Macarthur Settles Amateurs’ Dispute

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30035, 21 January 1963, Page 13

Macarthur Settles Amateurs’ Dispute

(N 3 Prsss Associatton—Copyright)

NEW YORK, January 10. General Douglas Macarthnr tonight announced a settlement in the long and bitter power struggle in American amateur sports that threatened United States participation in the Olympic Games. The 82-year-old mediator appointed by President Kennedy said a four-point plan he offered had been accepted by the Amateur Athletic Union and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Five Australian athletes, studying in the United States, who were banned by the A.A.U. for participating in N.C.A.A. competitions will benefit from an amnesty in the agreement. The paints are: An immediate amnesty for ell athletes who have been disqualified by either group in the dispute. A lifting of the ban on use of athletic facilities by either group. A board be formed of three A.A.U. and three N.C.AA. representatives of the N.C.A.A.-backed United States Track and Field Federation to pass on eligibility for the 1964 Olympic team, with any disagreement passed to General Macarthur as final arbitrator. A recommendation to the President that be call an athletic congress after the 1964 Olympics, of

leading men in all sports organisations to work out a plan under which all groups would pool their resources for a united effort in sports. According to the settlement, General Macarthur set himself up as a watch dog of the sports peace until the 1964 Olympics, the Associated Press said. He agreed to settle any disputes that arise under the agreement until then. The announcement came after 10 hours of continuous negotiations which started last Friday. The 75-year-old A.A.U. has been the sole sanctioning agent in the United States for international events but he N.CAA. has been challenging this right.