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Doc Lawson's Note: In the 1860s, there was no better authority on base ball than Beadle's Dime Base-Ball Player edited by Henry Chadwick. This 1867 edition covers the Tenth Annual Convention of the National Association of Base-Ball Players of December 12, 1866. (The images and text come from a 1967 reprint.)
The Ohio Village Muffins and most vintage clubs typically play by the rules adopted by the National Association on March 14, 1860 which were published later that year in the first Beadle's. Only a few differences exist between the rules of 1867 and 1860--the most notable one being the elimination (in 1864) of the rule that a batsman was out if a fair ball was caught on one bound. A foul ball caught on one bound was still an out however.
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Preface
Introduction
Rounders
First Rules of Base Ball
RULES AND REGULATIONS
ADOPTED BY THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASE-BALL PLAYERS
HELD IN NEW YORK, DEC. 12th, 1866.
Selection of a Ground.
Measuring the Ground.
The Bases.
Pitcher's Point and Home Base.
The Bat.
On Batting.
The Ball.
The Game.
THE POSITIONS ON THE FIELD.
The Catcher.
The Pitcher.
Short Stop.
First Base.
Second Base.
Third Base.
Left Field.
Center Field.
Right Field.
On Fielding.
The Batsman.
Umpires and Their Duties.
The Scorer.
RULES FOR THE FORMATION OF A CLUB.
Our Annual Edition of the DIME BASE-BALL PLAYER
for 1867 is the sixth of the annual series of issues, the whole
edition published since the first copy was printed reaching
over fifty-thousand. It has now become the text-book for
ball-players, and presents to the fraternity what no other work
published does, viz.: the averages of the play of the principal
clubs for each season, thus making it a valuable book for fu-
ture reference.
BEADLE'S DIME
BASE-BALL PLAYER
This invigorating exercise and manly pastime may
now be
justly termed the American Game of Ball, for though of
En-
glish origin, it has been so modified and improved of
late years
in this country as almost to deprive it of any of its
original
features beyond mere mere groundwork of the game.
As we
propose briefly to note the progress of Base-Ball from
its origin,
we deem it appropriate to introduce the rules for playing
the
English Game of Rounders, from which Base-Ball is derived.
We, therefore, quote as follows, from an English work
on out-
door sports:
Rounders.-This game is played with a
ball and bats, or sticks
something of the form of a policeman's truncheon.
A hole is
first made, about a foot across and half a foot deep.
Four other
stations are marked with pegs stuck into the ground, topped
with a piece of paper, so as to be readily seen. sides
are then
chosen, one of which goes in.
There may be five or more
players on each side, Suppose that there are five.
One plaver,
on the side that is out, stands in the middle of the five-sided
space, and pitches the ball toward the middle of the hole.
He
is called the feeder. The batsman hits it off, if
he can; in which
case he drops the stick, and runs to the nearest station,
thence
to the third, and all round if the hit has been a far
one.
The other side are scouting, and trying to put him out,
either
by hitting the batsman as he is running, or by sending
the ball
into the hole, which is called "grounding." The player
at the
hole may decline to strike, the ball, but if he hits at
it, and
misses twice running he is out. When a player makes the
round of the stations back to the hole, his side counts
one to-
ward the game. When all the players are out, either
by being
hit, or the ball being grounded, the other side get their
innings.
When there are only two players left, a chance is given
of pro-
longing the innings, by one of them getting three balls
from
the feeder; and if he can give a hit such as to enable
him to
run the whole round, all his side come in again, and the
count-
ing is resumed. The feeder is generally the best player
on his side, much depending on his skill and art.
The scouts
should seldom aim at the runners from a distance, but throw
the ball up to the feeder or to some one near, who will
try to
hit or to ground, as seems the most advisable. A
caught ball
also puts the striker out.
The above is a very simple game, and one designed
only for
relaxation during the interval from study in schools,
and is en-
tirely devoid of the manly features that characterize
Base-Ball
as played in this country. Boys and even girls can
play
Rounders without difficulty; but Base-Ball, to be played
thor-
oughly, requires the possession of muscular strength,
great
agility, quickness of eye, readiness of hand, and many
other
faculties of mind and body that mark the man of nerve.
But it is needless further to comment on the
meritorious fea-
tures of our American game; suffice it to say, that it
is a recrea-
tion that any one may be proud to excel in, as in order
to do so,
he must possess the characteristics of true manhood to
a con-
siderable degree.
The history of Base-Ball commences at a date
anterior to the
one we propose to start from; but our present purpose
will be
fully answered by tracing its progress from the organization
of
the Knickerbocker Club of New York, which started into
ex-
istence in the autumn of 1845. There was a Club
called the
New York Club, which existed before the Knickerbocker,
but we shall not be far wrong if we award to the latter
club
the honor of being the pioneer of the present game of
Base-
Ball.
Before the organization of the Knickerbocker
Club, the rule
of play, in reference to putting a player out with the
ball, was
to throw it at him; but one or two severe accidents occurred
from the practice of this plan, and the rules were changed
to
those placing men on each base, and making it requisite
for a
player to be touched by a ball while in the hands of an
adver-
sary. This latter rule was the first innovation on the
primitive
rules of the game familiar to every schoolboy in the Eastern
and Middle States. The following are the first regular
rules of
Base-Ball we have any record of. They are those adopted
by
the Knickerbocker Club in 1845, and by which--with one
or
two exceptions--they played up to the period of the first
con-
vention of Base-Ball players:
SECTION 1. The bases shall be from "home" to
second base
42 paces; from first to third base 42 paces equidistant.
SECTION 2. The game to consist of 21 counts
or aces, but at
the conclusion an equal number of hands must be played.
SECTION 3. The ball must be pitched and not
thrown for the
bat.
SECTION 4. A. ball knocked outside the range
of the first or
third base is foul.
SECTION 5. Three balls being struck at and
missed, and the
last one caught, is a hand out; if not caught, is considered
fair,
and the striker bound to run.
SECTION 6. A ball being struck or tipped,
and caught either
flying or on the first bound, is a hand out.
SECTION 7. A player, running the bases, shall
be out, if the
ball is in the hands of an adversary on the base, as the runner
is touched by it before he makes his base-it being under-
stood, however, that in no instance is a ball to be thown
at him.
SECTION 8. A player running, who shall prevent
an adver-
sary from catching or getting the ball before making his base,
is a hand out.
SECTION 9. If two hands are already out, a
player running
home at the time a ball is struck, can not make an ace if the
striker is caught out.
