Bredin on Running & Training

THE GOVERNING BODY. 99 The Amateur Athletic Association has been com– pared to the Jockey Club, and in one respect at least this comparison is not inapt, which is that they are both all-powerful. Such being the case, and admitting that amateur athletics are in an unhealthy state, it would seem that they have not used their power judiciously, and must at some time have either taken matters too easily or abused their rights, and are therefore justly entitled to blame, though in a lesser degree, than the runners themselves. Now the latter, we are frequently told, consist to a very great extent of men who "pot-hunt," and who, by sending in entry forms containing a list of unplaced performances-in which they have competed without trying to win-hoodwink the handicappers into allot– ting them an excessive and unfair start ; who break the laws by betting; and, in short, make a precarious living from athletics in a manner more subtle than straightforward. To briefly review these malpractices, and the possi– bility of their being constantly committed. In the first place, " pot-hunting" is a somewhat vague term. At the 'Varsities men frequently turn out for races and only run part of the full distances; in fact, start without intending to finish, for fear they should be regarded as belonging to this objectionable class. No doubt the old yarn concerning some prize-winner, who, inspecting his electro-plated cup, observed, "Pewter, pewter ! Fetch five bob," is still told of some 'Varsity lover of athletics at the present time. I have heard it repeated on three occasions with reference to different H 2