San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-03-25
That and Established Or
CARNATIONS of Coaches
and Officials Will Have as
Much Effect as Few but
Important Changes in
Rules.
BY WALTER CAMP.

BY WALTER CAMP.
copyright, by Tho San Antonio Light.
New Yori, March 24.-It grows
more and more apparent that play on
the gridiron next fall VII be affect
ed by more than just the recent
changes in the rules. Obviously, the
changes that were made were consid-
cred important. and they are, there
fore, worthy of very deep considera-
ton, but before taking up the de-
tailed effect of the changes, it is well
10 consider a few other things that are
hkeiy to have a bearing upon the
great college game of 1923.
Some behind the scenes, discus
sions which preceded adoption of the
new rules were not only of widespread
interest but should also be helpful to
coaches, players and spectators alike
now that it is possible to make them
public.
In the discussion relative to max
ing the rule against clipping more
severe it developed that although the
reports from ID. Y. Bible of A. & M.
college, Texas, and from Stegeman of
Georgia, as well as from Ahearn.
showed that this practice had been
greatly lessened and, in fact, that as
far as the South, the Southwest and
the Far West were concerned, til
method was in disrepute and little
was seen of it. Alonzo Stage had some
glaring instances of it to refer to. Bill
Roper was sure that it had quite
passed into the discard and had seen
none of it at all in the eastern games.
Others We're of the same opinion as
Mr. Roper, although Captain McEwan
Oh west Point was not convinced that
1t had been eliminated but merely
lcssened.
Lessen Dangerous Practices.
All this indicated that as far as
most sections are concerned brutal
m-stringing is a relic of the past.
But it also brought out the fact that
the coach is now exerting his influ-
ence far more powerfully in the inter-
ests OF clean football and the lessen
Ing OF dangerous practices. This will
De multiplied in its power this next
season on account of two important
things, the growth and spread of
coaches associations and the inau-
Suration of more and more sectional
officials association.
Mr.. Okeson, who has lust been
CHOSEN TO head one of these large as
soclatlons in the East is also a mem
per OF the National Advisory board
with Mr.. Morice acting in coniunc-
ton with the rules committee. Then,
on top of all this, there is the action
OF the rules committee themselves in
establishing a sort of "case-book, of
decisions which will be in the nature
of approved rulings.
Now all these things taktn together
show that 1923 football will be under
The control of established organiza-
tions. all operating toward clarity of
decision and especially toward strict
rule-enforcement. 1t means the os-
tracism in measure of the outlaw
coach who does not work for the real
interest of the game itself and il
means the vigorous upholding of con-
sclentious officials who will not hest
tate TO penalize attractions of the
rules and particularly enforce those
relating TO brutal conduct. And the
spread of the technical knowlcd./ ot
the game through both coaches and Of
ticials associations will not be the
least of the advantages that the sea-
son of 1923 will sec.
May Mean More Than Seems.
AS to the effect of the alterations
in rules:
The one that provides that the pen.
atty for clipping is 10 be enforced
either from the spot of the foul or
from the point where the ball was nut
IN play. according TO which is the
more severe upon the offending side.
may prove more far-reaching than
would appear at first glance. 1t is a
mighty broad proposition and really
might be sufficient in itself TO decide
game. 1t will certainly cause am
coach to consider very carefully cspe.
cial instructions TO his team to avoid
chnping as one would the plague.
The elimination of the onside kick
VIII worry few coaches but will be
hailed with acclaim by officials who
have had TO watch with hawk-like eve
to- be sure that some sneaking back
was not foot behind the kicker and
likely TO tear down under the purt
and seize the ball TO the chagrin of
some whiting opnonent.
But this elimination Il in no way
Z dctriment to the game because il
nAkes sster the waiting back who 4.
afraid "a catch punt and always
let's the ball bound, Mrny m old-'imc
back has watched with shnmc thpgo