The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1920-01-27
OPPOSES CHANGES
IN TENNIS RULES
George T. Adee, President of U. S
Lawn Tennis Association, Thinks
the United States Should Act
in Conjunction with Other
Tennis Playing
Countries.

1 lenns PIaylng
Countries.
| New York, Jan. 27.--opposition to
changes in the playing rules proposed
for action at the annual meeting Of the
United States National Lawn Tennis
/ association in this city Feb. 8, is ex.
pressed by George r. Adee, the associa.
tons president. While he doubts the
wisdom Of some of the changes them
selves, his principal objection is based
upon his belief that such changes
! should be made only after consultation
with the other tennis playing countries
of the world. The resumption OF In
transitional tennis in 1920, with the
prospect OF increased activity in com
ing seasons, emphasizes the desirability
of having uniform playing rules, and
in Mr.. Adee's judgment, makes 1t eN
tremely unwise for the United States
to make the changes proposed now
In this belief he is supported by
Robert ID. Wren, former president OF
the association, Mr., Wren, besides
pointing out defects in the proposals.
also recognizes the Importance of I'm
form rules for international play. He
thinks it would be grave error to
change the rules in the United States
without consulting the tennis assoeia
tions Of other countries.
So far a. the rules are concerned, the
principal objections relate to the new
foot fault rule, scoring system and
method OF conducting handicap events
Their views are set forth by Mr.. Adee
in part as follows:
Il feel very strongly that these
changes in the rules could not be adopt
ed. The game has always been played
under the present system of scoring
which is known and understood the
world over. In the present system there
is distinct difference between the
point score of each game and the score
Of the games of each set, so there Is no
possible chance of misunderstanding |
In the proposed system the scoring OF |
points and Of games is exactly the |
same, with the consequent chance OF a
mix-up. To my mind it is mistake
to change the traditions of any game
unless there is an absolutely vital ne.
eessity for the change. The growth of /
tennis and the position the game has
taken among the sports of the world,
i proof positive no such change is
necessary.
''The proposed handicapping rule
would change the principle Of handicap
from the winning of sets to
he winning Of points. II would be i'm.
possible TO tell who il ahead until the
match is over. A pencil and paper
would probably be needed to keep track
If the points made by each player in
'ach game and the winner would not
,e decided until the total number of
points made by each contestant il
igured out and the handicaps added. If
he total points Of each contestant are
he same after the handieaps are added,
I is tie.
"The proposed change in the foot
ault rule would permit the server TO
Iop or jump into the air, while serving,
II to serve on the run, provided both
eet are behind the base line when the
acket hits the ball. | believe this
would develop into an added advantage
o the server, who now has advantage
nough."
Former President Wrenn writes:
These changes, which affect Oh the
DOT fault rule, l2l the method of scor-
ng, and (3l handicapping, are of
rastic nature. There is grave doubt
a my mind az TO the advantage to be
aimed from any of the changes One
4 particular (which provides that in
andicap events each set is TO be de-
ided by points, irrespective of games
lay be reduced to an absolute absurd.
y.
For example, competitor a. in n
andicap event, allows his opponent,
5 twelve points per set. In the decid-
" set, A. starring badly loses the
rst four games without winning a
oint. This automatically ends the
latch in 'B's' favor, since no matter
ow brilliantly A RECEIVERS. even should
e win six straight love games, he
lnnot make enough points 70 over
,me the lead Of b In other words.
he match Is over before the set j. fin-
he'd.
''Bat. entirely aside from any merit
these proposals Il appears TO me
ave error TO make such radical
langes without full consultation with
n allies, and Davis cup contestants.
e are Just re-entering a period Of in I
competition. which bids fair
} far suTpass in interest anything
lst has gone before. Other nations |,
I'VE evinced q desire to make playing
lies uniform Would II not be par
culariy aggrsvating to them to note
Iat We are taking an independent step
adopting new playing rules, without
en- asking for their cooperation and
lvice. BY making such changes we
tablish a precedent aud may easily
ork 20 our embarrassment and disad.
Intage IN future international COM
titions."