SECTION 16. Three hands out, all out.
SECTION 11. Players must take their
strike in regular turn.
SECTION 12. No ace or base can be made
on a foul strike.
SECTION 13. A runner can not be put
out in making one
base, when a balk is made by the pitclier.
SECTION 14. But one base allowed when
the ball bounds out
of the field when struck.
It will be at once perceptible to all who will
contrast the
above rules with those at present in force, that the game of
Base-Ball, at that period, was not to be compared to the sys-
tematic and, to a certain extent, scientific game that is now
such an attractive feature of our American sports and pas-
times.
The example afforded by the successful operation
of the
Knickerbocker Club, was soon followed by the formation of
others, and in the course of a few years the Gotham, Eagle,
and
Empire Clubs successively appeared on the ball grounds at Ho-
boken, as competitors for the enviable notoriety the Knicker-
bockers had by that time attained by means of the many
interesting contests they had inaugurated. The Gotham
Club
was the next organization to that of the Knickerbocker, and
the
senior members of many of the clubs now in existence will,
doubtless, long remember the interest and excitement attendant
upon the prominent contests between these rival clubs. In
fact, it is to this source in connection with the many attractive
features of the game itself, that we may mainly attribute its
rapid progress in popularity; for it is well known that where
a lively, well-contested, and exciting game is in progress,
there
will ever be found crowds of interested spectators. We
at first
designed giving the scores of several of the most prominent
of
these matches, but we find that such a course will require far
more space than we propose occupying in a work like this,
which is intended more as a compendium of Base-Ball
than a complete and comprehensive work on the subject.
We,
therefore, continue our brief reference to the points of special
interest in the history of the game, by giving the date of organ-
ization of each club that belonged to the National Associa-
tion, up to the time of the first Convention of Base-Ball Players,
which was held in New York, in May, 1857.
Clubs.
Organized.
Location of Ground.
Knickerbocker,
Sept., 1845
Hoboken,
Gotham,
1850
"
Eagle,
April, 1852,
"
Empire,
Oct. 12, 1854,
"
Excelsior,
Dec. 8, 1854,
South Brooklyn,
Putnam,
May, 1855,
Williamsburgh,
Newark,
May 1, 1855,
Newark,
Baltic,
June 4, 1855,
New York,
Eckford,
June 27, 1855,
Greenpoint,
Union,
July 17, 1855,
Morrisania,
Continental,
Oct., 1855,
Williamsburgh
Atlantic,
1855,
Jamaica, L.
Harlem,
March, 1856,
New York,
Enterprise,
June 28, 1856,
Bedford,
Atlantic,
Aug. 14, 1856,
"
Star,
Oct., 1856,
South Brooklyn,
Independent,
Jan., 1857,
New York,
Liberty,
March, 1857,
New Brunswick,N.J,
Metropolitan,
March 4, 1857,
New York,
Champion
March 14, 1857,
"
Hamilton,
March 23, 1857,
Brooklyn,
St. Nicholas,
April 28, 1857
Hoboken
As will be seen from the above record,
the years 1855 and
1856 were prolific of new clubs, and,of course,
a great number
of exciting contests took place, the result of which
was the
creation of a thorough furore for the game,
and the manifesta-
tion of a great degree of interest in the welfare
and progress of
this manly pastime, by the rapidly increasing numbers
of the
advocates of out-door sports.
At the close of the season of 1856,
a review of the many conn-
tests that had taken place led to the knowledge
of the benefit
that would accrue to the game, if a proper revision
of the rules
were to be had, and a new code established.
After several pre
liminary meetings had been held by the prominent
clubs among
themselves, it was decided to call a convention
of delegates from
each of the clubs, for the purpose of establishing
a permanent
code of rules by which all could, in future, be
governed. In pur-
suance of this resolve, a call, signed by the officers
of the Kick-
erbooker Club-as the senior organization of the
kind-was
issued, ind the ultimate result was the assembling
of the dele-
gates to the first Convention of Base-Ball Players,
which con-
vention was held in New York City, in May, 1857.
At this convention a series of rules
and regulations were
adopted, by which the various clubs, who were represented
in
the convention, were governed during the season
of 1857. In
March, 1858, the second convention was held, and
at this meet-
ing the annual convention was declared a permanent
organiza-
tion, and the requisite constitution and by-laws
having been
formed, the "NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASE-BALL PLAYERS"
sprung into existence. and commenced its useful
career, which
has thus far been one as beneficial to the interests
of the game,
as it has been creditable to its respective members.
The first annual meeting of this Association
was held at the
Cooper Institute, March 9, 1859, at which convention
the rules
and regulations were again revised and amended,
in accordance
with the improvements the experience of the previous
season's
play had rendered necessary. The officers
of the Association,
too, were re-elected. It was at this convention
that the abo-
lition of the custom of furnishing refreshments
on the occasion
of matches was unanimously recommended. This
custom,
which originated in a desire to promote friendly
intercourse
between the members of the several clubs, had degenerated
into
one seriously detrimental to the interests of the
game, owing
to the spirit of emulation that arose among the
clubs, each as-
piring to excel the other in the expense and splendor
of these
entertainments. It almost led to the dismemberment
of three
or four of the leading clubs, and the abolishing
of the custom
was as desirable as it was prudent. Since
then it has never ex-
ceededd the bounds of moderation, and, therefore,
has lost all
its objectionable features.
For the benefit of those clubs desirous
of belonging to the
National Association-as all should that have the
interest and
welfare of the game at heart-we present the following
articles
of the constitution which refer to the admission
of clubs, etc.
We would premise that the objects of the Association
are to
improve, foster, and perpetuate the American game
of Base-
M4 and to promote the cultivation of kindly feelings
among
the different members of Base-Ball Clubs.
ARTICLE: 3, SECTION 1, of
the Constitution reads as follows:
This Association shall be composed of two delegates
from each
of the Base-Ball Clubs which have been duly admitted
to a repre-
sentation in the Convention forming this Constitution,
and from
each of the clubs (or State Base-Ball Associations)
which may be
admitted to a representation in the manner hereinafter
provided.
