Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

It is gratifying to note that local competitions generally occupy a prominent place in games programmes. No right-spirited committee would omit these items, which enhance the interest in the games, and provide a capital incentive to local men to practice athletics. No Entry Fees. It is not before time that the inveterate custom of charging entry fees was abrogated. It serves no good purpose, only adding a few shillings to the games revenue, and placing a prohibitive price on each event. Whatever be its objective, it is inconsistent and averse to a proper propagation of athleticism. Some committees charge entry fees which nearly amount to their prize money. It is to be hoped that all northern Games Committees will abolish this objectionable clause. In Sutherland, the capable and enthusiastic committee of the Brora Games resolved to do so at its inauguration: the result was that an experienced Caithness sportsman and journalist correctly averred that this parish possessed more athletes than any other one in the north. No Handicapping. The custom of handicapping is a very unfair one to the proficient runner. It is adopted to give inferior runners a chance, but have not the proficient “peds.” built up for themselves reputations by dint of sheer perseverance and hard training? Certainly. This custom should now be eliminated, as it encourages the lazy one to be lazy still for why should he train long and hard to be ultimately obliged to concede many yards to other untrained and possibly indifferent competitors? All right-minded athletes will endorse the expediency of the above reform. More Competitive Trials. One of the most rigid rules of the games management is the allowing of only three competitive trials. It would, however, incalculably aid everything to increase this number to five, as it is really impossible for the athlete to do himself justice in three trials, which only tend to prepare him for real efforts. Who ever heard of an exhibition throw falling behind the other three trials? To the casual spectator, the word “exhibition” sounds like something akin to a charm. They seem to think that the Fates inspire and succour the athlete; whereas he only just commences to get into real form, the preceding trials having accustomed him to the nature of the ground, the stance, and, in the “heavy” feats, the implements. John O’Groat Journal , Friday 3 January 1913 Caber-Tossing and Weight-Throwing. Two feats which afford fine spectacles at our Highland Games are caber-tossing and weight-throwing. It is, however, regrettable that neither of these are hardly ever introduced in