New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-11-27
COMMENT ON SPORTS
Blow at ProSeIyting in Athletics
Not Aimed in Vain.
RELEASE CLAUSE JOKER OUT
News and Views on Live Topics
of the Day, Both Amateur
and Professional.

of the Day, Both Amateur
and Professional.
In spite OF the fact that James r. Sulli-
van and other enterprising members of
the Amateur Athletic Union did not sue
coed In passing the so-caled two-year rule
they accomplished their purpose TO large
extent In the fight against PROSECUTING and
thinly yelled professionalism i'm track ami
field sports. II strikes me that II has not
been clearly set forth that long step for
ward was taken TO correct some Of the
abuses at the annual meeting Of the union
in this city last week. The probation time,
as it may be called, for an athlete, when.
after resigning from one club he may not
represent another was left at one year as
heretofore. but the Joker" release clause
was removed which makes the rule effec-
tive in carrying out the purpose for which
it was framed and will prevent to large
extent the grabbing" Of star athletes 10y
the stronger clubs. This furnishes the re-
lief so much desired by the smaller clubs.
An athlete must now compete for one year
unattached II he desires to change his af
iiations for any reason except that the
club to which he originally belonged dis
bands. Neither the club from which he
resigns nor the national registration COM
mttee can now grant him a release. which
under the old rule was so easily secured
after lapse of three or four weeks
As was pointed out in this column a week
ago. the operation Of this rule will work no
hardship on the athlete. as it is provided
that he can run In open or championship
meetings. even though he does not carry
the emblem of some club 1t will correct
to a great extent the practice which has
become all too common of the larger clubs
preying on the smaller ones in way 10
stife competition and TO sow the seeds Of
professionalism. Under the old rule 1t was
seldom that an athlete was forced TO run
unattached for more than two months at
the most, and usually the time was shorter.
club might be unwilling to grant re-
lease after an athletic member had re-
signed, but before long pressure would De
brought to bear by the friends OF the man
in question, who would appeal to the feel
ings by saying, Are you going TO keep
this man from enjoying the privileges OF
representing another club simply because
he has resigned here?" and the members
would be moved TO grant his release, even
if an appeal TO the registration committee
failed. Under the new rule this is all
changed, and man who resigns from one
club has no recourse except TO run unat-
tached for a fun year before representing
another
The rule relating to college athletics also
was improved TO a large extent, although Il
is not so drastic as recommended by the
legislative committee. II reads as follows:
A student representing university. college.
school or other educational institution must
consider such institution his residence for
the purpose OF registration and represent
such institution I'm competition. Such
student between June and October / may
transfer his registration to a club or other
organization belonging 10 an active or
allied member Of this union located in the
district Of his actual residence. and upon
the opening of the scholastic year may be
transferred to his educational institution.
This means that an athlete living in Chi
cage. ST. Louis. Philadelphia or any other
centre, and going to Yale, Harvard, Cornell
or any other college cannot be drafted by
clubs in this district TO represent them IN
the vacation period. / can recall two
striking cases within the last year which
show what this rule aims TO stop Wagner.
OF Yale, living in ST. Louis, competed for
the Pittsburg Athletic Club. and won the
junior championship IN the pole vault
while A. b. Shaw, of Dartmouth living i'm
the Chicago district, competed for the
Irish American Athletic Club and won the
national championship over the high hur-
dies Hereafter the clubs cannot be re-
cruited from college stars for the sake Of
improving the chances i'm winning a point
trophy. Neither can college men be tempt
ed by an offer OF privileges which, because
covered up, is no less an offence against
the true amateur spirit and which is moth
ing less than professionalism I'm its one
damaging form Those in control Of the
Amateur Athletic Union can be congratu-
lated for taking another step forward in
the interest OF the sport and Of clean COM
petition.
II is high time that Jack Moakloy and
his Cornell runner were indicted for re-
straint OF sports in maintaining a cross
country monopoly. 1t was the same old
story in the intercollegiate run on Satur-
dav-Corneu first. the others following.
The title has now been in Ithaca eleven
times in thirteen years.
John Paul Jones added to his fame by
winning the individual championship for
the second year i'm succession a new and
distinct honor. What manner Of athlete
can this holder Of the worlds amateur
cne-milc record he He seems 10 be
equally strong on track or 'cross-couutry.
equally speedy at half "A mile or six miles.
! had a letter from Fred Knowles, one
time secretary of the Giants, Yesterday.
He Is IN Denver and once more expresses
thanks 20 his friends for making it pos
sible for him 10 20 where he 50 confident
" expects to regain his health.
The resignation Of Hal Chase as manager
Of the Yankees relieves Frank Farrell. tine
owner Of the club, from what may have
been an embarrassing position. Mr.. Far
rell Is a strong believer in Chase, and re-
allies that ne is of great value 10 the team.
but some OF Mr. Farclrs closest friends
and advisers have agreed with him only so
so far as chasc's ability as a player is
concerned. and have been urging him 20
make a change. Chase was not a success
as manager. as success goes. He him
self admits it. | was not convinced OF this
until late in the season. and am not alto
gether convinced now. as | believe IT was
the method he adopted that was al fault
a method which could be corrected by eX-
perience. Connie Mack is quoted as saying
that good players make good manager.
Ehoce had ooo1 MIA ycrc a least