SECTION 2. Any Base-Ball Club desiring
to be represented in
this Association shall present to the Recording
Secretary, at
least thirty days previous to the annual
meeting of this, Associ-
ation (which takes place the second Wednesday in
December
of each year), a written application, signed by
its President and
Secretary, setting forth the name of the club, date
of its organ-
ization, days and places of paying, names of its
officers and
delegates, and the number of members composing it
which
shall be immediately submitted to the Committee
on Nomina-
tions; but no such application shall be received
by said Secre-
tary unless presented thirty days previous to the
annual meet-
ing. Said Committee shall, thereupon, ascertain
the condition,
character, and standing of such club, and report
the same to the
annual meeting, together with the said application,
and their
written opinion thereon; and a ballot shall thereupon
be had
at such meeting for the admission of such club,
when, if two-
thirds of the members present vote in favor thereof,
such club
shall be declared duly entitled to representation
in this Associa-
tion. Any informality or irregularity in the
form or substance
of the application, may be waived by a two-third
vote of the
members present at the annual meeting.
SECTTON 3. No club shall be represented
in this Association,
unless it be composed of at least eighteen active members,
or
by any delegate under twenty-one years of age; nor shall
any
club be so represented until its delegates have paid the
fee here-
after designated. (The fees are five dollars initiation
fee and
two dollars annual dues.)
It is also requisite that delegates
have certificates at their
election, signed by the President and Secretary of the
club they
represent.
ARTICLE 8. No club, now a member of
this Association,
which shall admit or retain a person, as a member, thereof,
who
has been guilty of the reprehensible conduct of conspiring
with
any person or persons to cause, or who shall by any contriv-
ance, bargain or overt act, cause the loss of a match
gain of
ball in which he is or may be one of the contestants,
either
previous to or during the progress of such game of ball,
for
money, place, position, emolument, or any considerationn
of any
nature whatever, shall be entitled to continue a member
at this
Association, or be admitted to membership thereof; and
no
new club shall be admitted to membership therein which
has
among its members any one who has been convicted of any
such
action; and no match game shall be played by any club
be-
longing to this Association with any club which has or
may
have at any time any such person or persons among its
mem-
bers, under penalty of forfeiture of membership to the
Association of Base-Ball Players.
By the following section also it will
be seen that clubs can
become probationary members of the Association:
SECTION 5. Any club or State Association,
organized after the
adjournment of the annual meeting of this Association,
may
be elected probationary members thereof-after conforming
to
the requirements of Sections 2d, 3d and 4th-by the Nominating
Committee. They shall be subject to the payment
of dues and
assessments, and be eligible to all the privileges of
regular mem-
ber of the Association until the next annual meeting,
at which
time they must be duly elected in the same manner as all
reg-
ular members.
[This is a very important amendment
and will be of great
advantage to clubs formed in the spring.]
RULES AND REGULATIONS
ADOPTED BY THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BASE-BALL PLAYERS
HELD IN NEW YORK, DEC. 12th, 1866.
[N. B.-Amendments In italic.]
SECTION 1. The ball must weigh not less than
five and one-
half, nor more than five and three-fourths ounces, avoirdupois.
It must measure not less than nine and one-half, nor more
than
nine, and three-fourths inches in circumference.
It must be
composed of India-rubber and yarn, and covered with leather,
and, in all match games, shall be furnished by the challenging
club, and become the property of the winning club as a
trophy
of victory.
SEC. 2. The bat must be round, and must not
exceed two and
a half inches in diameter in the thickest part.
It must be made
of wood, and may be of any lenath to suit the striker.
SEC. 3. The bases must be four in number,
placed at equal
distances from each other, and securely fastened upon
each
corner of a square, whose sides are respectively thirty
yards.
They must be so constructed as to be distinctly seen by
the um-
pire and must cover a space equal to one square foot of
surface.
The first, second and third bases shall be canvas-bags,
painted
white, and filled with some soft material; the home base
and
pitcher's point to be each marked by a flat circular iron
plate,
painted or enameled white.
SEC. 4. The base from which the ball is struck
shall be desig-
nated the Home Base, and must be directly opposite to
the sec-
ond base; the first base must always be that upon the
right-
hand, and the third base that upon the left-hand side
of the
striker, when occupying his position at the Home Base.
And
in all match games, a line connecting the home and first
base
and the home and third base, shall be marked by the use
of
chalk, or other suitable material, so as to be distinctly
seen by
the umpire.
SEC. 5. The pitcher's position shall be designated
by two
lines, two yards in length drawn at right angles
to a line from
home to second base, having their centers upon that line
at two
fixed iron plates, placed at points fifteen and sixteen and
one
third yards distant from the home base. The pitcher-must
stand within the lines, and must deliver the ball as near as
possible over the center of the home base, and fairly for the
striker.
SEC. 6. Should the pitcher repeatedly fail
to deliver to the
striker fair balls, for the apparent purpose of delaying the
game
or for any cause, the umpire, after warning him, shall call
one
ball, and if the pitcher persists in such action, two and three
balls; when three balls shall have been called, the striker
shall
take the first base; and should any base be occupied at that
time, each player occupying it or them shall take one base with-
out being put out. All balls delivered by the pitcher,
striking the
ground in front of the home base, or pitched, striking the
batsman, or pitched to the side opposite to that which the
batsman
strikes from, shall be considered unfair balls.
SEC. 7. The ball must be pitched, not jerked
or thrown, to
the bat; and whenever the pitcher moves with the apparent
purpose or pretension to deliver the ball, he shall so deliver
it,
and must have neither foot in advance of the front line or off
the ground at the time of delivering the ball; and if he fails
in
either of these particulars, then it shall be declared a balk.
The ball shall be, considered jerked, in the meaning of the
rule
if the pitcher's arm touches his person when the arm is swung
for=
ward fo deliver the ball; and it shall be regarded as a throw
if the
arm be bent at the elbow, at an angle from the body, or horizontally
from the shoulder, when it is swung forward to deliver the
ball
A pitched ball is one delivered with the arm straight, and
swinging
perpendicularly and free from the body.
SEC. 8. When a balk is made by the pitcher,
every player
running the bases is entitled to one base, without being put
out
[The striker can not take a base, on a balk,
as he is not con-
sidered a "player running the bases" until he has struck a fair
ball, and a balked ball is not a fair ball.]
SEC. 9. The striker shall be considered
a player running the bases
as soon as he has struck a fair ball.
SEC. 10. Any ball, delivered by the
pitcher, on which a balk or
a ball has been called, shall be concerned dead and not in
play un-
til it hai been settled in the hands of the pitcher, while
he stands
within the lines of his position; and no such ball, if hit,
shall put
the striker out.
[Both of the above are new sections.]
SEC. 11. If the ball, from a stroke of the
bat, first touches the
ground, the person of a player, or any other object, behind
the
range of home and the first base, or home and the third base,
it shall be termed foul, and must be so declared by the umpire,
unasked. If the ball first touches the ground, either
upon, or
in front of the range of those bases, it shall be considered
fair.
