COLLEGES DISCUSS ATHLETICS

The annual meeting of the National Collegiate Athletic Association was held at Hotel Astor, New York, December 28. Representatives of ninety-two institutions were present. Dartmouth was represented by Professor C. E. Bolser, of the faculty committee on athletics. Captain Pierce of the Army was elected president for the sixth year in spite of all his protests except an absolute refusal to serve. During the morning session set papers were read and reports of sectional conferences were rendered. In the afternoon session the football rules committee reported. Discussion of this report brought out the fact that there is general satisfaction with the present rules. Some suggestion for minor changes were made.. The football rules committee was reelected. The entire evening session was devoted to the discussion of the amateur rule. Various delegates reported the status of affairs at their institutions. The Harvard and Dartmouth delegates explained that the amateur rule is in force at these two institutions, and has been for a number of years, and pointed out that under the strict enforcement of the rule, athletic efficiency has been maintained, and the general morale of the teams has been very satisfactory. Captain Pierce stated the opinion that what had been accomplished at Dartmouth could' be brought about elsewhere and suggested the following resolution which was adopted unanimously:

It is recommended that the delegates present take the following action with regard to the situation in Collegiate Athletics. By having this action practically unanimous it is thought a practicable solution of the problem can be evolved in time.

1. Endeavor to establish and uphold a high amateur standard in all college sports.

(a) By securing the co-operation of the student body through an educational campaign that shall explain the meaning of and necessity for such a standard.

(b) By securing the co-operation of the faculty and alumni by an educational campaign that will emphasize the moral and ethical importance of Amateur Athletics in an educational system.

2. By proposing to students that the playing in all intercollegiate contests thereafter be governed by the Amateur Spirit, and that students who compete contrary to the Amateur Spirit be given opportunities to play in intra-mural games, but shall be debarred from intercollegiate.

3. By having it understood that a student guilty of playing in an intercollegiate contest contrary to the above spirit shall be considered to have violated a gentleman's agreement, and the faculty as governing body of his institution shall discipline him.

4. By inaugurating a campaign of education among the preparatory schools.

5. That all are urged to make this movement a success by adopting it, thus securing a uniform effort throughout the country.

.6. That a committee be appointed to formulate a statement to cover the situation, and, in the meantime, the spirit of amateurism should guide.