"AMATEUR” SPORT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 47, Issue 14449, 25 July 1921, Page 4

"AMATEUR” SPORT.

The Amateur Rowing Association and others interested in rowing have held a conference at Home and passed a resolution that organised international athletic competitions such, as the Olympic Games are entirely contrary to the tiue spirit of amateur sport. But is there really amateur sport? Is the Amateur Rowino- Association at Home a purely amateur body^... Amateur football throughout the world is no different in. many respects . from professional football. The All Blacks received payment during their (trip to England some 16 vears ago, and, therefore, they should be classed as professionals. Strictly speaking, any set of players who have their expenses- paid are professionals. It is very doubtful if there is amateur sport anywhere in the world in the strict meaning of the term. The complaint we hear from the ■ English Rowing Association savours of "sour grapes.” English spout is at the lowest ebb ever known, asd English cricketers, boxers, tennis players; footballers, and so on have cut such a- sorry figure lately that very little attention will be paid to- the pitiful wail of the Rowing ■Association. If it is good enough for amateur and professional cricketers, golf players, etc., to compete one against the other or in the same teams, then the same should apply to football, running, hockey, and other games. Let us cast aside altogether this hypocrisy about amateurism —it is no cleaner than professionalism. Amateurs break the amateur rule every day, and it is common knowledge that cash often comes into possession of a successful amateur instead of a trophy. The New Zealand Rugby Union is always harping on the desirability of keeping the game of football free from professionalism, but that august is probably the greatest money-grabbing concern in New Zealand. Let us get right down to bedrock, and admit that " amateur r sport does not possess all the virtues, and "professional” all the vices. There is too much hypocrisy and humbug about the.whole business.