SEC. 12. A player making the home base
shall be entitled to
score one run.
SEC. 13. If three balls are struck at,
and missed, and the last
one is not caught, either flying or upon the first bound, it
shall
be considered fair, and the striker must attempt to make his
run.
SEC. 14. The striker is out if a foul
ball is caught, either be-
fore touching the ground or upon the first bound.
SEC. 15. Or, if three balls are struck
at and missed, and the
last is caught, either before touching the ground, or upon the
first bound; provided the balls struck at are not those on
which
the balls or balks have been called; or not those struck
at for the
purpose of willfully striking out.
SEC. 16. Or, if a fair ball is struck,
and the ball is caught
without having touched the ground.
SEC. 17. Or, if a fair ball is struck,
and the ball is held by an
adversary on first base, before the striker touches that base:
SEC. 18. Any player running the bases
is out, if at any time
he is touched by the ball while in play in the hands of an ad-
versary without some part of his person being on the base.
SEC. 19. No run or base can be
made upon a foul ball; such
a ball shall, be considered dead, and not in play until it shall
first have been settled in the hands of the pitcher. In
such
cases, players running bases shall return to them, and maybe
put out in so returning, in the same manner as when running
to the first base.
SEC. 20. No run or base can be
made when a fair ball has
been caught without having touched the ground; such a ball
shall be considered alive and in play. In such case, players
running the bases shall return to them, and may be put out in
so
returning, in the same manner as when running to first base;
but players, when balls are so caught may run their bases im-
mediately after the ball has been settled in the hands of the
player catching it.
SEC. 21. The striker, when in the act of
striking, shall not step
forward or backward, but must stand on a line drawn through
the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three feet
from either side thereof, and parallel with the line occupled
by
the pitcher. He shall be considered the striker until
he has
struck a fair ball. Players must strike in regular
rotation, and,
after the first innings is played, the turn commences with the
player who stands on the list next to the one who lost the third
hand.
SEC. 22. Players must take their bases
in the order of strik-
ing; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying,
the
first base must be vacated, as also the second and- third bases,
If
they are occupied at the same time. Players may be put
out on
any base, under these circumstances, in the same manner as
when running to the first base.
SEC. 23. Players running bases must touch
them; and so
far as possible, keep upon the direct line between them; and
must touch them in the following order: first, second, third
and home; and if returning must reverse this order; and
should any player run three feet out of this line, for the purpose
of avoiding the ball in the hands of an adversary, he shall
be
declared out.
[A player failing to touch his base must be declared
out-
after an appeal-unless he can return to the base before he is
touched.]
SEC. 24. Any player, who shall intentionally
prevent an ad-
versary from catching or flelding the ball, shall be declared
out.
SEC. 25. If the player is prevented from making
a base, by
the intentional obstruction of an adversary, he shall be entitled
to that base, and not be put out.
SEC. 26. If an adversary stops the ball with
his hat or cap,
or if a ball be stopped by any person not engaged in the game,
or if it be taken from the hands of any one not engaged in the
game, no player can be put out unless the ball shall first have
been settled in the hands of the pitclier, while he stands
within
the lines of his positon.
SEC. 27. If a ball from the stroke of a bat
is held under
any other circumstances than as enumerated in Section 22, and
without having touched the ground, the striker is out.
SEC. 28 If two hands are already out,
no player running
home at the time the ball is struck, can make a run to count
in
the score of the game if the striker is put out by a fair catch,
by beinq touched between home and first base, or by the ball
being
held by an adversary on the first base, before the batsman
reaches it.
SEC. 29. An innings must be concluded at the
time the third
hand is put out.
SEC. 30. The game shall consist of nine innings
to each side,
when, should the number of runs be equal, the play shall be
continued until a majority of runs upon an equal number of in-
nings shall be declared, which shall conclude the game.
SEC. 31. In playing all matches, nine players
from each club
shall constitute a full field, and they must have been regular
members of the club which they represent, and no other club,
either in or out of the National Association, for thirty days
immediately prior to the match. Position players and choice
of
innings shall be determined by captains previously appointed
for that purpose by the respective clubs
[This rule, of course, excludes players belonging
to Junior
clubs' from taking part in Senior club matches and likewise
excludes players belonging to any Base-Ball club.]
SEC. 32. The umpire shall take care that the
regulations
respecting the ball, bats, bases, and the pitcher's and strikers
position are strictly observed. He shall be he judge of
fair and
unfair play, and shall determine all disputes and differences
which may occu during the game; he shall take special care to
declare all foul balls and balks immediately uon their occur-
rence, and when a player is put out, in what position and
manner,
unasked, in a distinct and audible manner. He shall, in
every
instance, before leaving the ground, declare the winning club,
and shall record his decision in the books of the scorers.
SEC. 33. In all matches, the umpire shall
be selected by the
captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the
duties
enumerated in Section 32, except recording the game, which
shall be done by two scorers, one of whom shall be appointed
by
each of the contending clubs.
SEC. 34. No person engaged in a match, either
as umpire,
scorer or player, shall be either directly or indirectly interested
in any bet upon the game. Neither umpire, scorer, nor
player
shall be changed during a match, unless with the consent of
both parties, except for reason of illness or injury, or
for a viola-
tion of this law, and then the umpire may dismiss any
trans-
gressors.
SEC. 35. The umpire in any match shall determine
w ien
play shall be suspennded, and if the game can not be concluded
it shall be decided by the last even innings, provided five
in-
tiings have been played; and the party having the greatest num-
ber of runs shall be declared the winner.
BEc. 36. Clubs may adopt such rules respecting
balls knocked
beyond or outside the bounds of thee field, as the circumstances
of the ground may demand; and these rules shall govern all
matches played upon the ground, provided that they are dis-
tinctly made known to every player and umpire previous to the
commencement of the game.
SEC. 37. No person shall be permitted to approach
or to
speak with the umpire, scorers, or players, or in any manner
to
interrupt or interfere during the progress of the game unless
by
special request of the umpire.
SEC. 38. No person shall be permitted to act
as umpire or
scorer in any match, unless he shall be a member of a Base-Ball
Club governed by these rules.
SEC. 39. Whenever a match shall have been
determined
upon between two clubs, play shall be called at the exact hour
appointed; and should either party fail to produce their
players
within thirty minutes thereafter, th party so failing
shall admit
a defeat and shall deliver the ball before leaving
the ground ; which
ball must be removed by the club who are ready to play,
and the
game shall be considered as won, and so forfeited in
the list of
matches played; and the winning club shall be entitled
to a score
of nine runs for any game so forfeited unless the deliquent
side
fail to play on account of the recent death of one
of its members,
and sufficient time has not elapsed to enable them
to give their op-
ponents due notice before arriving on the ground.
