Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-12
CHANGES HAVE
BEEN VERY FEW
Basket Ball Code Is Little Diff
ferent This Year, With
Few Exceptions.
GEORGETOWN TO HAVE
SUCCESSFUL SEASON
Shows It Has Making of Fast
Quint Against w. of M.
Roller Polo Tonight.
BY II. C. BYRD.

BY n. C. BYRD.
While there are not a great many
changes in the basket ball rules this year,
there are a few which will probably
cause the game to be bettered. None of
the really important factors regarding the
style Of play will be different from last
season.
The first ruling which has been changed
is that the nets in the rings shall be tied
or drawn at the ends sufficiently to cause
the progress of the ball to cease for an
instant it shoots through. This is to
render it more easy TO determine when a
goal is really thrown, for both the spec
tators and the referee.
Another ruling which has been added
and which will do much to facilitate the
handling of the game and the following
of the players by the spectators. is that
which cOmpels the players to be num-
Dered. Each player is compelled under
the new code to wear number on his
back so that he may be readily identified
The ball is dead this year if after going
out OF bounds it touches one OF the spec
tators before ii is touched by a player.
Under such conditions the ball shall be
given to the nearest eligible player at the
time.
Heretofore the man who was attempting
time he desired in making the play; this
season, though. time limit has been set.
and now the ball must he tossed within
ten seconds after he has received it.
Another factor which will have a direct
bearing on the result of many games is
| that regarding the elimination Of a play
er after he has made four personal fouls.
In past years when a man has been dis
qualified for that reason he could be al
lowed to stay in the game with the con-
sent OF the opposing captain and that
courtesy was generally granted. That
cannot be done this season. though, and
now when a player has committed four
personal fouls he must be removed from
the game. According to the rules the
referee shall not allow him to continue
under any conditions.
These are the main changes which have
been effected, but there are several other
parts of the code which have been word
ed in ways which make them more easily
understood.
1t was not to be expected that George
town would show any wonderful amount
of team work last night against the
University of Maryland. 1t is certainly not
as smoothly working a machine is the
Baltimore five. The Baltimoreans had
played two games. one with Columbia and
one with SeatOn Hall, which gave them
a great advantage as far as general play
was concerned.
In passing and general team work the
playing. because it had been put to the
test while the contest last night the
first time that Georgetown has been in
scrimmage against d well organized aS-
gregatiOn. 1t is questionable. though. if
the visitors had anything on the Blue
and Gray when it came to defensive
work and shooting. Their passing was
better because they had developed their
plays and combinations to a greater ex-
tent. hit before Georgetown has gone
very far in its season the chances are
that it will show some of the same kind
of brilliant work it did last year along
that line.
Georgetown, despite the fact that it was
hard put to win last night. will have a
successful team. The Blue and Gray
five showed characteristics. individually
and collectively. at times. which give suf
fcient ground for the prediction that it
will develop into an exceptionally strong
conbina.ion after the holidays.
The one weak spot from an individual
standpoint is at center. The men who
were tried there did not show to much
advantage. and it is one place which will
have to be strengthened considerably be-
fore the big teams are played. Strength
en- that center and the Georgetown quint
will be the strongest in the south. more
powerful than last year. and will be
capable of giving the best in the coun-
try hard fight.
In Wetzell, Georgetown has picked up
one of the greatest players that have APP
peared on local floor in long while.
His work last night was brilliant and he
bids fair to occupy mighty prominent
position during the entire year. AS a floor
guard Wetzell is likely to be in a class
by himself as far as any of the southern
aggregations are concerned.
A game of roller polo will take place
at the Arcade tonight between teams
from Baltimore and this city. A con-
test was played between the same two
aggregations a few days ago, and the
sport was so enthusiastica received
that it was decided to arrange another.
There is every reason to believe that
before long the contemplated league will
be organized and teams from Philadel-
phia, Atlantic City. Baltimore and Will
mingtOn will be appearing here.
Washington College will be the next
opponent Of the Georgetown quint. and
1t will appear here next Monday night.
This is about the first attempt Of that
school to play the game. and it is not
probable that it will have very capable