The New York herald., 1922-04-23
Clause Of Constitution Puts
New Body in Direct Conflict
With Older Association.
WAR SECRETARY PRAISED
Spirit Of Amateurism Defined
by the Members, Who Pledge
Themselves to Reform Work.
BY CHARLES r. MArH1soN.

by CHARLES r. MATHIsON.
There came into existence yesterday
afternoon at the Hotel Astor an or
ganization which bids fair to have
far reaching and potential influence on
the future Of amateur athletics the
world over. The new association was
christened the National Amateur Ath-
letic Federation of the United States.
and in it's formation representatives
of dozen of the most prominent
bodies controlling various branches OF
sport took conspicuous part.
Henry p. Breckenridge, former AS
slstant Secretary of War. was the pre-
siding officer, and his statement made
Just before adjournment is succinct
outline of the aims of the new as
sociation. 1t is as follows:
1.-THE proposal for the formation Of
national amateur federation or associa-
tion Of organizations Of the United
States interested In amateur athletics Is
In no wise designed as an attack upon
any national athletic body. Its primary
purpose Is to unite all such In con-
certed movement for the proper direc-
ton, control and development not only
of amateur sports but also community
and mass athletics and other healthful
activities throughout our nation. 1t Is
the earnest desire of those now inter-
ested in its full accomplishment that its
membership may become so inclusive
that in every fitting sense it will be a
national and representative amateur
sports body, whose fundamental purpose
is public service.
1T is much to be regretted that per-
sonalites have been injected into the
discussion of this proposition. and I wish
to state emphatically that in so far as
] know none of its sponsors Is actuated
by antagonism to any existing athletic
organization or by personal ambition Of
any sort"
Elect Omcers in May.
No officers were elected. as the various
associations represented are to be con-
suited on that question and will have a
voice In the selection of officials at the
next meeting Of the federation In Wash
ington, d. c.. May and ..
Those who attended the conference
and were active In the formation of the
federation were Commander Train, as
signed by the Secretary OF the Navy:
Lieut.. Col. Waite c. johnson, assigned
by the Secretary of War: George j.
Fisher. Department Chief Boy Scouts of
America: Dr. John Broen. Jr.. Inter
national Y. NJ. c. A.: Gen. Palmer c.
Pierce. head OF the Collegiate Associa-
tion, representing 300 colleges and uni
versities Of the United States: A. A.
Stagg. representing the University OF
Chicago and the Western Conference;
Dr. Joseph T.. Raycroft. Princeton Uni
versty; DIR. Fl. +. Kellenberg, Cook
County Athletic Association: Elwood
Brown. foreign department Y. NJ. c. A.:
]. G. Merrick. Canadian International
Olympic Committee: DIR. c. w. Savage.
Oberln College. and DR.. J. Fl. McCurdy.
American Physical Education Associa-
ton. The constitution of the federation
sets forth that its chief object Is TO unite
all organizations of a permanent char
acter which are national in their scope
and which are actively interested in the
promotion of amateur athletics and
other forms OF physical activities.
Significant Statement.
The most significant clause OF the
constitution. Indicative of the purpose
of the federation to take complete con-
troll of amateur athletics throughout the
United States. provides that the fedora
tion shall adopt. formulate and publish
principles. standards and rules govern
ing the games and events included In the
activities to be promoted and administer
such forms of amateur athletics as may
be agreed upon from time to time
through It's constitutional organization
or as federation: also to conduct State.
sectional and national championships"
This clause of the constitution brings
the federation into direct conflict with
the Amateur Athletic Union. which now
assumes control of State. sectional and
national championships and has formu-
lated and cnforces rules governing these
events.
Article OF the constitution provides
that control of the federation shall be
vested in board OF governors composed
of representatives of the constituent or
ganizations The membership OF the fed
Grafton shall consist of two classes. A
and B. the former national organizations
OF large membership and the latter OF
smaller membership.
Each member of the federation shall
govern its athletes In accordance with
The rules OF the federation. and all penal
ties imposed by the federation shall be
recognized by all the members Of the
federation.
Spirit OF Amateurism.
The clause OF the constitution defining
the spirit OF amateurism IL as follows:
The spirit OF amateurism carries with
II all that Is included In the definition OF
an amateur and much more. II stands
for a high sense OF honor. honesty. fair
play and courtesy on the part of the par
ticipants hosts or guests. the officials
and spectators. II stoops to no petty
technicalitles 70 twist or avoid the rules
or TO take an unfair advantage OF op-
ponents.
1T implies a recognition of the
marked influence OF athletics in de-
veloping organic vigor. physical fitness,
intellectual efficiency. moral qualities
and social habits. IL seeks to increase
their value by exalting the standards
OF all sport.
1T Is opposed 10 all practices which
are harmful 10 individual or 10 anna
teur athletics in general. II recog-
nizes the need OF wise organization and
supervision OF athletics and coopera-
tlon In making these efficient"
Tribute to Secretary Weeks.
Preceding adjournment. all the dele
gates paid tribute to Secretary OF War
John w. Weeks by signing the follow