SEC. 40. Any match game played by any
club in contraven-
tion of the rules adopted by this Association, shall be
con-
sidered null and void, and shall not be counted in the
list of
match games won or lost, unless a game be delayed by rain
beyond the time appointed to commence the same.
Any match
game can be put off by mutual consent of the parties about
engaging in the game. No match game shall be commenced
in the rain.
SEC. 41 No person who all all be in arrears
to any other club
or shall at any time receive compensation for his servi-
ces as a player shall be competent to play in any match
All players who play base-ball for money, place or
emolu-
ment, shall be regarded as Professional Players, and
no profes-
sional player shall take part in any match game; and
any club
giving compensation to a player, or having to their
knowledge a
player in their nine playing in a match for compensation,
shall be
debarred from membership in the National Association,
and they
shall not be considered by any club belonging to this
Association as a
proper club to engage in a match with; and should any
club so
engage with them they shall forfeit membership.
SEC. 42. Should a striker stand at the bat
without striking
at good balls repeatedly pitched to him, for the apparent
pur-
pose of delayng the game, or of giving advantage to a
player,
the umpire, after warning him, shall call one, strike
,and if he
persists in such action, two and three strikes.
When three
strikes are called he shall be subject to the same rules
as if he
had struck a fair ball.
SEC. 43. Every match hereafter made
shall be decided by
the best two games out of three, unless a single game
shall be
mutually agreed upon by the contesting clubs.
In selecting a suitable ground, there are many points
to be
taken into consideration. The ground should be level,
and the
surface free from all irregularities, and, if possible, covered
with
fine turf; if the latter can not be done, and the soil is gravelly,
a loamy soil should be laid down around the bases, and all the
gravel removed therefrom, because, at the bases frequent falls
occur, and on gravelly soil injury, in such cases, will surely
re-
sult to both the clothes and body of the player, in the shape
of
scraped hands, arms, knees, etc.
The ground should be well rolled, as it adds greatly
to the
pleasure of playing to have the whole field smooth and in good
order; it will be found that such a course will fully compensate
for the trouble and expense attending it.
The proper size for a ground is about six hundred
feet in
length, by four hundred in breadth, although a smaller field
will
answer. The home base must be full seventy feet from the
head
of the field. The space of ground immediately behind the
home base, and occupied by the catcher, should be not only free
from turf, but the ground should be packed hard and smooth,
and free from gravel. To mark the position for the bases,
square blocks of wood or stone should be placed in the ground,
low enough to be level with the surface, at the base points,
to
each of which strong iron staples should be attached.
If the
blocks are of stone, have the staples inserted with lead; and
if
made of wood, let the staples be screwed in, not driven, for
in
the latter case they will either become loose, or ultimately
driven into the wood altogether; in either case becoming en-
tirely useless.
There are several methods by which the ground may
be cor-
rectly measured; the following is as simple as any: Having
determined on the point of the home base, measure from that
point, down the field, one hundred and twenty-seven feet four
inches, and the end will indicate the position of the second base;
then take a cord one hundred and eighty feet long, fasten one
end
at the home base, and the other at the second, and then grasp
it
in the center and extend it first to the right side, which will
give the point of the first base, and then to the left, which
will
indicate the position of the third; this will give the exact
meas-
urement, as the string will thus form the sides of a square
whose
side is ninety feet. On a line from the home to the second
base,
and distant from the former forty-five feet, is the pitchers
first
point, the second point being four feet further, on the same
line.
The foul-ball posts are placed on a line with the home and first
base, and home and third, and should be at least one hundred
feet from the bases. As these posts are intended solely
to assist
the umpire in his decisions in reference to foul balls, they
should
be high enough from the ground, and painted, so as to be dis-
tinctly seen from the umpire's position.
The bases should be made of the best heavy canvas,
and of
double thickness, as there will be much jumping on them with
spiked shoes, and if the best material be not used, it soon
wears
out. The proper size of a base is about fourteen inches
by sev-
enteen; but as long as it covers one square foot of ground,
when
secured to the base post, the requirements of the rules will
be
fulfilled. The straps with which the bases are held in
position,
should be made of harness leather, about one and a half inches
wide. They must pass entirely around the bases, and securely
fastened to them. New bases filled with hair and with
patent
fastenings have recently been introduced.
Pitcher's Point and Home Base.
The location of the pitcher's points and the home
base are
indicated by means of iron quoits painted white, and not less
than nine inches in diameter. They should be cast with
iron
spikes running from the under side to keeptheminplace, The
line of the pitcher's position should be marked by the insertion
in the ground of a piece of hardwood, six feet long, about two
inches wide, and from six to eight deep. It should be
inserted
so that the umpire can see it.
The rule regulating the form and dimensions
of the bat is as
follows: " Section 2. The bat must be round, and must not ex-
ceed two and a half inches in dianaeter in the thickest part.
It
must be made of wood, and may be of any length to suit the
striker." While all are limited to a particular, size in diameter,
it will be observed that no objection is made as to any particu-
lar length or weight. Bats are from thirty to forty inches
in
length, and from two to three pounds in weight, the former
weight being most desirable.
The description of wood most in use is ash,
but maple, white
and pitch pine, and also hickory bats are in common use, weight
for the size governing the selection.
For a bat of medium weight, ash is preferable,
as its fiber is
tough and elastic. The English willow has recently been
used,
and is favorably regarded by many. This latter wood is
very
light and close in fiber, and answers the purpose better than
any
other wood for a light bat.
In the choice of a bat, select a light one,
as it can be wielded
better, and in match games it is desirable that the player be
able
to strike quick enough to meet the rapid pitching that has re-
cently come in vogue. We would not recommend a bat much
under two pounds in weight, as some weight is required to over-
come the resistance of the ball.
Players have different modes, and adopt different
styles of
batting; some take the bat with the left hand on the handle,
and slide the right from the large end toward the handle; others
grasp it nearly one-third of the distance from the small end,
so
that both hands appear near the middle of the bat; others again
take hold with both hands well down on the handle, and swing
the bit with a natural and free stroke, while great form is
given
to the hlt: all give good reasons for their several styles.
Prac-
tice with one bat, as a player thereby becomes more sure of
striking than he would were he constantly to change his bat.
