Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-08-27
JOSEPH p. CARROLL
On the AthIetlc Pot of Gold

CONIMERCIALISM. personal vainglori-
- business and specializing in athletics are
denounced as detriments to the public bene'
fit. according to Joseph p. Carroll, athletic
director of the Athletic Recreation Center,
Twenty sixth and Master streets. The
cause of athletic benefits for the community
generally is suffering. says Mr.. Carroll, as
result Of the ascendancy of these factors
in athletic life.
Zone can understand that in past times,
when human life was more constant, fairly
leisurely preparation for competitive sport
was for those who could afford it, natural
provision" says Mr.. Carroll. THE average
boy (but seldom the girD went into ath-
lctics in tranquil spirit of adventure, TO
get what physical good there was or as
much Of 1t as he could and to enjoy tne
getting Of it. He accepted what was put
on his plate, took it for granted that It was
wholesome because those who had the
knowledge offered it. consumed it according
to his ability and in due time departed moro
or less Cheerfully.
1T was assumed in those days that teach
ers and purveyors of physical education
knew more about the broader angles of ath-
letic competition than the novitiates III
sport. 1t was assumed that athletics were
n good thing in which to participate ana on
the terms rules offered.
Question of Real Food
But now. Who can say that life is con-
stant in these days when one lives for to-
day only and wonders what he and the rest
of the world will meet tomorrow! When
every other authority on athletics tells the
competitor that the world OF sport Is not yet
rearranged. that 1t is a new era, and no one
knows what the conditions of competition
are going to be, is 1t surprising that he
should ask himself whether the puryeyors
of athletics are giving him real food that
will help him to live or are merely Keeping
him amused and employed by things that are
out Of date and no longer important!
Educating a boy or girl In athletics now
adays is like batteship building. In both
cases the question arises, is 1t worth while
wasting time on numbers when the super
tyne will sink the smaller craft? 1t has
been bad enough for the last twenty hVe
years since directors began to deviate from
the old classical inspiration In athleucs ana
substitute for it something that seemed likely
to be more useful for financial return and
material gain TO both themselves and the
participant
The creation of the star performer,
snecialist or super man and Indifference to
the person Of mediocre ability; the strenuous
race to win at all hazards by means not al
ways legitimate: the offering OF awards 0ut
of all proportion to the energy or ability
disnlaycd and that are extravagant to the
disgusting point; the strategy, worthy OF
better cause whereby rules are emasculated
to suit conniving officials or their pampered
proteges; the crimes committed on the AZ
iotic calendar under the caption expenses -
these are the deteriorating influences that
are gnawing at the very yitais OF honest
competition in sport. a..
The boy and girl become specialists, II
they are physically able, or promoters II
they are not ; and the physical value attend =
ant on athletic competition (mens sana in
cornore sano) is lost sight of entirely Aside
from the physical damage often done the
individual by over indulgence to gain su-
premacy and under the direction and en-.
couragement of those who are olteS employed
becomes a veritable pot hunter and viii
not compete or perform unless reimbursed
with the requisite publicity. sufficient eS-
pcnscs or costly awards. The exodus u
Klondike a few years since and more recent
quest for gold in the hills Of Maryland ar
parallel instances TO the athlete one mas To-
day in increasing numbers
Parasitic Lesion OF Sport
."rhe chameleon athlete whose principles
are gauged by the pot of gold standard and
whose allegiance and loyalty to his school.
club or team vacillate with highest bid is
the parasitic lesion OF sport. If competitive
athletics are to attain desirable results and
to erect, in the persons OF honorable par
ticipants, fitting testimonials TO consistency
Of rurpose, then the directors OF sport must
needs be above the encouragement Of these
dcbnsing tactics in those over whom they
exert influence.
should reflect, as accurately as possible, the
attitude Of its mentors. Directors of sport
should be in position to speak frankly and
fenrlessiy upon any matter connected with
their activity. They should furnish an alb
solutely Independent and unbiased expression
OF opinion on all I've matters affecting atb .
ietcs. They should, OF course, be fair. but
should not hesitate to champion the M