‘SO-CALLED AMATEURS’

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 147, 19 March 1934, Page 9

‘SO-CALLED AMATEURS’

Leading Tennis Players SCATHING COMMENTS Paris, March 16. The International Tennis Committee appointed in 1933 to revise the definition of amateur has reported scathingly denouncing amateurism as at present practised in the tennis world. The committee also warns against the lure of ’professionalism. The report comments on "so-called amateurs living at someone else’s expense from January 1 to December 31, touring the world without putting their hands in their pockets.” It recommends that a new clause should be introduced into rule 26 stating that except when officially selected by his association a player shall receive travelling and living expenses only for eight weeks in each year. It is also proposed to restrict amateurs from playing or demonstrating the game with professionals without the federation’s permission. The report deplores the ever-increas-ing facilities accorded players of both , sexes, and attacks their lack of candour. ' It also comments on* the fantastic demands ot so-called amateurs, who complain when they are not sent to hotels de luxe and provided with private bathrooms and cars. It further deplores the fact that the great players are becoming professionals. The different national federations are to be allowed to study the report before a special meeting discusses it on July 30. During the Davis Cup challenge f round English and French delegates strongly opposed open tournaments, but the United States delegate pleaded that the matter be left to the national associations to decide, declaring: “Why not have the courage of our convictions. I distinctly’favour open tournaments under supervision."

Kenya, Colombia, Peru, and Estonia were admitted to the federation.

It is suggested that a committee of management carry on between general meetings.