In striking at the ball, do not try to hit it so hard that you
throw yourself off your balance, but plant your feet firmly
on
the ground, and Swing the bat in as natural a manner as possible.
The secret of hard-hitting lies in the quick stroke and
firm position of the batsman the moment the ball is struck.
This will account for some small and light men being hard
hit-
ters. Let the left foot be placed on the line indicated
as the
striker's position, and then every ball that comes perpendicularly
from the bat to the ground will be a foul ball; but should
you
stand back of the line, it will not.
The rule states that the ball must be composed of
India rub-
her and yarn, covered with leather, the proper weight
being
five and three-quarter ounces avoirdupois, and its circumference
nine and three-quarter inches. The balls are easily
made, but
it would be advisable to obtain them from some well-known
maker, as there will then be no chance of their being
wrong in
size or weight. The covering is usually sheepslin,
and on a
turf ground this covering will last some time.
Base-Ball is played by nine players on a side: one
side taking
the bat, and the other the field. The latter occupy
the follow-
ing positions in the field: Catcher, Pitchier, First,
Second and
Third Basemen, Short Stop, and Right, Left and Center
Fields-
man. The side that wins the toss, have the choice
of taking
the bat or the field at their option. The batsman
stands at the
home base, on a line drawn through its center-parallel
to one
extending from first to third base-and extending three
feet on
each side of it. When he hits the ball, he starts
for the first
base, and is succeeded by player after,player until three
are put
out, at which time the side occupying the field take their
places
at the bat, and, in like manner, play their innings.
When the batsman succeeds in reaching the
home base, un-
touched by the ball in the hands of an adversary, and
after suc-
cessively touching the first, second, and third bases,
he is en-
titled to score one run; and when he hits the ball far
enough to
admit of his making the four bases before it is returned,
he
makes what is termed a home run. Nine innings are
played on
each side, and the party making the greatest number of
runs
win the match. In case of a tie, at the close of
the ninth
innings, theg,ame, by mutual consent, can be prolonged innings
after innings, until one or other of the contesting sides obtains
the most runs. And if any thing occur to interrupt or
put a
stop to the game before five innings on each side have been
played, the game must be drawn. The rules and regulations
of the game define all further particulars in reference to it.
This player is expected to catch or stop all balls
pitched
or thrown to the homebase. He must be fully prepared to
catch
all foul balls, especially tips, and be able to throw the ball
accurately and swiftly to the bases, and also keep a bright
look-
out over the whole field. When a player has made his first
base, the Catcher should take a position nearer the striker,
in
order to take the ball from the pitcher before it bounds, and
the
moment the ball is delivered by the pitcher, and the player
runs
from the first to the second base, the Catcher should take the
ball before bounding, and send it to the second base as swiftly
as possible, in time to cut off the player before he can touch
the base; in the latter case it would be as well, in the majority
of cases, to send the ball a little to the right of the base.
The
same advice holds good in reference to a player running from
the second base to the third. As the position occupied
by the
Catcher affords him the best view of the field, the person filling
it, is generally chosen captain, although the pitcher is sometimes
selected for that honor. We would suggest, however, that
some other player than the pitcher be selected as captain, from
the fact that the physical labor attached to that position tends
to increase the player's excitement, especially if the contest
is a
close one, and it is requisite that the captain should be as
cool
and collected as possible. The Catcher, whenever he sees sev-
eral fielders running to catch a ball, should designate by name,
the one he deems most sure of taking it, in which case the
others should refrain from the attempt to catch the ball on
the
fly, and strive only to catch it in case of its being otherwise
missed.
This player's position is behind a line two
yards in length
drawn at right angles to a line from home to second base,
and having its center upon that line at a point distant forty-five
feet from the former base. His movements, immediately
pre-
ceding, and at the time of delivering the ball, are to be confined
to a space of ground bounded by the above line, and one four
feet in the rear of it; and while in the act of delivering the
ball
both of his feet must be on the ground. He must pitch
the
ball, not jerk or throw it; and lie must deliver the ball as
near
as possible over the home base, and fairly for the striker,
and
sufficiently high to prevent its bounding before it passes the
base. If he fails in this respect, it is the umpire's
duty to call
balls upon him, as prescribed in Section 6 of the rules.
When
in the act of delivering the ball, the Pitcher must avoid having
either foot in advance of the line of his position, and must
have
both feet on the ground, or otherwise a balk will be declared;
this penalty is also inflicted when he moves with the apparent
purpose of delivering the ball, and fails so to do. When
a
player attempts to run in to the home base while he is pitching,
he should follow the ball to the home bise as soon as it leaves
his hand, and be ready at the base to take it from the catcher.
The Pitcher will frequently have to occupy a base on oc-
casions when the proper guardian has left it to field the ball.
And in cases where a foul ball has been struck, and the player
running a base endeavors to return to the base he has left,
the
Pitcher should run to the base the player is trying to return
to,
and receive the ball from the fielder, in order to comply with
Section 18 of the rules. The Pitcher who can combine a
high
degree of speed with an even delivery, and at the same time
can,
at pleasure, impart a bias or twist to the ball, is the most
effect-
ive player in that position. We would remind him that
in cases
where a player has reached his first base after striking, it
is the
pitcher's duty to pitch the ball to the bat, and not to the
catcher;
and should the batsman refuse to strike at good balls repeatedly
pitched to him, it will be the umpire's duty to call one strike,
etc., according to Section 42 of the rules.
This position on the field is a very important
one, for on the
activity and judgment of the Short Stop depends the greater
part of the in-fielding. His duties are to stop all balls
that come
within his reach, and pass them to whatever base the striker
may be running to-generally, however, the first base.
In each
case his aim must be sure, and the ball sent in swiftly, and
rather low than high. He must back up the pitcher, and,
when
occasion requires, cover the third base when the catcher throws
to it; also back up the second and third bases when the ball
is thrown in from the field. He should be a fearless fielder,
and one ready and able to stop a swift ground-ball; and if he
can throw swiftly and accurately, it would be as well to be
a
little deliberate in sending the ball to the first base, as
it is
better to be sure and just in time, than to risk a wild throw
by
being in too great a hurry. His position is generally
in the
center of the triangle formed by the second and third bases
and
the pitcher's position, but he should change it according
to his
knowledge of the striker's style of batting. He must also
be on
the alert to take foul balls on the bound that are missed on
the
fly by either the third baseman or pitcher, or indeed any other
player he can get near enough to to be effective in this respect.
