New-York tribune., 1920-03-07

Nill never know the sport had been
The only probable change in the
rules will be that of the kicking of a
goal after touchdown. 1t is quite likely
that this play viii be retained, but in
stead Of being a one-man perform
ance, as it is now. it will be so altered
as to allow both teams to have a hand
in the scoring Of this point: j. e.. the
rule will probably read that it must be
made from scriramage. which is just.
Several other minor changes will be
made Of course. but these will not
alter in the slightest the game as it is
now played.
The matter of different totals in
points for touchdowns made over diff
ferent sections of the goal line; Of
greater or less reward for goals from
field from greater or less distances
from the posts; OF the narrowing of
the goal posts; of the awarding of so
many points for yards gained of plays
to regulate the length of the contest
instead of time, and Of the elimination
Of the forward pass-all these will
at length, but it is not at all likely that
any of them will pass into the rules.
Present Game Perfect
The reason is that football as it is
now played by the colleges is as we'll
nigh perfect as it can be made in the
opinion of the majority of its follow
tered and changed and has progressed
with time, SO that it meets about every
test required of it in the matter of
making it an ideal game for college
youths to engage in.
The element of risk has been reduced
to a minimum. The forward pass has
opened up the play so that the spe-ta-
tor can now follow closely most of the
plays; the pass also enables the smaller
college to meet the larger elevens prac-
tically on an even footing. which con-
dition never existed before the intro
duction Of the aerial play.
In addition, the forward pass was
just the play-the thrilling spectacu-
larity--needed to fill the missing link
in the old game. Yet with all the re-
deeming features of the present day
football over the old game it is far
from being a mollycoddle sport; it
still contains the bruising line rushes,
the hard tackling. teamwork, interfer-
ence and the other features which
bring out the best there is in college
youth, providing at the same time a
splendid entertainment for spectators.
Frank Buck" ONeill, the veteran
football coach, who has tutored the
Syracuse eleven in recent years with
success, and who is to coach Columbia
next fall, in discussing the game and
possible charges, said:
"No Changes Necessary"
''1 can't see that any changes, partic-
larly any rad changes, arc necessary
to improve the game. To my mind i,
is all right as it stands. l do believe
the goal from touchdown should be
kicked frcm scrimmage either by drop
or placement. AS now made it is a
one-man affair. 1t is unfair to any
team, after plugging to make touch
down, to lose or win the struggle by
the efforts. of one man. We're the
teams to line up each man would have
part in the making Of the extra
point,
"If any changes are to be made there
IS one | strongly advocate. In fact L
think the time is not far distant when
the plan will oe used, and that is to
award a team so many points for
distance gained. How often you see
two teams play TO a scoreless tie when
one has rushed the other all over the
lot, has been the aggressor for the
greater portion of the tussle and on
the field has easily demonstrated it's
superiority. Yet the score gives the
other fellow the credit of being this
teams equal.
Such system would do away with
much OF defensive play many teams
now use; it would cut down punting
dueis to a considerable extent; it would
prove an incentive for teams to rush
the ball, which would make a better
game from a spectators standpoint and
at the same time would give the better
team the victory. Nobody cares about
witnessing a contest between two pun
ters any more than they care about
seeing foul shooting test in basket
ball
Someone has suggested that in base
,pail runs only are what count and not
:Ee cosTaling of so many bcsou. Well
DO you know | believe this system could
be applied even to baseball with good
results. Why shouldn't the fellow who
reaches third base be given some
credit? Also the runner getting to
second? 1t would tone up the game
Some one has suggested that in base
runners.
Would Speed Up Game.
Il think it would speed up the game
IN all departments to credit a man
reaching second, say with one point
.nird with two and home with four
however. using such a system l would
certainly put a premium, very big
premium, on the touchdown. But the
point system would do away with many
Ties and would give a team a chance
against another which scored touch
down on a fuke".
y. Foster Sanford. former Yale star
and coach of the Columbia and Rut,
gers elevens, believes there is no game
ike the o!d-style struggle of smash
ana hammer, pull and haul through the
me. However, Mr.. Sanford believes
mat there should be no further chang
ing of the present game, except to have
the goal from touchdown kicked from
scrimmage.
Every year some group Of men
generally those who are not at all con
hected with the game. pop up with {
sunch OF radical suggestion" said San.
!ofd yesterday. They would revolu
uonize the game. say there have beer
enough changes. But since you ask m.
ior suggestions, IN case any change,
are made. | say let US do away with tn,
forward pass. 1t has no place in foot
pail: It is simply spectacular stunt
instituted to give the onlooker q thrill
ma - ofen teh weapon of wsake,
Team to gain victory.
No particular teamwork IS neces
Ty IN the use Of the forward pass
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