The Washington times., 1912-02-05

Candid reflection on the changes in
the rules of football, as promulgated fol-
lowing the two days sessions in New
York, leads to the conviction that the
alterations are the most revolutionary
that have been made since the reform
OF four years ago, which resulted in
the introduction of numerous unique
and novel innovations
In ante-meeting statements praC-
tically every one OF the gridiron solons
expressed some decided view on the
code, and a summary apparently indi-
Gated a division of opinion that would
prabably result in no radical changes
being made.
Once the gathering was officially
opened, however, all seemed open to
argument, and the tinkering was most
thorough. Hardly any department or
feature of the game escaped without
changes OF minor or greater Importance.
The defense must be altered because of
changes in the offense. th% forward limit
on the pass has been entirely removed,
a bounding ball may no longer be re-
covered by the team making the punt,
the playing field is shortened, an official
Is removed, only one man Is allowed to
parade on the side lines, the value of
a touchdownNs increased, the intermis-
sion between quarters is shortened, a
bounding ball can no longer count as d
pass may be executed over the goal line
OuSuSS Is Increased.
While practical demonstrations will
be necessary before it is possible 10
definitely understand what effect the
rules may have. the indications: are
that the nffense in mid;eld has been in
creased p per cent, while scoring power
has been added to 80 per cent Nv the
two days tinkerng. The addition OF
another 'lown means that a team will
have to gain but tWo-and-cnc-h If
nf ZltT tNNs, u
This will probably result in a change
in general line defense, the forwards
being compelled to play lower and in
more restricted positions than when
they could take chance in allowin :
their rivals to gain two or three yards
every trial. ManV leading linemen play
cd practically ere, I last fall, and we're
dangerous IN smashing end runs, but
quick openings and cross bucks are
likely to compel them 10 be more cau-
tiOIs Of their respective places in the
future. That there WIN be more plung-
mg appears assured.
y,he fOrward pass should be more
deadly thar in the past. Instead Of
holding this play to twenty yards in ad-
vance of the line, q team may now
heaye the ball The whole length of the
field, IL a thruwcr can lie found who
line it is this play that causes endless
worry to the defense. Last year a for
ward pass across the goal line did not
COAnt. but next season a completed
play Of thiS sort will mean six points.
Must Play Freer.
Good teams in other years have
closed their defense about the 25-
yard line, bv bringing forward the
sec ondary defense, drawing up the linz
and placing the center Oh the line.
However. il will now be necessary 10
play a much freeC second line to pre-
vent the forward pass being worked
Under the goal posts. With the backs
on the watch for forward passes, the
line will be practically unsupported, and
in this way Il plunSlng game is likely
t. bring about better results in the
scoring zone.
ing up forward passes has been found
by most of The representative teams, to
be the smashing end defense. BY play
ing the guardians of the tanks within
couple of strides Of the tackles and
sending them in at top speed, it has
been demonstrated that the pass has ia
be hurried to such IN extent that il
has been seldom worked with any de-
gree OF accuracy,
practically killed by the abolition of the
on-side kick. Many a team, facing al
opponent of equal strength, has won out
by frequent punting in the hope thai
the bounding ball be reCoN cred ny its
own players for long gains. Princeton
went through her most successful cam,
p6igr in years, beating Yale and Har'
ward without first down, while Army
escaped a worse humiliation at the
hands of Navy by having her men chas.
ing low punts during most Of the after,
LOUn In fact, recovery of 2 free bal
TaVCd the way for probably half Of thG
scores made in important Eumes last
autumn. Now the kicking team mus
walt for an opponent to touch the pig
| shin.