Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-12-18
ENGLAND DEFINES
TENNIS AMATEUR
Comprehensive Definition Rem.
dered by Powers Abroad.
Not to Cede Draw.

English lawn tennis rules makers at
their last annual meeting, held recently in
London. with Lord Desborough in the
chair. debated long over the definition of
an amateur in its relation to the game
and the proposition for regulating the
draw for the singles championship.
The committee which had in hand the
arranging of suitable definition an
nounced that its initial draft was
bound to be Of tentative character. and
that it was it's object to make a particu-
larly comprehensive definition to cover
every possible abuse.
previous definition submitted had met
with wide opposition in the press. in the
colonies and on the continent. and the
modified form, which was later accepted
by the members. came in for exhaustive
discussion by the delegates. That part of
the new definition assisted in the game
was said not to refer to secretaries of
clubs. who received remuneration for
their services. nor would it be necessary
for associations or clubs to obtain the
sanction of the council for paying the
expenses of members on every Individual
occasion.
On the question Of whether a person
disqualified as an amateur in any other
branch of sport should be eligible for the
amateur status in lawn tennis there was
considerable discussion.
Lord Desborough expressed some sur
prise that this point had not been raised
earlier. Speaking from his experience on
the international. Olympic Council, which
had attempted to find an amateur defini-
ton applicable to ali sports, it was one
tn
Anomalies could so. easily arise. Looked
at from one point of view, and in rela-
ton to the definition then under discus
sion. both King George and Mr.. Balfour
would be. strictly speaking, professionals
The king might win the Derby. and
would thus have engaged in sport at
which money prizes were offered while
Mr.. Balfour. as a golfer. had participate ed
in matches with professionals. Personally
he thought that they must either decide
to have no definition at all, or that the
definition must be wide enough to cover
all reasonable contingencies. His view
was that each governing body must work
out its own salvation and frame its own
rules in respect to amateurs. There
might be individual cases of hardship
under the rule as ii stood, but Lord Des-
borough appeared to think that was i'm
material il the best interests of the game
were served by the Introduction Of speci-
fed clauses. On the suggestion Of ]. H.
Murray, who pointed out certain ambi-
guities in the woruing of the resolution.
the definition as proposed was verbally
amended and carried unanimously. II
reads as follows:
An amateur lawn tennis player is a
person who (a) has not played the game
for a money prize, staked bet, declared
wager. or other monetary considera ton.
CD Has not competed for a prize at the
game with or against any person other
than an amateur.
(c) Has not taught. pursued or assisted
In the game for pecuniary gain. except at
school or college where the engagement
also includes scholastic duties
I'D Has not procured money or pecu-
mary advantage by means of prizes won.
(e) Has not accepted money, travelling
expenses. or other monetary equivalent
Except hospitality at a private house) for
playing the game in any tournament,
match or competitions: but a player when
representing an association or club
may receive necessary travelling and rea-
sonable hotel expenses from such asso-
citation or club through it's recognized
officials If permission to pay such ex-