UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI!

COLUMBIA

March 16, 1945

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Dr. F. C. Allen,

Director of Physical Education,
University of Kansas,

Lawrence, Kan.

Dear Phogs

Your communication regarding the Basketball rules entitled "They |
Are Confused" has just been received. I shall take it with me to the meeting
next week and present it to the Committee for discussion. I have no doubt
but that it will receive thorough and objective treatment in line with the
policy the Committee.

In order that the ideas you presented will be made clear to all,
and that I will be in position to answer questions I have made a digest of
your material. Please check it and notify me if I have misquoted or mis-
interpreted. Here are the points as they will be presented unless you
submit corrections.

1. The Basketball Rules are the underlying cause of confusion among
players, officials and spectators. (no mention of coaches).

2. Modification of the center jump rule has resulted in:
(a) Continuation of the value of the excessively tall player despite
contentions that it would eliminate such players from the game.
(b) Fire-wagon play with uncontrolled speed being rewarded and applauded
more than orderly, skillful, and well planned maneuvers.
(c) Danger to the hearts of players and spectators with consequent
increase of heart trouble.

,

3. Elimination of confusion and reduction of the disastrous effects
of the center jump modification are assured by a regulation which will force
an intermittent breathing spell.

4. The five foul rule is a confession of this need, but does not
hit at the source of the trouble.

5. A necessary break in the continuity of play can be assured by
application of the present Technical Foul regulations to Personal Fouls.

6. Adoption of No. 5, therefore, would:

(a) Eliminate confusion caused by the rules.

(b) Slow down play so that skill rather than uncontrolled speed would
predominate. |

(c) Reduce the danger of heart trouble.

(d) Dispense with the policing now required at the free throw lane.

(e) Lessen the value of skyscraper players by preventing tip-ins on
missed free throws.

(f) Dispense with the option of substituting an out-of-bounds play.

(g) Make unnesessary and unwise a deliberate foul near the game's close.