New-York tribune., 1911-12-11
Running Bowling Shooting Boxing - Onff Po

that. having less TO lose. they were WHINE
TO accept more desperate chances. In inc
long run. however. these teams Would oe
the losers Princeton proved that against
Harvard and Yale.
Space is lacking at this time for an eN-
haustive discussion on possible ana PIoo-
sble changes that might make for good' pu'
a few words must be said. Enough sug'
gestions have been offered through the col
umns OF The Tribune and BY men well
qualified TO speak 70 indicate the laoors
that are before the members Of the rules
committee in sitting out the wheat from the
chaft. Aside from simplifying and clari'
f,ing the code as it IS. which is the nrst
dutv of the committee. | believe that three
simple changes would go far TO bringing
ahou, a better game. without any chance
Of a return to the pushing, pulling end pat
tering ram tactics that I'm sense were ~
wisely lcgsated against two years deo'
These changes may be summed up as iof
lows: Limit forward pass TO behind line oil
scrimmagc without restrictions; increase
number Of down from four to iive yards as
suggested 10y Tim Shevlin. or decrease uls-
tance TO be gained from ten 10 seven yaftfs'
as suggested by George Foster Sanford
wear ago. and lessen the advantage OF d
touchbock 70 the defending side.
was one Of the first, II not the irst'- 10
suggest I'm this column almost two !ed' D
ago that the forward pass should Ce hinl'
ed 10 behind the line of scriTmagc snn
havc stated my reasons on number OF oc.
casiops Glen Warner, the astute coacA Oh
the Carlisle Indians, has now declared "li',
self in favor Of this plan. BY removing al
restrictions II would accomplish, III my
opinion. the main purpose OF the pay VIC
is. Of spreading out and consequently "esN
enine the secondary line OF defence. II aiso
would remove dangerous hazard ~ NV
hacks now come UP on the full run 70 nee'
an orposirg player who may break through
the line
rather ike Tom Shevlin's suggestion 10
increase the number Of downs from loul u
five. or, in other words, 70 give 'ea'i
three chances instead Of two 10 gam 'l4e
necessary ten wards by rushing Vlthout re-
SORTING TO the punt. This would ada some
value 10 possession Of the ball and give the
ousrterback. who now works under 700
great a burden, more freedom in the cnoice
Of plays.
NV third change was advocated in TINS
column q wear ago. 1t strikes Inc that the
hall should be put in play on the lo-yard
line after anv touchback resulting from
hail being puuted or kicked inside the 10
yard line. otherwise IL should De put i"
play on the 25-yard line, as under the pre-
ent rules. II every touchback allowed ohl!
fifteen Yards to the defending side the I'M
portance or value OF a kicking game Wouiu
he too greatly Increased. but If team can
force its way inside the opponents fo-Earu
line. which practically for punting purposes
must be close TO the 3Q-yard line the oe-
Tending side is not deserving or cle'n
tventy-fve Yards on the failure Of a drop
kick. place Kick or short punt.
Inst before the rules committee goes into
session | shall make one more appeal ior
that old hobby Of mine, 10 number the
rlavers. For two years now h. x. Han
Of Dartmouth, has smiled after the yearly
gathering and offered me this encourage
ment: Wait another year when we're not
so bvsv." II will be the same thing This
season, no doubt. for surely the football!
doctors will have a busy time but hope
springs eternal
In conclusion. quote from Walter Camp
who SAYS: The game at present does not
answer the test Of a true sporting propose
ton" Right When freak field goals are
possible also: Simplicity should be aimed
at" All do agree. surely there is light
abAa5 HERBERT.