In doing this, however, he should be careful not to interfere
with the fielder who is about catching the ball. In order
to pre-
vent him doing so, the catcher should call to that fielder who
he thinks will best take the ball on the fly. An effective
Short
Stop and a good first base player, especially if they are familiar
with each other's play, will materially contribute to the success-
ful result of a well-contested game.
The First Baseman should play a little below
his base, and
inside the line of the foul-ball post, as he will then get within
reach of balls that would otherwise pass him. The moment
the ball is struck, and he finds that it does not come near
him,
he should promptly return to his base, and stand in readiness,
with one foot on the base, to receive the ball from any player
that may have fielded it. The striker can be put out at
this
base without being touched by the ball, provided the fielder,
with the ball in and, touches the base with any part of
his
person before the striker reaches it. The player
will find it
good practice to stand with one foot on the base, and
see how
far he can reach and take the ball from the fielder; this
prac-
tice will prepare him for balls that are thrown short
of the base.
In the same manner he should learn to jump up and take
high
balls. This position requires the player filling it to
be the very
best of catchers, as he will be required to hold very
swiftly-
thrown balls The moment he has held the ball, he
promptly return it to the pitcher, or to either of the
other bases
a player is running to, as in some instances two and sometimes
three players are put out by promptitude in this respect.
For
instance, we will suppose a player to be on each of the
first,
second, and third bases, and the striker hits the ball
to the short
fielder, the latter sends it to the catcher, who, in turn,
sends it
to the third base, and the third baseman to second, and
if this
be done rapidly in each case, all three players will be
put out, as
it is only requisite, under such circumstances, for the
ball to
be held on the base before the player reaches it-not the
player
to be touched with it-for each player to be put out.
Should
the ball, however, be sent to first base, and the striker
be put.
out, in such case it will be requisite that each other
player be
touched with the ball, as in the first case they are forced
from
their bases, but in the latter they are not We give this
as an
illustration of a very pretty point of the game.
For the rule in
reference to it, see Sections 19 and 22.
This position is considered by many to be the
key of the field,
and therefore requires an excellent player to occupy it.
He
should be an accurate and swift thrower, a sure catcher,
and a
thorough fielder. He should play a little back of
his base,
and to the right or left of it, according to the habitual
play of
the striker, but generally to the right, as most balls
pass in that
direction. He should back up the pitcher well, allowing
no
balls to pass both that player and himself too.
When the
striker reaches the first base, the Second Baseman should
im-
mediately return to his base and stand prepared to receiv
e the
ball from the catcher, and put out his opponent by touching
him with the ball, whichiIt is requisite to do on this
base as
well as on the third and home bases, except in.the cases
of
balls caught on the fly, or foul balls, in both of which
instances
a player can be put out in returning to the base he has
left, in
the same manner as when running to the first base-see
rule
17. When the catcher fails to-throw the ball with accuracy
to
the Second Baseman, the latter should by all means manage
to
stop the ball, if he can not catch it, in time to put
out his
opponent. He should also promptly return the ball
to the
pitcher.
The Third Base is quite as important a position
as the others,
and it requires its occupant to be a good player, as some
very
pretty play is frequently shown on this base. Its
importance,
however, depends in a great measure upon the ability displayed
by the catcher, who, if he is not particularly active,
will gener-
ally sacrifice this base by giving his principal attention
to the
second. A player who catches with his left hand
will not make
a good Third Baseman. The same advice in regard
to the
proper method of practice for the first base, is equally
applica-
ble to the second and third, but it is not quite as necessary
to
the two latter as to the former. Should. a player
be caught be-
tween the bases, in running from one to the other, it
is the
surest plan to run in and put the player out at once,
instead of
passing the ball backward and forward, as a wild throw,
or a
ball missed, will almost invariably give the player the
base.
All three of the basemen should avoid, by all fair means,
ob-
structing the striker from reaching the base, as the penalty
for
any willful obstruction is the giving of the base to the
striker.
We scarcely need to remind each of the basemen that when-
ever they ask for judgment from the umpire, on any point
of
play, that they should forbear from commenting on the
same,
be it good or bad, but receive it in entire silence.
Such is the
course a gentleman will always pursue.
This position requires the fielder who occupies
it to be a good
runner, a fine thrower, and an excellent and sure catcher;
as prob-
ably three out of every six balls hit are sent toward
the left field.
The same qualities are requisite also in this
position as nec-
essary in the left field, but not to the extent required
by the
latter fielder. The Center Fielder should always
be in readi-
ness to back up the second base, and should only go to
long
field in cases where a hard-hitter is at the bat
This is the position that the poorest player
of the nine-if
there be any such should occupy-not that the position
does
not require as good a player to occupy it as the others,
but that
it is only occasionally, in comparison to other portions
of the
field, that balls are sent in this direction.
In all cases, the out fielders should be able
to throw the ball
from long field to the home base, and after they have
either
caught or stopped the ball, they should promptly return
either to the base requiring it, or to the pitcher, but
they
never hold the ball a moment longer than is necessary
to throw
it. Another point of their fielding should be to start
the mo-
ment the ball is hit, and try their utmost to take it
on the fly, and
not wait until it is about tonching the ground.
Bear in mind
that it is easier to run forward to take a ball, than,
by being too
eager, to try and take it by running backward; remember,
how-
ever, that a ball hit high to long field invariably appears
to be
coming further than it really does, as after it has reached
its
hight, It falls at a far more acute angle than it arose
at; it, there-
fore, requires considerable judgment to measure the precise
dis-
tance it will fall.
This player must take his position on a line
drawn through
the center of the home base, not exceeding in length three
feet
from either side thereof, and parallel with the line of
the pitcher's
position. He can await the coming of a suitable
ball for him to
strike, but he should not be too fastidious in this respect,
or
otherwise he will be liable to incur the penalty attached
to a
violation of Section 42 of the rules. Some Batsmen
are in the
habit of waiting until the player, who has previously
reached
the first base, can make his second, but a good Batsmann
strikes
at the first good ball pitched to him, and this is decidedly
the
fairest and best method to be adopted, as it is the most
likely to
lead to a successful result, and keeps the game lively
and inter-
esting. The Batsman, when he has hit the ball, should
drop
his bat, not throw it behind him, and run for the first
base, not
waiting to hear whether the ball has been declared foul
or not,
as if it be a foul ball, he can easily return to the base,
but should
it be fair, he will be well on his way to the base.
