WHERE IS THE LINE?

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21578, 25 February 1932, Page 4

WHERE IS THE LINE?

AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS ) r- ; The" zealous gentlemen who,' in their enthusiasm to safeguard the amateur status, declared a former beach inspector a professional swimmer, should urge executives -of other branches of sport to insist upon rigid adherence to the rules. There would be a list of disqualifications almost as long as the recent school examination results, says the Sydney Sun. '• It is well known in tennis circles that when branch associations desire the appearance of prominent players connected with tennis ball-making firms, the inducement is held out that that particular brand of ball will be used. If the player is dubious about accepting the engagement, word is whispered that some other ball will necessarily have to be purchased. i ; In recent years a champion was contesting one of Sydney’s biggest tournaments, , but because he was wahted for exhibitions he had to turn out on four nights of the week, and thus ruined his chances in the championships. Nor are instances rare of players, when requested to play in exhibitions, accepting on condition that a particular make of ball is used. . , These are, strictly speaking, acts ot professionalism, and merit disqualifiesA certain very famous athlete, who will no doubt be at the Olympic Games, is distinctly not an amateur. Early in his career he won a cash prize. His amateur status was challenged, but the direct evidence was not produced. The fact wag well known to high officials of the sport, but they kept “dark” their knowledge in order that the athlete could win a big event for Australia. There are many amusing aspects about amateurism and the toleration which exists in certan spheres. For instance, Royal Motor Yacht Squadron members are strict amateurs go far as their club is concerned.- Trophies are insisted upon, but there is nothing to debar the amateurs from competing against other motor boat owners who have rikeed for cash prizes in their clubs and at regattas. , , , This one caused a general laugh recently! When the trophies for the Pittivater Regatta were being discussed, a big city firm offered a swimming costume as a prize for a canoe race among the youngsters who lived around the foresllßut ’ the rowing representatives would not hear of it, because the rules set out that all trophies must be inscribed. That could not be done on a swimming costume, which, in addition, was article of wearing apparel. As such its acceptance was against the canons of amateurism.. And so it stretches out, the thin line of toleration separating the amatetir from the professional, over which a rstep is repeatedly taken.