In view of the fact that I have been a very close follower
of basket ball, for many years, and, in my own humble way, have tried to
make a study of the game, it seems to me that any radical changé@in the
rules are considerably out of order. I base this opinion on the fact that the
game has grown in popularity with the fans in general, by leaps end bounds,
By reason of the fact that I attend many games, I have come in contact with all
classes of fans, and the only criticism of the present game, that I hear voiced
generally, is with reference to fouls. Outside of the fact that some officials
call them too close, and some not close enough, which condition is difficult
to remedy, I am of the opinion that the game could be greatly improved in the
following manner:

Classify all fouls, exeept technical, as either major or minor
fouls. This should not complicate the game whatever, as some definite
standard signals could be made for officials to flash to the seorer. In the
major foul class I would place any that have a tendency toward roughness, -
for example, charging, blocking, tripping and shoving. Minor fouls should
include hacking and holding,

Allow a player to participate in each half, until he has three
fouls called against him. In this manner, both teams would start the second
half of the game with a clean slate, so far as fouls are concerned, It is very
obvious thet a player having three fouls, under the present rules, does not
play the game he is capable of, particularly on defense,

Compe] a player to leave the game permanently, after committing
three major fouls, the same as he does at the present time on four, - major
fouls to carry over from the first to the second half; in other words, at any
time that a player commits his third major foul, he is out. In this manner,
the penalty for roughness would be greater than it is at the present time,
but would be less for minor fouls. After all, allowing a player two free
throws for being held or hacked while shooting is already quite a penalty,
when the percentage of successful shots is taken into consideration.

The only additional burden resulting from this change in rules
covering fouls would fall on the scorer, and even this I would not consider
a burden, as he would simply be compelled to have some foul classification in
his markings. Obviously it should not make a particle of difference to the
officials, as even now they mst know immediately what foul they are calling
on a player.

In addition to the suggestion on the change in the foul rules,
I am certain that the elimination of the "center-jump” would not prove to be
populer with fans in general. I believe, as I have often read, that taking
the center-jump out of basket ball would be like taking the "kick-off" out of
foot-ball, It would eliminate the air of uncertainty, which I believe a very
interesting phase of the game. Another reason, which I consider a more
important one, for keeping the center-jump, is to give the players that slight
pause after every score is made, Altho' it is of short duration, nevertheless
it helps, in view of the fact that basket ball is a very fast and tiring gem.

This suggestion for change in the foul rules is submitted with
the thorough conviction that it will meet with popular approval. I hope it
will be given sufficient consideration to at least be brought up for discussion.