Fifty Years of Progress 1880-1930

A REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL SIDE OF THE A.A.A. We were certainly going back as regards finance, but our Association was progressing rapidly in its laudable endeavours to promote clean amateur sport. 1909-1914 During these years it was becoming apparent that our Championships were not being supported to the extent anticipated in the North and Midlands, where the .financial results were negligible The conclusion was reached that, if we were to pay our way, London was the place to hold them. An agreement was therefore made with the Northern Counties and the Midland Counties Associations that, in consideration of each of these bodies waiving their right to hold the Championships in their respec– tive districts as decided at the formation of the Association, they should each receive in turn 2 5 per cent. of the profit on the Championship Meeting held in London. This arrangement still obtains, and has cer– tainly proved a distinct advantage from a .financial point of view, not only to the District Associations but to the A.A.A. itself. We had got safely through with our Championships at Stamford Bridge in July, 1914, with a profit of about £600, when shortly after the war was upon us, and we find the Association holding an Athletic Meeting in aid of the Prince of Wales's National Relief Fund, with the result that we were able to contribute £9 5 to the Fund. In addition to this the Association voted £26 3 out of its funds to various war-time appeals. 1915-1919 The war period was a trying time. Athletes all over the country had answered the nation's call, and beyond carrying on with the least possible expense and promoting military meetings, little was attempted. By the end of 191 8 our cash resources were almost depleted, but in the beginning of 1919 the prospect was brighter, and our Championships held in July at Stamford Bridge brought us in a profit of £350. 1920-1928 This period was marked by great progress in the work of the Associa– tion. The objects had been extended to the promotion of not only Annual Champjonships but "any other Competition thought desirable." It should be placed on record that in 1922 we were honoured by a visit of H.M. the King to our Championship Meeting. It was a great day in the annals of the Association, and a profit of just over £1,000 set up a fresh record. With the enlarged scope of the objects of the Association, it necessarily follows that the actual administration expenses must increase, but unfortu– nately the general income has not increased in proportion. The following statement is perhaps worth recording:- 99 G 2