The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-02-03
FOR SAFER FOOTBALL
Ex-Yale Captains Give Ideas
on Rule Changes.
FORWARD PASS IS KILLED
Ell Leaders Since 1872 Send Letters
To Leading College Publication.
walter Camp To he Sole Repre-
sentative at the Rules Committee
Meeting in New York Friday.

New Haven. Feb. 2-Former captains OF
Yale football elevens have been asked by
the Yale News to give their opinions on
the present football rules and what
changes were necessary to make the game
safer without sacrificing the essential fea-
lures of American football. All the Yale
captains since the sport was organized in
1874 were written 10. other particulars on
which they were asked 20 render a decis-
sion were the forward pass. neutral zone.
and the ACCESSIBILITY of opening up the
game.
From the majority of these former play
ers answers have been received and the
striking characteristics of ali the replies
lies in the belief the game is an aid TO the
character development and faith that the
rules committee will find solution of the
problem which the large number Of acct
dents in the game last season has put be-
fore them.
Many Of the men are now engrossed in
business and professional life, but while
there were a number who, on account OF
not having followed the game closely of
late years did not feel themselves compe-
tent to send a letter for publication, in
no case was there one who thought that
the unfortunate accidents which marred
last seasons record were sufficient 10 war
rant the games adjustment or the sub
stitution Of another game as field for
intercollegiate competition.
There are a large number OF former
captains. however. who seem 10 think
that the opening up Of the game which
has characterized the rule making in
previous years has been carried too far.
and who favor a return TO the style a
decade ago
F. Gordon Brown. jr.. 1901. who cap
tanned the 1900 eleven. has sent letter
which also embodies the stand which
these other men have taken. 1t reads as
follows:
MY suggestions about football summed
up in one sentence are 10 go back 10
the game as 1t was played in the early
96s with a few changes. The changes
would advocate are in detail the following
Rule Changes Advocated.
/ Abolish Tie neutral zone and forward pass for
ward q the line q sTImm1gc-
> Require the attaChslg side 70 have al least
seven men on tbe line Of scziHnage before putting
the ball in plaE. the nan who puts tie hall In play
% the Centey n these seven. three men 10 b az
least TIRES and ouehalf yards back u the line and
the eleventh man 20 b any where between these two
former groups. In other words the 0ld-fashiUed
regular formations 70 - She Only one allowed.
3. Allow a iorwuTd PASS anywhere hack q the
line II scTimmsge 10 any nan
l. Reduce the distance 20 be gained 10 seven
yards.
;. The on-sde aick 20 be left unchanged.
6. A man catching a kick 70 he free from being
tackled until bo has taken two steps in any dFec-
ton. II he hesitatss FIVE seoonds, the ball TO
De down.
= No ous 20 Be allowed 20 push or pull one
q his JIM side With the ball until he has advanced
over the line u srTimmage
II was said that Yale has no definite
changes in football rules TO recommend
when the rules committee meets IN New
York Friday night There has been no
meeting OF the Yale athletic committee
TO consider the question, and It Is stated
that the Yale faculty has not taken up
the matter for discussion since the past
season closed
Walter Camp will represent Yale at the
meeting.