The umpire
will call all foul balls immediately they are struck,
but will keep
silent when the ball is a fair one. Although the rules
expressly
state what the Batsman is to do, it will be as well to
refer here
to the rules applicable to the striker, as they can not
be too fa-
miliar to him. The Batsman is out if he strikes
at the ball three
times without hitting it, and if the third time the ball
be struck
at it is caught by the catcher either on the fly or first
bound;
or, if the ball be fielded. to the first base before the
striker reach-
es it; or, if he runs from any base, except the home base,
on a
foul ball, and the ball reaches the base before he can
return to
it; or, if a fair ball be caught on the fly; or, if at
any
time while running the bases, he be touched by the ball
while in play in the hands of an adversary, without some
part
of his person being on the base. He is also out
if he try to make
either the second, third, or home bases after the ball
has been
struck, and caught on the fly, and he fails to return
to the base
he has left before the ball reaches it. If, however,
he should
succeed in this latter case in reaching the base before
the ball,
he can immediately re-endeavor to make the base he was
run-
ning to without being obliged to await the balls being
held by the
pitcher. In the case where he is running for a base
on a foul ball,
he should see that the ball has been settled in the hands
or the
pitcher who need not be in his position to receive it-before
it
reaches the base, or otherwise he can not be put out without
being touched by the ball. In running the bases,
he should
use his own judgment as to the proper time to make a base,
un-
less the captain calls to him to run, in which case he
should obey
the call; but it will be as well not to mind the suggestion
of
any other person on the field, as the captain is the only
proper
person to direct a player in his movements.
The Umpire should be a player familiar with
every point of
the game. The position of an Umpire is an honorable
one, but
its duties are any thing but agreeable, as it is next
to an impos-
sibility to give entire satisfaction to all parties concerned
in a
match. It is almost unnecessary to remark that the
first duty
of an Umpire is, to enforce the rules of the game with
the
strictest impartiality; and in order to do so, it would
be as well
for him, the moment he assumes his position on the ground
to
close his eyes to the tact of there being any player,
among the
contestants, that is not an entire stranger to him ; by
this means
he will free his mind from any friendly bias. Whenever
a point
is to be decided upon, rest the decision upon the first
impression
for however incorrect it, at times, may be, it is invariably
the
most impartial one. The Umpire should avoid conversation
with any party during a match game, and also turn a deaf
ear
to all outside comments on his decisions. He should
give all
his decisions in a loud tone of voice, especially in cases
of foul
balls, keeping silent when a fair ball is struck.
He should also
declare how and by whom the striker has been put out.
When a
striker persists in refusing to hit at good balls, in
order to allow
the player who has reached his first base, to make his
second, the
umpire should not hesitate to enforce Section 42 of the
rules by
calling out "one strike," and then two and three strikes,
if such
conduct is continued. A few instances of prompt enforcement
of this rule, in such cases, would soon put a stop to
this objec-
tionable habit. In cases, too, when the pitcher
delivers balls,
either to intimidate the batsman, by hitting him with
the ball,
or in such a manner that the batsman can not hit them,
the Um-
pire should promptly enforce the rule laid down for such
cases,
and call balls on the pitcher. The Umpire should
keep a strict
watch on the movements of the pitcher in delivering the
ball,
being careful to notice, firstly, that he has neither
foot in advance
of the line of his position, or off the ground when the
ball is de-
livered; secondly, that his arm, in the act of delivering,
does
not touch big side, and thereby cause the ball to be jerked
in-
stead of being pitched; and thirdly, that he delivers
the ball
with a straight arm, and also that he does not move his
arm
with any apparent purpose of delivering the ball, unless
he does
actually deliver it; in either case, his failure to abide
by the
rules renders him liable to the penalty of a balk.
The Umpire
should require the batsman to stand on a line, running
through
the center of the home base, parallel to a line from the
first to the
third base, and extending three feet on each side.
Should the
striker fail to do so, and in consequence, the ball, when
struck,
fall behind the base, the Umpire should consider it a
fair ball,
as, had the rules been strictly adhered to, the same ball
would
have been legitimately a fair one. Whenever a foul
ball is
caught after rebounding from the side of a building, a
fence, or
a tree, provided it has not touched the ground, it should
be con-
sidered a fair catch, unless a special agreement to the
contrary
be made previous to the commencement of the match.
The
Umpire should see that the spectators are not allowed
to stand
near, and especially within, the line of the foul-ball
post, or in
any way interfere with or crowd upon the scorers.
His posi-
tion is to the right of, and between, the striker and
catcher, in
a line with the home and third base; in the case of a
left-hand-
ed striker, he should stand on the left of the striker.
When-
ever a disposition is evinced on the part of either side
of the
contestants in a match to prolong the game until darkness
puts
a stop to it, in order to secure an advantage obtained,
but which
by fair play would in all probability be lost, the Umpire
should
decide the game by the last innings that had been fairly
played.
There have been one or two instances where this contemptible
conduct has been resorted to, and as it is a course that
is dis-
creditable to all concerned in it, it can not be too much
con-
demned. The Umpire should constantly bear in mind
that up-
on his manly, fearless, and impartial conduct in a match
main-
ly depends the pleasure that all more or less, will derive
from it.
The same person should invariably be appointed
to keep the
score of all match games, and he should be one whose familiar-
ity, with the game will admit of his recording every point
of it
that occurs in a match. He should be one also whose
gentle-
manly conduct will render him acceptable to all who are
liable
to make inquiries of him relative to the score of the
game. The
position occupied by the scorerer should be kept entirely
clear
of all persons, except those who are regularly engaged
to report
matches for the press; for the latter are entitled to
every atten-
tion under such circumstances, in return for their efforts
to pro-
mote the interests of the game by giving publicity to
the many
contests that take place. To avoid annoyance to
the Scorer,
the reporters should furnish the Scorer with blank sheets.
Before forming a club,it would be well to ascertain
how
many there are, of those desirous of becoming members
of such
an organization, who will be sufficiently interested in
the club
to place it on a permanent footing; and especially is
it requis-
ite that a majority of the members should be those able
to de-
vote a portion of their time to the necessary practice
of the
game, and at the same time be fully alive to the welfare
of the
club they join. Being satisfied in these respects,
the next pro-
ceeding is to adopt an appropriate name, and one indicative
of
the locality of the club. In this matter care should
be taken to
avoid, if possible, the selection of a name already adopted.
In
framing the Constitution and By-Laws of the Club, avoid
hav-
ing any rule that can not or will not be enforced, as
it will other-
wise lead to a laxity of discipline that will injuriously
affect
those rules that are absolutely necessary for the existence
of the
club. The fines, if any, should be light, being
thereby easier
of collection, and fully as effective as if of great amount.