The New York herald., 1922-12-31
ny eEN. rALMEm Y. rIEnoE.

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ny GEN. PALMER r.. PIERCE.
Athletic Developments within the
United states during 1922 have been
most encouraging. The delegates as
semblad here to-day from all sections of
tllis great nation have every reason to
be optimistic OF the general improve
ment, and satisfied especially with the
advance made in collegiate athleucS
since the termination of the world war
For organizational purposes. our
constitution divides the country into
nine districts, and the representatives
from these will report to-day in detail
on athletic conditions in their respective
districts From the advance nforinil-
tion your president has received from
them he Judges that many edWauonal
authorities have taken effective steps to
enforce the ideals and principles OF the
n. G. A. A. and prevent the continued
growth and spread of professionalism,
gambling. improper proselyting and
subtle evasion OF eligibility rules.
The necessary measures were taken
in some instances by the individual col
leges concerned; in others. by local gov
erning conferences of educational lnsti-
tutions and in one notable case by the
heads OF three of our great universities.
"The educators Of our land are be-
coming more and more convinced OF the
advisabiity Of combining athletically
related colleges into administrative ano
regulatory groups. As result, quite
number OF new local leagues were
formed during the present year IN vari-
Gus parts OF the country, ana rearfahse-
ment of others made so as to secure
ga 4f..,a nd CONTROL
collegiate athletics At the present time
there exist thirty OF these local oreani-
cations. For the information or ALL II
Is proposed to publish list or these
with the proceedings OF this conVeh-
ton. and hereafter keep II up TO date
1t may be of interest TO note the SORT
OF efforts made to prevent or overcoine
the evils that were so threatening Two
years ago:
FIRST, PROFESSIONALISM - The
most effective means Of combating TINS
tendency has been by the strict applica-
tion of eligibility rules which contain
provisions requiring on the part or play
ers in intercollegiate varsity contests :
First, a good scholastic stsndihg sec
ond. one year residence, and tilro'
an amateur status.
In addition many colleges do not per-
olJsly represented another institution IN
an intercollegiate game 20 represent
them. The so-called migratory rule has
proved very discouraging to the gam
Hing element and to the coach WHO, IN
search Of higher pay, wanders from IN
stitution TO institution and for personal
reasons. If possible, takes Win MIN
promising players.
SECOND, GAMBLING. - A puDicity
campaign was actively pushed IN some
districts against this evil that, subse-
ouent to the world war. became such q
real menace to the welfare OF intercol-
iegiate athletics The college authori-
ties. coaches, players and undergradu-
ates have, IN many colleges, united IN
determined effort 60 prevent gambling
and both the daily and college press
have assisted.
Perhaps the greatest effort. because
the most needed. was made In the CEN
/ trail West, where the intercollegiate CON
ference, under the leadership OF MAJOR
John l.. Griffith, newly appointed com
missioner of athletics, waged an effec-
tive campaign against betting-ah eVi'
! that was probably responsible among
other things for the notorious and abor-
tive 1921 football game between the
so-called teams OF two Illinois towns
| teams in reality made up largely OF un-
darnra duates OF certain colleges VINO had
been enticod TO play surrepuuoust3
This canpalen has aroused pubic sen
fiment and Il IS reported has resulted
an a decided betterment or conditions,
! Our representatives. Prof. Nelson ana
Major Ashburn. report gambling on the
decrease In the third and seventh dis
trlcts. but DR.. Sanford states II Is on
the increase in the fourth district,
THIWD, IMPROPER PR0sELYTING
-Proselyting still goes on. Ofeourse II
always will. Every alumnus who loves
HIS Alma Mater will extol her virtues
/ and on occasions advise youngsters 20
seek her charmed portals. But there
are two kinds Of proselyting-one en-
tirely proper and laudabie' the o'ner hn-
proper and very injurious. The first IS
actuated by that loyalty which perhaps
is well expressed by the following
parody:
Lives there the Grad with soul 50
dead.
! Who never To himself has said,
This Is my own dear Alma Mater!
IL such there he, 60 mark him wen.
For him no college chorus swell.
The second kind Is also actuated By
levalty. but In addition, the real COM
peliiug motive seems to be an eNag-
geratcd desire for victories on athletic
fiolds---a desire that induces some
sporting alumni TO all sorts of oNeesaes
In their efforts 10 produce promising
material for the coaches fashioning into
winning teams Now this enthusiasm
might not prove harmful II II did not
lead to tho recruitment of secondary and
high school athletes under conditions
that mako OF them professionals and
due 10 the necessity OF pretending to be
amateurs. sometimes liars as well TN
growth az high school athletics has in
creased the seriousness Of this problem
The following Is q working agreement
In regard 70 proselyting that Is pro-
ducing good results;
"Tho members of the Southwest Com
ference are convinced thai offering
Inducements 70 high school and other
prospective athletes constitutes
eravo menace 10 both intersCh elastic