The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-05-19
Sporting Goods Statesmen
Chief Objects of Official
Attention.

That the recent suspension OF Vincent
richards was only the Sorerunner OF a
big Campaign by the United States Ma
tional Lawn Tennis Association for the
enforcement OF the amateur rule was
demonstrated yesterday. The associa-
ton sent TO each player connected with
sporting goods firm a series Of peril
nent questions and to these players,
every hrm dealing in athletic supplies
and to all clubs holding membership in
the organisation bulletin summarizing
the amateur rule and copy OF the reso-
iutons In regard to amateurism paesed
at the March meeting Of the executive
committee. The offlcials intend TO en-
force the rules TO the letter.
Tho national association ia on the trail
not only OF the players who capitalize
their tennis fame and ability, but those
who accept expenses. board or LODGING
from clubs or hotels for competing in
tournaments sponsored by these clubs
and hotels. This practice deyeloped
quite q problem for the association lust
before the war and the association evil
IDENTIFY fears that It will como I'D a rain
with renewed vigor.
The sporting goods dealers are In
formed or the executive committees be-
lief that much OF the popularity en-
joyed by tennis is due to its recognized
standing as an amateur sport, and the
danger OF breaking down these STAN
dards by the increasing tendeney-to
employ prominent tennis players Ia en-
phasized. On this point its statement
reads Tho committees attitude Is
based on considerations believed to be
for the best interests OF the game. We
believe that You also want to serve the
same ends and offer this statement to
avoid any misundervta nding. Your suR-
gestions will be welcome, for q mutual
realization Of the other mans point of
view will 60 far to accomplish q united
effort for the growth Of tennis, in which
we are all keenly interested"
Living on Tenniss
The inauiry as to payment OF play
ers' expenses Is addressed 10 clubs in
an effort to find out whether any play
ers are making a living out OF tennis
by playing throughout the season in
events for which their railroad fare,
board and lodging are paid by the clubs
Such a practice would be at odds with
the basic requirements Of anna teurism
In sport, and the committees letter to
the clubs says: Tho executive COM
mittee believes that you will cooperate
loyalty with the national association in
keeping the amateur standard OF tennis
throughout the United States clean and
above reproach."
So far as the individual players are
concerned sthe committees QUESTIONABLE
does not contemplate action until the
Information covering their activities dur
Ing the present season 10 available.
which will be December /, 1919. Al
though the resolution calling for these
reports was passed in 1917, no action
WAS taken in 1917 or 1918 on account
Of the war. On this point the commit
tees letter to the players has tho fol-
lowing: The executive COMMITTEES feels
that inasmuch as 1918 was a war year,
during which every effort was made to
raise money for war purposes. It would
not be fair to use that year as a basis
OF these reports"
Development Means Amateurism.
In announcing the committees action
George T. Adee. president OF the U. S.
". L. T. A., said: The principal duty
Of the executive committee of the u S.
y. l.. I. A. IL TO develop the game OF
lawn tennis throughout the country, to
keep it's amateur standards and ideals
on the highest plane and 10 enforce the
rules of the association. With this end
in view the executive COMMITTEES ap-
pcHteu IN Mirch, lrl Z, subcommittee
on the amateur rule, instructed II to
gather information and where Il ap-
peared that a player had violated the
amateur rule TO suspend him from
tournament play until such time Is he
could show 10 the satisfaction of the
committee that his violation of the rule
had ceased.
THE amateur rule committee prepared
at that time questionnaires to be sent to
the players In the sporting goods bust
ness. to the clubs and a letter to sport