New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-03
TENNIS OFFICIAL
DEFENDS RULING
IN CASSEL CASE
President Adee Contends That
the Present Laws Bar
Woman Player
By FRED HAWTHORNE

Although the amateur quSoIAOh VII
doubtedly will come up for discussion
at the meeting of the executive com
mittee Of the United States National
Lawn Tennis Association. at the Wal
dorf-Astoria Hotel, next Friday night,
nothing definite will be done until the
annual meeting Of the association in
February, the delegates then voting on
the question.
The case Of Miss Clare Cassel, one Of
the ranking woman players, who was
declared ineligible to compete with
amateurs last September because of her
employment as a skating instructor,
probably has done much to cloud the
issue, but the association maintains
the same stand in regard to tennis ANA
tours that it did last June, when q
circular letter was sent out TO the
various clubs and associations belong
ing to the parent body.
New Rules" Not Rules
When President George Townsend
Adee. of the L. s. y. l.. T. A., barred
Miss Cassel from the ranks of the
amateurs, his action was hailed on al
sides as the first enforcement or me
new rules" of the association. AS
matter of fact, the "new rules VIII not
be rules at all until adopted at the
annual meeting.
Miss Casseps case will not be brought
before the executive committee unless
she requests Mr. Adee TO reconsider II,
according TO the president of the asso-
citation. who declared her standing had
been officially determined at the meet
ing of the committee during the last
national championship.
TN the public discussions Of this
case" said Mr.. Adee yesterday, there
has beer no disposition to question the
fact that Miss Cassel gave lessons for
money. The question arose as 70
whether, in such circumstances, she
could be considered an amateur IN ten
mis- connection. All this is covered
bv the present rules. and has nothing
TO do with suggested changes, for the
bylaws of the association cover That
point specifically.
Under the rule, a person who gives
skating lessons for pay automatically
forfeits his or her amateur standing.
As long ago as November, 1914. this
very case was under discussion, and
when she violated the rule the associ1-
ton had no option in the matter.
Theory of Amateur Sport
"The theory of amateur sport thus
far has not permitted person making
money in one form Of athletics to be
considered an amateur in other
branches. The Golf Association, the
Amateur Athletic Union and the Ten
mis- Association so rule, and this prin-
ciple also is accepted in intercollegl-
ate athletics.
"The suggested changes in the ANA
teur rule which are TO be considered
at the annual meeting Of the associa-
/ ton maintain that principle, and II
adopted will 80 further, in providing
/ that. first, no player shall receive
travelling expenses for playing in a
tournament, team match or exhibition,
except from a club or association which
he represents.
Second Players engaged in the
/ tennis goods business. though not
made professionals, shall while so en-
Gagged be ineligible TO compete in
events sanctioned by the U. S. n. L.
T. A"
Mr.. Adee edded that the executive
committee had suggested these changes
/ in the belief that the best interests Of
the game would be conserved as re-
garded amateur sport. and that il was
hetter TO forestall and prevent abuses
rather than be compelled TO root them
out later.
/ Mr.. Adee's statements are interesting
/ in the extreme. in that what he says
mas direct bearing on the future anna
teur status Of Maurice Mclaughlin
Thomas c.. Bundy. Frederick b. Alex.
ander and other players Of national
prominence who are engaged in the
tennis goods business. either directly
or indirectly.