“SPORTS” AND “ALLOWANCES"

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 177, 21 April 1924, Page 11

“SPORTS” AND “ALLOWANCES"

Sir,—The report of the Rugby Union proceedings re discussion of allowance to players is worthy of comment, and should, .make the average person think. In order to keep our “sports” on the amateur basis, and to avoid professionalism by paying little or nothing appears to mo rather unfair. The players or performers lose the time thev use in training, plus the time in playing aaid touring (which very often spoils a man’s trade or business career) for what? The empty plaudits, and the empty comments of the managers and onlookers, who seem to be afraid a man may gain something which will pay for the display of his strength, skill, and time. Ask some of those who were outspoken (as reported), to use the skill they have acquired in their profession, for a few minutes, and their charge would make an average sport, groan. I m have in mv mind a sport who gave many precious hours of his life training until he became so proficient that as long as New Zealand keeps records his name will live. He gave up opportunity after opportunity to better his position in life. His name is. great among sports and probably hrs performance put great sums (through gate money) into the coffers of the sports authorities. But where does this man profit? Ho has a number of mips, etc. (which have no use) to look at, but can he look at his own house, can he look at his own business, can lie look at his prospects in life as he would have been able to had he devoted himself as do others. A man s responsibilities are not met by having the record of being a good runner, footballer, or at any other form of athletics. Aly opinion is that men who give others a great deal of pleasure or “sport,” should lie amply , recompensed for their trouble, training, and time. Moreover, when a man has made a world’s name, the “so-called sports” should see that he should not lie a loser. A percentage of the gate moneys kept and funded for men who keep an unblemished sport record, and at stated periods, say., at the end of a tour or when one is broken down, ns happens at times, be paid over to them. . , Take the case of a man who went over the “other side” lately, and hurt his knee. The sports proposed a sports programme,. the proceeds to pay the man’s medical expenses. Probably, when this was done they simply wash their hands of him, and look round for some promising youths to whom the glamour of sport will like; wise cause them to waste a lot. ot time until tlvev are stranded, either one wav or another. Medical expenses, forsooth, after what the man has done. Think of the years of strenuous training, time, money, prospects ah gone, and honour bronght to the country, and they generously offer a benefit to pav medical expenses. How did the so-called sports respond? I have seen a greater gathering to view a thirdrate foo»hall match.—I am, etc., A SPORT.