Edward
Harris Coy. captain of last years cham
pion football team. acted as his alternate
FOR Yale. at both sessions, yesterday. John
4. Bell, Of Pennsylvania, was also called
home. and DR. Carl Williams served in his
place. Before adjouTning. shortly after )
o'clock. an official statement was prepared
complish. It follows:
Il was the sense Of the meeting that the
injuries that have occurred in American
college football during the last season are
largely -raceanle 10 the diving tackle. Ia
persistent maSSed attack on a given poillt
and in certain cases 10 the exhausted con-
ditton Of the player. The committee an
nounces that its first meeting has been
given III - tho consideration of the mitiea-
non or removal Of these evils. and that
after full discussion and careful dellbera-
IL f-sl.-n 1aelEa
aid before II. the committee purposes TO
% modify the rules as will. so far as can
he foreseen. free the game from these and
other Objectionable features.
The committee was of the opinion that
those who are TO participate in intercol,
leEiate or irterscholastic sports should be
subjected to a thorough physical examina-
lion al the beginning OF their training, and,
further, that they should be under careful
supervision throughout the season. To this
end 3 subcommittee of three was ap
pointed to consider and report what, If any,
recommendation the rules committee
should make in this connection. The same
committee was also instructed 20 prepare
recommendations relative 10 the advisa-
bii5y OF preventing games between col
Ieges and secondary schools. The commit
tee was named as follcws:
Alorzo A. Stagg, physical director of
Chicago University. Chicago: DR.. ". I.
Dudley, of Vanderbilt University, Nash
vile, Tenn. and Professor c W. Savage,
of Oberlir, Ohio.
The committee was III receipt OF SO many
letters from mead masters of high schools
and fitting schools in all parts of the coun-
Try relative 10 some action along these
lines that < was deemed worthy Of careful
consideration. Mr. Stagg, chairman Of
the committee said that the various mem
hers or the committee, whose addresses
are given, would welcome any suggestions
or recommendations on the subject from
those interested
=. h Hall, of Dartmouth secretary of
the committee, explained in detail the work
that had been accomplished and submitted
The three combination of suggestions and
several individual suggestions with which
Ihe members of the committee will eat.
sleep and walk until March %, when thei-
work can be completed. These suggestions
follow;
FIRST COMBINATION
Seven men 10 be on the line of scrlm-
mage at all times
No pushing or pulling of the man with
First man receiving the ball TO be al
lowed 10 carry il forward. thus eliminating
restriction on quarterbacks.
Some restriction OF tackling, 10 prevent
j. possible, the diving tackle
Forward pass allowed over any part OF
the line, TO men the ends Of the line or
backs. when bali is put in play.
Ends going down :he field not TO be body
checked.
Men on either team may use hands or
arms TO get an opponent out Of the way in
order 10 get at the hall on forward pass
Forward pass which touches the ground
before being touched by player of either
side may first be touched only by a player
the defence and thus eliminate present
.nconple.ed forward pass
Players going down field under a punt
man catching ball. and cannot tackle him
charge forward after the catch unless
the catching the bail starts to run
Eliminate the onside kick as dangerous
play.
Two queries were offered 10 this line OF
Suggestions worthy OF substitution. as
follows:
Whether IT would be desirable to allow
one man TO assist the man running with
she bali. and whether IL would be advis-
ahle tc allow interchange of players; that
IS. tc allow a line man to play back occa-
sionajiy, SO not TO give too much work
TO ends and backs.
SECOND COMBINATION.
Seven men on the line of scrimmage
take care of situation when near side lines.
Back field of offences 70 be limited TO
four men.
Eliminate neutral zone and oneside kick
Limit forward pass TO back Of the line OF