Page:Football, The Association Game.djvu/89

 at times, of course, necessary, but there can be moderation even in this. Tricky tactics are infinitely more conducive to accident; and of late, particularly among northern players, there has been a growing tendency to stoop to trip, or to take other unfair advantages, which, even if they do not actually come within the scope of the law, should be checked with a very high hand. Football will inevitably suffer, and materially, in public favour if the standard of it is lowered, as it will undoubtedly be if those who have the control of clubs do not fearlessly uphold a spirit of manliness, and insist on the discouragement of any questionable practices with a view of getting a momentary advantage. The future of football emphatically depends on the firmness of those in authority, and even the merely reckless player should be taught that he is doing an injury to the game, and the incorrigible offender be punished without mercy.

It ought to be a cardinal sin to interfere in any way with the officials. Linesmen and referees are not infallible, and modern football is so fast that it is at times quite impossible for the most active of them to keep up with the ball throughout a hard game. The very fact of their appointment, though, ought to ensure that they are treated with respect. In many cases the referee's position, it must be admitted, is anything but an enviable one, and where local excitement runs high his is a thankless task. The general tendency of recent legislation, however, has been to arm him with increased powers to deal with rough play, and if he exercises them without fear he can minimize it to a great extent. It might appear to be unnecessary even to hint that the decision of a referee should be, under any circumstances, accepted without a question. On all matters of fact his verdict is final and subject to no appeal. A practised and capable official will give his decision promptly